Dreams of Starduest by Lynn Kurland
I read this one awhile ago and am posting it out of order because it got lost in my messy messy desk. Trying to fit bills, papers to grade, client files, 10,000 princess pictures and books on the same desk might be a mistake. At least only books are getting misplaced. I was in the process of cleaning it all up and found this book. Might as well post it before I get on with the rest of my to do list (it is all much less fun, believe me!)
This is the story of Amanda dePiaget (daughter of Rhys and Gwen) who is very beautiful, very strong willed and very uninterested in all of the suitors that have come to compete for her hand. She is looking for someone who will love her, not just her dowery. I don't think that is too much to ask for personally.
She is in the process of running away (to avoid just such an unpleasent marriage) when she disovers an unconscious man in the middle of a field. At the same time her escape is foiled by her brothers. They take the man back to Artane to figure out who he is. He ends up in the dungeon (so untrusting these medievil guardsmen) and is subsequently rescued again by Amanda.
The mystery man is none other than Jake Kilchurn who had inadvertantly traveled back in time after an unusual encounter with ghosts. He obviously falls in love with Amanda (and she with him) but they are totally unsuited for eachother. She is the daughter of an important Lord and he is a merchant (gasp! how dreadful!) and not even a knight or anything.
Luckily he finds himself trained up by the dePiaget boys, Amanda's brothers. All he needs is money to buy himself some land and maybe a title. But all of his money is in the future - what is he to do? I am not telling, sorry, but you have to read the book. It is really very good!
Monday, January 16, 2012
No. 18: The More I See You
The More I See You by Lynn Kurland
This book is only tangentely related to the dePiaget, but Kurland's website includes it as a part of that series so I will try and follow directions and read it when I am supposed to.
This is about Richard De Galtres, who is a knight with a sad and tragic childhood, who is stuck with an unfortunatley crazy middle brother, a young and totally untrained younger brother, a reluctant squire and a keep that is in total need of rebuilding (since he tore the last one down with his bare hands) He also has some seriously medievil ideas about men and women. WHich of course is not unusual since it is like 1260 or something.
Jessica (our FMC) wishes on a star that she might find the perfect man for her, and is sent back in time! She is discovered by Richard's crazy brother Hugh, who thinks she is a fairy, and rescued by Richard who doesn't know what to think but isn't really interested in being bothered by a mere woman.
She steals his horse a number of times and finally convinces him that she isn't useless because she cannot mend his tunics or fix him dinner. But there is that nasty old fairy rumor floating around - that could be problematic.
Also, Kendrick dePiaget from Artane makes an appearance (and sets the stage for his book which for some reason I do not have but will be getting as soon as possible) and there is tragedy and allegations of witchcraft and a meeting with a fellow timetraveling lady (From yet another book I don't have! What is wrong with me!)
So clearly my book collection is sorely lacking. I will remedy that as soon as I am able. I have hearings this week so technically I should be researching Social Security regulations not time travel romance novels. But we will see if I can't make time for both. Moderation in all things right?
This book is only tangentely related to the dePiaget, but Kurland's website includes it as a part of that series so I will try and follow directions and read it when I am supposed to.
This is about Richard De Galtres, who is a knight with a sad and tragic childhood, who is stuck with an unfortunatley crazy middle brother, a young and totally untrained younger brother, a reluctant squire and a keep that is in total need of rebuilding (since he tore the last one down with his bare hands) He also has some seriously medievil ideas about men and women. WHich of course is not unusual since it is like 1260 or something.
Jessica (our FMC) wishes on a star that she might find the perfect man for her, and is sent back in time! She is discovered by Richard's crazy brother Hugh, who thinks she is a fairy, and rescued by Richard who doesn't know what to think but isn't really interested in being bothered by a mere woman.
She steals his horse a number of times and finally convinces him that she isn't useless because she cannot mend his tunics or fix him dinner. But there is that nasty old fairy rumor floating around - that could be problematic.
Also, Kendrick dePiaget from Artane makes an appearance (and sets the stage for his book which for some reason I do not have but will be getting as soon as possible) and there is tragedy and allegations of witchcraft and a meeting with a fellow timetraveling lady (From yet another book I don't have! What is wrong with me!)
So clearly my book collection is sorely lacking. I will remedy that as soon as I am able. I have hearings this week so technically I should be researching Social Security regulations not time travel romance novels. But we will see if I can't make time for both. Moderation in all things right?
No. 17: From This Moment On
From This Moment On by Lynn Kurland
How exciting that the Butcher of Berkhamshire, who featured so prominently in our last book, gets his own story in this one! Poor poor Colin, he is not handsome, also purportedly smelly (not a fan of bathing I suppose) and has quite the reputation.
He has also had a number of brides back out of their betrothal to him for any number of reasons (alledged madness, the pox, etc) but our FMC Alienore didn't even bother to come up with an excuse, she just stole her brother's knightly gear and hit the road. This was 2 years ago and now she is presumed dead. Luckily, she is not in fact dead, but rather masquarading as a knight in the service of none other than The Butcher's new betrothed bride! Ah the irony! Also, as a little added interest, Colin has sworn to kill her if he ever sees her to repay her for the insult of running rather than marrying him.
Now, my problem with this type of pretending to be a knight when you are really a girl trickery are many. Most of my issues were addressed in the story (and quite satisfactorily), but I still can't quite fully buy it. Which makes this not my favorite, but still good.
There is more Jason dePiaget of Artane (who really needs his own book) and more of the Blackmour Lord and Lady, always good to see things are going well :)
I may be nearing the end of the dePiaget related books - I need to do a little checking to make sure I am not missing anything. Then I will move on to the MacLeod books I have not yet read. I hope there are many!
How exciting that the Butcher of Berkhamshire, who featured so prominently in our last book, gets his own story in this one! Poor poor Colin, he is not handsome, also purportedly smelly (not a fan of bathing I suppose) and has quite the reputation.
He has also had a number of brides back out of their betrothal to him for any number of reasons (alledged madness, the pox, etc) but our FMC Alienore didn't even bother to come up with an excuse, she just stole her brother's knightly gear and hit the road. This was 2 years ago and now she is presumed dead. Luckily, she is not in fact dead, but rather masquarading as a knight in the service of none other than The Butcher's new betrothed bride! Ah the irony! Also, as a little added interest, Colin has sworn to kill her if he ever sees her to repay her for the insult of running rather than marrying him.
Now, my problem with this type of pretending to be a knight when you are really a girl trickery are many. Most of my issues were addressed in the story (and quite satisfactorily), but I still can't quite fully buy it. Which makes this not my favorite, but still good.
There is more Jason dePiaget of Artane (who really needs his own book) and more of the Blackmour Lord and Lady, always good to see things are going well :)
I may be nearing the end of the dePiaget related books - I need to do a little checking to make sure I am not missing anything. Then I will move on to the MacLeod books I have not yet read. I hope there are many!
No. 16: This is All I Ask
This is All I Ask by Lynn Lurland
More Lynn Kurland, but no time travel this time. We have a straight up 13th century love story with very little paranormal-ish avtivity. Berengaria makes her return (perhaps last seen at Artane as a child healer? Can't remember?)
Anyway, as it turns out, back in the not so great old days, your father (expecially if he is a cruel, abusive jerk) could marry a girl off to anyone he wants - even if that person is rumored to be a warlock, son of the devil, human sacrificer, practioner of the dark arts, etc. Gillian (our FMC) is just such an unlucky girl. First her mother dies when she is young, second her dad is a bad bad guy, third, her beloved brother is killed, and finally she is sent to marry The Dragon of Blackmour Keep! Don't you love it when people have great nicknames like that!
She is picked up by Colin "The Butcher" of Berkhamshire - another great nickname and future hero of his own story - and delivered to Blackmour to wed Lord Christopher, he of such a terrible reputation for evil doing. Interestingly, Christopher's squire is none other than Jason, the son of Robin de Piaget!
I won't ruin the story by giving away the SECRET, but, I will say that this was not one of my favorites in my Lynn Kurland read-everything-she-has-ever-written-extravaganza. Not to say it wasn't still good - because it totally was - I just didn't LOVE the MMC the way I like to. I was quite fond of the FMC, and of course I love those de Piaget boys! I need to see if Jason gets his own story or not!
More Lynn Kurland, but no time travel this time. We have a straight up 13th century love story with very little paranormal-ish avtivity. Berengaria makes her return (perhaps last seen at Artane as a child healer? Can't remember?)
Anyway, as it turns out, back in the not so great old days, your father (expecially if he is a cruel, abusive jerk) could marry a girl off to anyone he wants - even if that person is rumored to be a warlock, son of the devil, human sacrificer, practioner of the dark arts, etc. Gillian (our FMC) is just such an unlucky girl. First her mother dies when she is young, second her dad is a bad bad guy, third, her beloved brother is killed, and finally she is sent to marry The Dragon of Blackmour Keep! Don't you love it when people have great nicknames like that!
She is picked up by Colin "The Butcher" of Berkhamshire - another great nickname and future hero of his own story - and delivered to Blackmour to wed Lord Christopher, he of such a terrible reputation for evil doing. Interestingly, Christopher's squire is none other than Jason, the son of Robin de Piaget!
I won't ruin the story by giving away the SECRET, but, I will say that this was not one of my favorites in my Lynn Kurland read-everything-she-has-ever-written-extravaganza. Not to say it wasn't still good - because it totally was - I just didn't LOVE the MMC the way I like to. I was quite fond of the FMC, and of course I love those de Piaget boys! I need to see if Jason gets his own story or not!
No. 15: One Enchanted Evening
One Enchanted Evening by Lynn Kurland
The Lynn Kurland read-a-thon continues! This is the story of the youngest de Piaget (well, of Rhys and Gwen's children) Montgomery! Who you may remember as the one who thought all of his various time traveling in laws were fairys.
How exciting for him it must be now when he sees two beautiful women with wings appear right outside his keep without warning! The FMC is Pippa and she is accompanied by her semi (or completely) crazy sister Cinderella who declares herself to be the Fairy Queen.
I always find it interesting to find out what "future gear" people miss most when they are flung back in time without warning. Seems to be mostly chocolate and indoor plumbing. I would have to agree - especially with the indoor plumbing - but I think I would miss diet coke, the internet and ready access to essentially unlimited amounts of books. You know there were no romance novels in 13th century England! How would I survive? And no caffiene?!?!? Forget about it!
The Lynn Kurland read-a-thon continues! This is the story of the youngest de Piaget (well, of Rhys and Gwen's children) Montgomery! Who you may remember as the one who thought all of his various time traveling in laws were fairys.
How exciting for him it must be now when he sees two beautiful women with wings appear right outside his keep without warning! The FMC is Pippa and she is accompanied by her semi (or completely) crazy sister Cinderella who declares herself to be the Fairy Queen.
I always find it interesting to find out what "future gear" people miss most when they are flung back in time without warning. Seems to be mostly chocolate and indoor plumbing. I would have to agree - especially with the indoor plumbing - but I think I would miss diet coke, the internet and ready access to essentially unlimited amounts of books. You know there were no romance novels in 13th century England! How would I survive? And no caffiene?!?!? Forget about it!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
No. 14: When I Fall in Love
When I Fall in Love by Lynn Kurland
This is the story of Nicholas, who is the second of Rhys and Gwen's children - one they found living in the village and being beaten by his Uncle and adopted as their own. Anyway, the first two Artane books were awesome, but lacking that certain time travel element I love so much. Well, finally, Nicholas can get a little future in his life!
Jennifer goes to visit her sister who is married and living in England (have to figure out which book that is - clearly my whole read them in order plan went out the window) and is mysteriously drawn to the ruins of the castle at Wyckham. And while she is visiting there - viola! Back in time!
This one has more of the good old heartbreak - he can't marry me, I can't marry him, we love eachother - nonsense I love so well. Also, a fantastic ending involving, you guessed it, MORE time travel!
This is the story of Nicholas, who is the second of Rhys and Gwen's children - one they found living in the village and being beaten by his Uncle and adopted as their own. Anyway, the first two Artane books were awesome, but lacking that certain time travel element I love so much. Well, finally, Nicholas can get a little future in his life!
Jennifer goes to visit her sister who is married and living in England (have to figure out which book that is - clearly my whole read them in order plan went out the window) and is mysteriously drawn to the ruins of the castle at Wyckham. And while she is visiting there - viola! Back in time!
This one has more of the good old heartbreak - he can't marry me, I can't marry him, we love eachother - nonsense I love so well. Also, a fantastic ending involving, you guessed it, MORE time travel!
No. 13: If I Had You
This is the first book that involves the children of Rhys and Gwen. Robin is the oldest of their children, luckily Rhys was able to adopt him and the other children at the end of Another Chance to Dream. I hate to go into detail about the parantage of the children knowing that it might ruin something for someone who has not read the books yet.
So, parents aside, Robin fell in love with Anne of Fenweck when they were very young, but he thought he could never have her. (Sound like anyone we know - Rhys?) He has been gone fighting on the continent for years trying to prove himself to be a great knight. When he comes home to Artane he discovers that Anne is now grown and as beautiful as she is good and he loves her even more. Of course, he doesn't act like it and he yells at her quite a bit and they fight and he is sort of mean - but it is because he LOVES her - and she is mean back and SUFFERING!
And there are many murder attempts and percieved despoiling of virgins and allegations of bastards, and allegations of being a bastard, and large nuns AND large viking twins and it is all very exciting!
So, parents aside, Robin fell in love with Anne of Fenweck when they were very young, but he thought he could never have her. (Sound like anyone we know - Rhys?) He has been gone fighting on the continent for years trying to prove himself to be a great knight. When he comes home to Artane he discovers that Anne is now grown and as beautiful as she is good and he loves her even more. Of course, he doesn't act like it and he yells at her quite a bit and they fight and he is sort of mean - but it is because he LOVES her - and she is mean back and SUFFERING!
And there are many murder attempts and percieved despoiling of virgins and allegations of bastards, and allegations of being a bastard, and large nuns AND large viking twins and it is all very exciting!
No. 12: Another Chance to Dream
Another Chance to Dream by Lynn Kurland
All my plans of reading these books in some sort of order has fallen by the wayside - sort of. As it turns out I started sort of close to the end. But then, when I was picking up all the books Avery knocked on the floor, I found this one! The story of Rhys and Gwen! The first couple of Artane and perhaps the most tragic couple of all! It is so deliciously full of suffering and heartbreak! And, since I just admitted that I LOVE that sort of thing (being the bad person that I am) I couldn't wait to read it!
Oh Rhys, such a good hero! He was knighted at a young age, but since he didn't have any property he had no hope of marrying his one true love, Gwennelyn of Seagrave. Even though her father liked him WAY better than the idiot he betrothed her to. Which makes me happy I was not born in medevil England (despite the distinct and troubling lack of hunky knights available today) at least I can marry whomever I want.
Poor Gwen too, she loves Rhys, and who wouldnt, but she has to marry Alain who is gross and dumb and gross. And there is nothing they can do about it! And the heart break lasts for years! I mean years! It is amazing. But the end is all worth it, especially knowing there are quite a few books coming about theit children and other ancestors. And they are just as good, but maybe with slightly less pain and suffering. Slightly.
All my plans of reading these books in some sort of order has fallen by the wayside - sort of. As it turns out I started sort of close to the end. But then, when I was picking up all the books Avery knocked on the floor, I found this one! The story of Rhys and Gwen! The first couple of Artane and perhaps the most tragic couple of all! It is so deliciously full of suffering and heartbreak! And, since I just admitted that I LOVE that sort of thing (being the bad person that I am) I couldn't wait to read it!
Oh Rhys, such a good hero! He was knighted at a young age, but since he didn't have any property he had no hope of marrying his one true love, Gwennelyn of Seagrave. Even though her father liked him WAY better than the idiot he betrothed her to. Which makes me happy I was not born in medevil England (despite the distinct and troubling lack of hunky knights available today) at least I can marry whomever I want.
Poor Gwen too, she loves Rhys, and who wouldnt, but she has to marry Alain who is gross and dumb and gross. And there is nothing they can do about it! And the heart break lasts for years! I mean years! It is amazing. But the end is all worth it, especially knowing there are quite a few books coming about theit children and other ancestors. And they are just as good, but maybe with slightly less pain and suffering. Slightly.
No. 11: With Every Breath
With Every Breath by Lunn Kurland
Since I had just read Madelyn's story, I thought I had better read her sister Sunshine's next. And not just because it is SO awesome, but because I thought I should make some atttempt at reading these in order. (A plan I later sort of disregarded)
So, Sunny it is! She loves Scotland - as I am sure I would if I ever went there - and she has conveniently inherited a little crooked cottage and taken up the role of The MacLeod Witch. Previously held by her cottage's former occupant Moraig. Speaking of Moraig, what a great name for a witch! Perfect!
Anyway, one night, Sunny hears a knock at her door and as she steps through the doorway she goes back in time! Hooray! More time travel! Of course she falls madly in love with a handsome Laird. And of course they can never be together because of his duties and position. And of course there is danger and almost being drowned as a witch and terrible terrible heartbreak!
As I have been reading these books I started to wonder why I like my heroes and heroines to suffer so much? I mean, when there is heartbreak and they can't be together but they love each other and they SUFFER because of it, I really like it. Maybe I am a bad person, secretly, on the inside.
Since I had just read Madelyn's story, I thought I had better read her sister Sunshine's next. And not just because it is SO awesome, but because I thought I should make some atttempt at reading these in order. (A plan I later sort of disregarded)
So, Sunny it is! She loves Scotland - as I am sure I would if I ever went there - and she has conveniently inherited a little crooked cottage and taken up the role of The MacLeod Witch. Previously held by her cottage's former occupant Moraig. Speaking of Moraig, what a great name for a witch! Perfect!
Anyway, one night, Sunny hears a knock at her door and as she steps through the doorway she goes back in time! Hooray! More time travel! Of course she falls madly in love with a handsome Laird. And of course they can never be together because of his duties and position. And of course there is danger and almost being drowned as a witch and terrible terrible heartbreak!
As I have been reading these books I started to wonder why I like my heroes and heroines to suffer so much? I mean, when there is heartbreak and they can't be together but they love each other and they SUFFER because of it, I really like it. Maybe I am a bad person, secretly, on the inside.
No. 10: A Garden in the Rain
A Garden in the Rain by Lynn Kurland
So between a bunch of hearings coming up, starting my new teaching job, and all the other craziness I have been dealing with, I have not been able to keep up by begining of the year reading pace. BUT, thanks to a Saturday afternoon and evening of peace and quiet while Aaron and the girls helped Justin build a bar, I managed to get hooked on one of my all time favorite authors and now (even though I have no time) I am furiously trying to re-read everything she has ever written!
Up first, Madelyn and Patrick! In Scottland no less, complete with time travel! So you know I liked it! This one was particularly great because the bad guy was her jerky ex-fiancee and he was sufficiently nasty so that I was very glad he ended up how he ended up. Just desserts are always the best.
These really are the best books, I can't believe I have not read them in so long. The good news is I basically forgot everything that happens so they are all brand new to me! And conveniently located in my hallway bookshelf, just waiting until I have a spare minute or two to read!
So between a bunch of hearings coming up, starting my new teaching job, and all the other craziness I have been dealing with, I have not been able to keep up by begining of the year reading pace. BUT, thanks to a Saturday afternoon and evening of peace and quiet while Aaron and the girls helped Justin build a bar, I managed to get hooked on one of my all time favorite authors and now (even though I have no time) I am furiously trying to re-read everything she has ever written!
Up first, Madelyn and Patrick! In Scottland no less, complete with time travel! So you know I liked it! This one was particularly great because the bad guy was her jerky ex-fiancee and he was sufficiently nasty so that I was very glad he ended up how he ended up. Just desserts are always the best.
These really are the best books, I can't believe I have not read them in so long. The good news is I basically forgot everything that happens so they are all brand new to me! And conveniently located in my hallway bookshelf, just waiting until I have a spare minute or two to read!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Nos. 7 - 9: The Hunger Games Trillogy
The Hunger Games Trillogy - The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay
I went to the movies with Aaron for my anniversary and saw the preview for The Hunger Games movie (again) and it looked SO AWESOME that I had to re-read the series. I would love to get Aaron to read it too, but he will not. Because he is lame.
Aaron's lameness aside, these books are SO good. The first time I read Hunger Games I literally could not stop thinking about it for weeks. I am super excited about the movie, I hope it lives up to my very high expectations!
Also I am glad that this series continues to be good no matter how many times I read it, because I like to have some good (already purchased) books in my arsenal for times I kill my book budget in 1 day - Thanks Eloisa James and Suzanne Collins!
I went to the movies with Aaron for my anniversary and saw the preview for The Hunger Games movie (again) and it looked SO AWESOME that I had to re-read the series. I would love to get Aaron to read it too, but he will not. Because he is lame.
Aaron's lameness aside, these books are SO good. The first time I read Hunger Games I literally could not stop thinking about it for weeks. I am super excited about the movie, I hope it lives up to my very high expectations!
Also I am glad that this series continues to be good no matter how many times I read it, because I like to have some good (already purchased) books in my arsenal for times I kill my book budget in 1 day - Thanks Eloisa James and Suzanne Collins!
No. 6: Can You Keep a Secret
Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella
This is the second time I read this book and I loved it as much as I did the first time! I love it when that happens. It is a quick read and super funny, and not half as annoying as some of this author's other stuff - namely the Shopaholic series which I am totally over because the FMC is ridiculous and not in a good way. The FMC of this book has some similar characteristics - kind of flighty, impulsive, prone to embarassing situations, etc - but yet I don't hate her! Amazingly enough I really like her and the book!
This is the second time I read this book and I loved it as much as I did the first time! I love it when that happens. It is a quick read and super funny, and not half as annoying as some of this author's other stuff - namely the Shopaholic series which I am totally over because the FMC is ridiculous and not in a good way. The FMC of this book has some similar characteristics - kind of flighty, impulsive, prone to embarassing situations, etc - but yet I don't hate her! Amazingly enough I really like her and the book!
No. 5: Divine Misdemeanors
Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton
This is the book I was reading on my old kindle when it died a sad and tragic death. I totally blame Aaron (although he did get me both the original kindle and the replacement kindle so I should get over it)
I finally got to finish it, and I was not overly impressed - this whole stupid series was a mistake and waste of money. Stupid amazon and their dumb free books sucking idiots into reading a long and progressively terrible series.
I had to finish it though, and I am glad I did. And now I am done and I never have to read it again!
This is the book I was reading on my old kindle when it died a sad and tragic death. I totally blame Aaron (although he did get me both the original kindle and the replacement kindle so I should get over it)
I finally got to finish it, and I was not overly impressed - this whole stupid series was a mistake and waste of money. Stupid amazon and their dumb free books sucking idiots into reading a long and progressively terrible series.
I had to finish it though, and I am glad I did. And now I am done and I never have to read it again!
No. 4: A Kiss at Midnight
A Kiss of Midnight by Eloisa James
Yet another fairytale remake - this one based on Cinderella. There were quite a few similarities (maybe moreso than the others) but enough differences that you really have no idea what is going to happen until it actually does.
The FMC is the Cinderella character, she is coerced by her wicked stepmother into impersonating her step-sister on a visit with the step-sister's finacee to meet his Uncle, a prince, to get the prince's approval of the engagement before the marriage can take place.
The Prince is (of course) gorgeous and wildly attracted to the FMC despite her purported engagement to his nephew and his own engagement to a russian princess. And there is a godmother, and rats (such as they are) and glass slippers and a royal ball and everything you could want in a Cinderella story!
I should also note that I read 3 of the 4 Eloisa James books in 1 day - they are kind of addicting. Too bad I killed my monthly book budget and it is only the 4th of the month, because she has written TONS of books I am dying to read!
Yet another fairytale remake - this one based on Cinderella. There were quite a few similarities (maybe moreso than the others) but enough differences that you really have no idea what is going to happen until it actually does.
The FMC is the Cinderella character, she is coerced by her wicked stepmother into impersonating her step-sister on a visit with the step-sister's finacee to meet his Uncle, a prince, to get the prince's approval of the engagement before the marriage can take place.
The Prince is (of course) gorgeous and wildly attracted to the FMC despite her purported engagement to his nephew and his own engagement to a russian princess. And there is a godmother, and rats (such as they are) and glass slippers and a royal ball and everything you could want in a Cinderella story!
I should also note that I read 3 of the 4 Eloisa James books in 1 day - they are kind of addicting. Too bad I killed my monthly book budget and it is only the 4th of the month, because she has written TONS of books I am dying to read!
No. 3: When Beauty Tamed the Beast
When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James
Another fairytale themed book - obviously Beauty and the Beast but interestingly the Beast has a healthy dose of Dr. House thrown in rather than an actual beast, which is pretty great!
Dr. MMC is a diagnostician living on an estate turned hospital in Wales where patients come from all over the United Kingdom for medical care. He is contacted by his estranged father who informs him that he needs to marry and he has secured the perfect bride.
The bride - FMC - is disgraced because the whole ton thinks she got knocked up by a prince. She totally is not, but that is really irrelevant to the ton.
There is a lot of sarcastic bickering, interesting medical maladies, two romances, a disgusting chicken coop, an awesome ocean pool, a terrible scarlet fever outbreak and Kibbles and Bitts.
Another fairytale themed book - obviously Beauty and the Beast but interestingly the Beast has a healthy dose of Dr. House thrown in rather than an actual beast, which is pretty great!
Dr. MMC is a diagnostician living on an estate turned hospital in Wales where patients come from all over the United Kingdom for medical care. He is contacted by his estranged father who informs him that he needs to marry and he has secured the perfect bride.
The bride - FMC - is disgraced because the whole ton thinks she got knocked up by a prince. She totally is not, but that is really irrelevant to the ton.
There is a lot of sarcastic bickering, interesting medical maladies, two romances, a disgusting chicken coop, an awesome ocean pool, a terrible scarlet fever outbreak and Kibbles and Bitts.
No. 2: The Duke is Mine
The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
This is the first I read in a "series" of books that are based on or inspired by fairy tales. This one features a character from the Winning the Wallflower novela so I read it first. This one is based on a combination of The Scarlett Pimpernell (which I have not read) and The Princess and the Pea (which I have, but not for many years)
The FMC has been engaged since birth to the heir to a dukedom. Which sounds pretty awesome until you learn that the fiancee is several years younger, several inches shorter and a significant number of IQ points shy of the FMC. So not great, but she seems to have nobely resigned herself to her fate.
Turns out she has a twin sister who has recieved the same "duchification" as her sister the future duchess. So clearly the only suitable husband for her would be a duke. Turns out the duke for her is (1) super hot, (2) totally attracted to her sister, (3) not stupid, (4) tall, and (5) hot. Also as it turns out, the engaged sister FMC is also totally attracted to the hot duke. Because really, who wouldn't be.
There is some secret kissing and other stuff and a war hero and a tall stack of matresses and a daring rescue mission and lots of other good stuff.
This is the first I read in a "series" of books that are based on or inspired by fairy tales. This one features a character from the Winning the Wallflower novela so I read it first. This one is based on a combination of The Scarlett Pimpernell (which I have not read) and The Princess and the Pea (which I have, but not for many years)
The FMC has been engaged since birth to the heir to a dukedom. Which sounds pretty awesome until you learn that the fiancee is several years younger, several inches shorter and a significant number of IQ points shy of the FMC. So not great, but she seems to have nobely resigned herself to her fate.
Turns out she has a twin sister who has recieved the same "duchification" as her sister the future duchess. So clearly the only suitable husband for her would be a duke. Turns out the duke for her is (1) super hot, (2) totally attracted to her sister, (3) not stupid, (4) tall, and (5) hot. Also as it turns out, the engaged sister FMC is also totally attracted to the hot duke. Because really, who wouldn't be.
There is some secret kissing and other stuff and a war hero and a tall stack of matresses and a daring rescue mission and lots of other good stuff.
No. 1: Winning the Wallflower
Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James
I got this novella because I had like $3 left on my amazon gift card and it was $2.99. It was pretty good! I have heard good things about this author even though I don't think I have ever read anything by her before.
I have to admit that the think I like best about Eloisa (I have decided that we are on a first name basis because I am sure if we ever met we would be friends) is her excellent descriptions of her MMCs - they are all super hot and she is very skilled at conveying that to her readers. A skill I appreciate. Another thing I like is that Lucy, the FMC in this story is primarily interested in her finacee because he is super hot, at least initially.
The other good thing (or bad thing if you consider my book budget) is that this book had lengthy excerpts from 3 other books by this author. Which soundsd so good that I had to buy them, and read them. Stay tuned!
I got this novella because I had like $3 left on my amazon gift card and it was $2.99. It was pretty good! I have heard good things about this author even though I don't think I have ever read anything by her before.
I have to admit that the think I like best about Eloisa (I have decided that we are on a first name basis because I am sure if we ever met we would be friends) is her excellent descriptions of her MMCs - they are all super hot and she is very skilled at conveying that to her readers. A skill I appreciate. Another thing I like is that Lucy, the FMC in this story is primarily interested in her finacee because he is super hot, at least initially.
The other good thing (or bad thing if you consider my book budget) is that this book had lengthy excerpts from 3 other books by this author. Which soundsd so good that I had to buy them, and read them. Stay tuned!
2010: The Lost Hero
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
I figured I might as well keep going since I read the whole Percy Jackson series! I like the Heroes of Olympus series even better, I can't wait until the next one comes out. Amazon tells me it isn't until August 2012 which is a LONG TIME to wait. Rick Riordan needs to get moving!
I figured I might as well keep going since I read the whole Percy Jackson series! I like the Heroes of Olympus series even better, I can't wait until the next one comes out. Amazon tells me it isn't until August 2012 which is a LONG TIME to wait. Rick Riordan needs to get moving!
2010: Here Have a Husband
Here Have a Husband by Heather Gean
This was the first book I got on my new kindle, with my new amazon gift card (thank you Santa/Aaron) It was highly rated on Amazon, but I was kind of disappointed. The characters were interesting, but the FMC was a little too strident and I couldn't quite figure out why she hated the guy she did (rumors of alcoholism and one night of mild jerkiness that was semi prompted by her own bad attitude) and why she loved the guy she did.
Also - and this is the worst part - the ENTIRE premise of the book is that the government is now solely responsible for arranging ALL marriages and if you don't marry who they match you with you can't get legally married. And it is supposedly in the semi near future. If it was the distant future, with robots and flying cars, etc, maybe I could buy it. But right now, I find it so very unlikely that Americans would ever give control over their marriages to the government that it pretty much ruined the entire book. Also, like the government would ever take control of something so expensive! Without any chance of revenue! Forget about it.
So not that great a start to the year, but I know it will get better!
This was the first book I got on my new kindle, with my new amazon gift card (thank you Santa/Aaron) It was highly rated on Amazon, but I was kind of disappointed. The characters were interesting, but the FMC was a little too strident and I couldn't quite figure out why she hated the guy she did (rumors of alcoholism and one night of mild jerkiness that was semi prompted by her own bad attitude) and why she loved the guy she did.
Also - and this is the worst part - the ENTIRE premise of the book is that the government is now solely responsible for arranging ALL marriages and if you don't marry who they match you with you can't get legally married. And it is supposedly in the semi near future. If it was the distant future, with robots and flying cars, etc, maybe I could buy it. But right now, I find it so very unlikely that Americans would ever give control over their marriages to the government that it pretty much ruined the entire book. Also, like the government would ever take control of something so expensive! Without any chance of revenue! Forget about it.
So not that great a start to the year, but I know it will get better!
2011 Year in Review
Well, I totally failed in 2011 - I stopped blogging in July and never started up again. Lets hope I can get back in the habit in 2012! I did get a new (replacement) kindle that I have been using like crazy!
This years stats:
Total: 54
Best Month: January - 14
Worst Month: July - 2, but it is hard to say because I pretty much gave up at that point.
Most Read Author: Rick Riordan (9) and a close second Laura Ingalls Wilder (8) - so clearly 2011 was the year of YA fiction!
Fiction: 53
Non-Fiction: 1 - Finally Thin! by Kim Bensen
Unfinished Books: 1 - Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton - unfinished in 2011 because of the sad death of my beloved kindle. I was about halfway through and desperate to finish because it was terrible and I wanted to finish it to end my suffering.
This years stats:
Total: 54
Best Month: January - 14
Worst Month: July - 2, but it is hard to say because I pretty much gave up at that point.
Most Read Author: Rick Riordan (9) and a close second Laura Ingalls Wilder (8) - so clearly 2011 was the year of YA fiction!
Fiction: 53
Non-Fiction: 1 - Finally Thin! by Kim Bensen
Unfinished Books: 1 - Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton - unfinished in 2011 because of the sad death of my beloved kindle. I was about halfway through and desperate to finish because it was terrible and I wanted to finish it to end my suffering.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)