The Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville

Setting: 1818, Regency

*Book 1 in Burgundy Club series*

Summary: The Marquis of Chase is not a reputable man.

He is notorious for his wretched morals and is never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though they were more than willing to welcome him into their bedchambers. Ejected from his father’s house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure.

So what could the Marquis of Chase possibly want with Juliana Merton, a lovely, perfectly upstanding shopkeeper with a mysterious past?

A moment’s indiscretion?

A night’s passion?

Or a lifetime of love?

Even the wildest rakes have their weaknesses . . .

Click cover for more info

Review:

The main reason I bought this book was because I loved Miranda’a previous novel and though I had my doubts as to the content of the story, (the back cover wasn’t the most informative  blurb), I bought it anyway because I had some faith in her story-telling ability.

I’m glad I did. What seemed to be a typical rake/wallflower type story was so much more. It was a romance with a huge mystery element in there. The Marquis of Chase is a man who wants to be recognized by his family who unfairly accused him of a crime and then threw him out of the house. So to do that, he tries to get a hold of the Burgundy Hours, a very important manuscript and for that, he acquires the help of Juliana Merton, recent widow and bookseller. Juliana’s husband was murdered and that’s part of the mystery.

I really enjoyed the book as it was more than just a romance-in fact, if I were to categorize it, I would call it a mystery romance. Both characters had secrets of their own and part of the intrigue of the book was finding out what the were and how they would deal with it. It kept me hooked to the pages and I liked how there wasn’t a big misunderstanding plot device as sometimes that can get annoying. The two had a good reason why they couldn’t be together and I loved seeing them work past that. I also loved how all the pieces of the puzzle came together and found it very clever. It wasn’t what I expected at all!

Cain is a great hero and just an all round wonderful guy. One of my favourite parts of the book was when he bought dinner for Juliana, a mark of his thoughtfulness. I loved also how he was determined to see the two of them married and how he supported Juliana and protected her. I could really see how she would fall in love with him

On the other hand, I couldn’t really feel the same for Juliana. She was a great heroine but I didn’t really see anything particularly special about her that Cain would fall madly in love with her. The reason could have been better portrayed or spelt out. I also disagreed with how easily she fell into bed with Cain and thought it a little too fast.

Their romance was sweet and developed well though.

Miranda Neville also has a great way of adding history to a romance which is perfect cause most of the time historical romances don’t really focus on the historical background as compared to the romance and passion. Neville’s first book focused on cooking and food of that time period (and was amazing read) and this one focused on book auctioning and bibliophilia which I didn’t know was such a big thing at that time. So, a great romance and a history lesson? Me likeee!

Sensuality Level: Warm (The love scenes were not long and weren’t explicit)

Verdict: Strong mystery romance from a great writer. Every historical romance fan should pick this one up!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

A Love to Conquer All-Legend of the Seeker

A couple of years ago, while one day searching through the icons on the wonderful website known as ‘Period Drama Graphics’ in a search for a new icon for my Skype profile, I came across intriguing icons for a program called ‘Legend of the Seeker.’

The pictures featured a beautiful dark-haired woman in a flowing white dress and an equally good-looking young man that seemed to be dressed in breeches and boots. Naturally, my love of period dramas alerted me to this and I was immediately intrigued. The two had great chemistry and being a natural romantic, I had to research the show immediately to find out what it was and who these two people were.

I ended up finding out it was a fantasy adventure TV program about a young man who is chosen by prophecy to be the next ‘seeker of truth,’ and whose destiny it is to defeat the tyrant of the tyrant known as Darken Rahl. He travels with young woman (who of course becomes his love interest) and a wizard who turns out to be his grandfather.  Sounded like a great show full of magic, romance, adventure and mystery. Exactly the kind of thing I like.

I got a hold of the first episode and contrary to what people will think, I did not like it. It seemed predictable and all too cheesy. The only good thing in the episode was our hero, Richard Cyper’s amazingly sculpted abs. The rest of the episode just seemed to drag on as Richard refused to accept his destiny for two long hours until he finally did at the end. The action scenes also involved alot of slow motion scenes which I slightly cringed at to tell you the truth. After being disappointed by the episode I debated as to whether or not I should continue.

Thankfully, I had the good sense to, though I did not particularly like the next two episodes either. The episodes (which are like mini-quests the characters face on the way to their main goal) were predictable and childish. It wasn’t until the 6th episode that I became truly hooked.

Up until that point, there had been very obvious hints about the lead couple’s feelings for each other though I had been un-impressed with the show so far, I enjoyed as they had the best chemistry I had even seen in TV couples. But episode 6 revealed an interesting twist. The two were doomed to never be together and so their love became forbidden. Kahlan, Richard’s love interest had the power of confession which meant that she could touch anyone and make them become her slave. This skill served her well during the mini-quests, but then turned out to be the huge barrier between Richard and her getting together. For Kahlan had to hold in a her power which was always present, so if she wasn’t careful and she allowed herself to lose control, she would end up confessing Richard which would ruin the quest.

Now everybody loves a story of forbidden love and I was no exception. I began to devotedly watch the show as I was dying to find out how the two could ever be together. They couldn’t even kiss without it being a hazard! Even touching was a potential danger. And they had undeniable chemistry which made for a potent mix.

Being a fantasy show, there was no definite time period although the costumes and the lack of advanced weaponry seemed to place it in about the middle ages.

I loved their story and luckily for me as the show went on, it kept getting better and better. By season two, I had become addicted to the show completely and longed for a new episode every week. Richard and Kahlan developed so much as a couple that I desperately longed for them to be together. They themselves soon understood that they could not be together in a traditional sense (and have children) but nevertheless they showed undying devotion to each other, and stuck with each other through everything. Now that’s worthy of a post on my romance site don’t you think?

I also loved their story as it was so unique from other shows which seemed to focus a lot on the physical side of a relationship. Having a couple who were deprived of that and yet are still willing to stay together and be faithful to each other was… well, special. Their love went beyond flesh and seemed undying.

That’s why I decided to take the time to devote a post to what would have to be one of the best on screen couples in a long time, if ever. Here’s to you, Richard and Kahlan, and may you finally get what you long for–because no one deserves it more than you two.

Legend of the Seeker has two seasons and is currently in danger of not having a new season which is more the fault of the lack of advertisement, rather than the quality of the show. To join in the cause, go to the following website. Let’s not let the adventure end yet!

http://forums.legendoftheseeker.org/showthread.php/2496-The-Renewal-Warwagon/

or

http://forums.legendoftheseeker.org/forumdisplay.php/39-Save-Our-Seeker

Bits O’ Silk-Spotlight on Delilah Marvelle

I recently read a post about authors who are ‘below the radar’ meaning those authors that aren’t as well known in the romance world or are under-rated. This really struck a chord as there are some authors out there who deserve more recognition than they get. One author who is very wrongly under the radar is Delilah Marvelle.

Delilah Marvelle is an author who debuted her first book, Mistress of Pleasure in October 2008 as part of her School of Gallantry series.

I personally adored her novel and found it fresh, hilarious, witty and very sexy

Her second book, Lord of Pleasure was just as good, if not better.  It is such a pity then that her series had to end there.

Her publisher had decided not to publish the remaining books in her series. I say this is due to a poor lack of advertising on the part of the company as I only heard of her book when I came across it randomly. I’m glad I did. Delilah’s books are among the best romances I have ever read!

Thankfully, she now has a new publisher (who recognizes her talent) and a new series that will be released next year! Even better, it’s a back to back release meaning we will get to enjoy one book each month, three months in a row!

The books in order and release date are:

Prelude to a Scandal (Jan 2011)
Once Upon a Scandal (Feb 2011)
The Perfect Scandal (March 2011)

So far the only bit of information on them is that it is a series connected by a book known as the How To Avoid A Scandal, written by an Unknown author.

You can sign up for Delilah’s newsletter to learn more.

http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/index_005.htm

Delilah also has a great historical blog that focuses on the naughty aspect of history also known as A Bit O’ Muslin (which is the Regency slang for a prostitute), the blog is entertaining and definitely contains a side of history you’ll never learn in a classroom! Posts include topics on dildoes, condoms, and even the secret dirtiness in Shakespeare’s plays! Posts are published on the 1st of every month. If you want an education you won’t forget, click on the link below to get started

http://delilahmarvelle.blogspot.com/

Meanwhile, get a chance to check out Delilah’s first two books as I promise you won’t regret purchasing them. In contrast with her blog title, her books are real bits of  ’Silk’ that deserve a place on every romance reader’s shelf.

I’m betting once her new series comes out, Delilah Marvelle will be a name every romance reader will have heard of.

So read her first two books and keep an eye out for her new series-cause it’ll be worth it.

Seducing An Angel by Mary Balogh

Setting: Regency

Summary:

He must be wealthy, wellborn, and want her more than he wants any other woman. Those are the conditions that must be met by the man Cassandra Belmont chooses for her lover. Marriage is out of the question for the destitute widow who stands accused of murdering her husband and must now barter her beauty in order to survive. With seduction in mind, she sets her sights on Stephen Huxtable, the irresistibly attractive Earl of Merton and London’s most eligible bachelor. But Stephen’s first intriguing glimpse of the mysterious, alluring Lady Paget convinces him that he has found the ideal woman to share his bed. There is only one caveat. This relationship fueled by mutual pleasure must be on his terms.

As the two warily circle each other in a sensual dance of attack and retreat, a single night of passion alters all the rules. Cassandra, whose reputation is already in tatters, is now in danger of losing the one thing she vowed never to give. And Stephen, who wants Cassandra more than he has ever wanted any woman, won’t rest until she has surrendered everything – not as his mistress – but as his lover and wife.

Click cover to order from Amazon

Review:

This is book four of the Huxtable series.

I don’t know what it is about Mary Balogh books but they get me all the time, As soon as I bought this one (finally out in paperback after a year’s wait) I put it right at the top of my TBR list to be read immediately and for good reason.

Stephen Huxtable is the youngest of the four Huxtable siblings and throughout the first three books in the series, he was my favorite secondary character. It’s so refreshing to have a good hero for once instead of all the brooding, tortured heroes out there. Watching Stephen grow up was a pleasure and I couldn’t wait till he could get his own book. This book was the most anticipated for me. With such a charmed childhood, Stephen really hasn’t got anything to complain about and is in a word, ‘angelic’. He is handsome, outgoing, good-natured, friendly, honorable, and believes a relationship with a woman should be more than about sex.

Can we say swoon?! Oh yes we can!

Our heroine on the other hand, Cassie is the one with the problems. She’s been married for 10 long years to a brute of a husband and is now poor and sworn off all men. She decides to become a mistress so she can provide for herself and her friends who have come with her to London. When she sees the handsome and charming Stephen, she assumes he will be easy to manipulate as he has an innocence about him. So begins the seduction of an angel, which in this case, is the hero. An interesting turnabout as it’s always the angel of an heroine that the rakish hero wants to seduce.

I loved this book. I found Stephen to be wonderfully sweet and though people might find that dull, I personally found it refreshing. Don’t mistake Stephen though-He has strength in him. The journey that they both went on was touching and pulled at my heartstrings. Stephen is the perfect man for Cassandra who believes that all men are cruel and hateful. Cassandra is really not as deceiving as she appears and Stephen can see through her mask to the kind, brave, self-less woman underneath.

They made quite a pair and I loved every minute of their journey into happily ever after. It was worth the wait and in my opinion is the best of the series so far! It kept me entertained the whole time and the tension between Cassie and Stephen was very palpable.

Sensuality Level: Warm (The love scenes were not long and weren’t explicit)

Verdict: Bad girl meets good boy story written in true Balogh style. Not to be missed! This one goes on my re-read shelf!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

OMG, Where will I put all these books?

My book pile is huge.

No joke. I have piles of books stacked up in my case and it just keeps getting fuller.

Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so obsessed with reading. For one thing I would have more money to spend and for another I would have more place to put my things instead of having stuff piled on the floor for lack of shelf space.

Worse thing is, alot of the books I haven’t even read! I just keep buying them-at least one every week and other times three at once.

It’s the curse of the romance reader.

I’m sure you all share the same feeling. Buying endless books after another and then finding more to buy; I have to say, the people in the romance industry must make a lot of money off all the books they sell. Not to sound bitter or anything.

It’s those darn covers! With their tempting pictures of sexy men in breeches or classy looking women wearing gorgeous gowns or even some sexy clinch. I’m often tempted to buy a book cause of the cover alone! Darn those marketing people-They’re evil! (No I’m kidding I love your covers)

My TBR pile has got 11 books on it. Eleven. And some of them have been there since last year-as I keep buying more to read. Sometime in the future, I will show you all my massive romance collection.

I always feel obliged to buy books sometimes simply cause it’s part of a series and sometimes it’s cause it’s an author I love. Other times it’s buying new books cause of rave reviews or fresh premises. Which of course ends up being put on my to-buy list and then meaning more books to fill up my already tight bookcase.

Just recently, I committed myself to Kathryn Caskie’s 7 book Sin series as well as this year’s Sara Lindsey’s Weston family 7-book series. Once I start a series, I feel obliged to end one which now means about 12 more books to my book shelf. Sigh***

And let’s not mention my huge to buy author list which includes Mary Balogh, Anna Campbell, Tessa Dare, Celeste Bradley, Courtney Milan, Miranda Neville. And that’s only the top ones.

I’ve checked my calendar and apparently there are 5 books coming out next week on May 25th which I plan to buy. And I still have eleven I haven’t touched!

With so many books to buy, where will I end up putting them all? I’m thinking I should have a library when I get my home to keep all these books cause I can’t bear to throw any of them out. But now? Maybe clearing my wardrobe would be a good idea?

What about you guys? Do you have similar problems? And if so, how do you deal with it? I’ll love to hear from you-We can wallow in our cluttered bedrooms

Rogue in My Arms by Celeste Bradley

Setting: Regency

Summary:

Laconic Sir Colin Lambert isn’t at all worried about the prospect of fatherhood–not if it brings the lovely actress Chantal back into his life! She refused him once, but now with little Melody to tempt her, perhaps she will return to him and be his wife at last!

The only problem is, Chantal has disappeared!

Prudence Filby isn’t as lowborn as she seems, but no one would hire a lady as a stage seamstress. Now that the obnoxious Chantal has fled without paying Pru, she doesn’t even have that income and her little brother Evan is getting hungrier by the moment! When the lovesick Mr. Lambert offers to pay her to help him find Chantal–and help him mind little Melody on the journey–Pru has no choice but to take him up on it!

Colin wants to fly to Chantal’s side, but with Miss Filby and the little ones in tow, he finds his way hampered by mishap after mishap. Along the way he realizes that the woman he wants is not the one he’s chasing!

Click on cover for more info

Review:

After reading the first book in the series (Devil In My Bed), I was already anticipating reading this one months before it came out. Sir Colin was introduced as a scholar and a man who’s funny and outgoing, a direct contrast with his friend/enemy, Aidan. When I read the premise for this book, I knew it would be good. A man searching for one woman while slowly and unexpectedly falling for another? I knew it would make for some juicy awkward moments and a great payoff.

Sir Colin was a great hero, not a rogue at all! He never tried to take advantage of Prudence, our heroine and always apologized when he couldn’t stop himself from committing well, a indiscretion. Sometimes it’s great to have a good hero amidst all the tortured ones out there. It’s a nice change. There’s something to be said for a nice, honorable hero

Prudence Filby was an awesome character as well and I loved how layered she was and how Sir Colin managed to find the lady under her coarse exterior. I laughed when I watched them bicker and sighed when it seemed they couldn’t be together (even though we all know they would eventually:p). They had tension to spare! I don’t think I disliked anything in this book, except maybe for Colin taking a longer time than he should have admitting he felt something for Prudence.

The whole idea of this book which is based around a three year girl is highly original and makes for some entertaining, true to life scenes Little Melody is still as adorable as ever, and plays another role in bringing Colin and Prudence together. Be sure to pick this one up as you won’t be disappointed.

Sensuality Level: HOT

Verdict-Hilarious, touching, sexy, romantic-This book had it all! There was even a touch of mystery in it as well. BUY IT, JUST BUY IT

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars