Tag: romance

Mistletoe & Holly, by Janet Dailey

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Cover ImageFinished 11-24-08, rating 2.5/5, romance, pub. 1982

“It isn’t that I don’t like Christmas,” she tried to qualify her aversion to the season.  “It’s all the fuss that goes along with it.  It’s the decorations and the gift-giving and all the meaningless things that go along with them.  Too many people are making too much money off a day that’s supposed to be a religious holiday.  I guess I believe the meaning of Christmas has become lost under the fancy foil wrappings and bright ribbons.”            -Chapter 4

Leslie has a broken leg, a dislike for the Christmas season, and an aunt who will take her into her Vermont home while Leslie heals.  Her aunt Patsy’s new neighbors are a handsome man and his daughter who draw Leslie into the holiday spirit even as she tries to fight off the jolly pair.  Taggert and Holly include Leslie in their family and hope that she will want to stick around permanently.

I remember reading Janet Dailey in junior high and high school.  She wrote a romance for each of the states and I tried to collect them all.  I picked this up at a used book sale for 25 cents thinking I’d take a trip down memory lane.  I guess, as with many things I read when I was in junior high, it didn’t really hold up all that well.  I thought the writing was pretty bad at the beginning, but once I was drawn into the sweet story I didn’t think it was distractingly bad.  The story was charming, but as with most short romances it wasn’t a fulfilling read.

A Dangerous Love, by Brenda Joyce

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Cover ImageFinished 11-14-08, rating 4/5, romance, pub. 2008

A book in the De Warenne Dynasty.  Cliff’s daughter from A Lady at Last is the heroine.

“God willed the Rom to be Travellers.  Yet in all of history, the Roma have never been able to travel freely.  You should be able to travel freely.”

“There have always been laws against us.” Stevan said resignedly.  “If you insist on leaving with us, so be it.  You are always welcome.”    – Chapter 15

It’s 1820 England and 24 year old Ariella De Warenne is living life on her own terms.  Her loving father, Cliff, is not placing any expectations on her, knowing that when she falls in love he will support her.  Viscount Emilian St. Xavier is a man with loyalties to two worlds.  He was born to a gypsy mother, but raised by his English father from the age of ten.  When Emilian and Ariella meet he is thirsting for revenge and she falls in love.

The story explores the truly ugly nature of prejudice and intolerance.  Emilian feels unworthy because he has always been treated a half-blood and his struggle to find balance was moving.  Ariella’s love for him and her desire to right the world’s ills make her a beautiful heroine.  Emilian and Ariella find they have much incommon and are very much a perfect match, but Emilian has many demons he must slay before peace can be found.

This was a very romantic story full of love and lust, but it also had something to say and was able to do it without being too in your face about it.  My only small complaint was that the DeWarenne men are an eclectic bunch, but they seemed a bit too good to be true in this book.  I am very much looking forward to the rest of their stories.

If you like historical romances there is no one better than Brenda Joyce.

Free books at Writerspace

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I’ve mentioned writerspace.com before as a great site for romance lovers.  Every month the authors give away prizes to readers who stop by and enter, much like we do at other book blogs.  This is a list of the participating authors and what they are giving away this month.  If you see something that interests you hop on over to http://www.writerspace.com/contests/ and enter.  If you see a few favorite authors you should bookmark it and stop by every month for new prizes.  Good luck!

  • Catherine Anderson – an autographed book by Catherine Anderson
  • Stella Cameron – an autographed paperback edition of A MARKED MAN
  • Christina Dodd– a signed copy of both SCENT OF DARKNESS and TOUCH OF DARKNESS (1 winner)
  • Brenda Joyce – a Masters Of Time Gift Package, which includes a signed copy of DARK SEDUCTION and DARK RIVAL, a DARK EMBRACE mouse pad, a DARK EMBRACE computer cloth and a DARK RIVAL Flashlight (3 winners)
  • Jayne Ann Krentz – an autographed copy of ZINNIA, writing as Jayne Castle
  • Elizabeth Lowell – an autographed hardcover edition of RUNNING SCARED to one winner and THIS TIME LOVE to another winner (2 winners)
  • Susan Elizabeth Phillips– an autographed paperback editon of NATURAL BORN CHARMERand an autogrpahed trade paperback edition of IT HAD TO BE YOU (1 winner)
  • Leanne Banks – a Leanne Banks FOOTLOOSE Book Bag with a few extra goodies added in!
  • Jill Barnett– a $25 gift certificate to BN.com
  • Anya Bast – a copy of her e-book, STRANDS OF SUNLIGHT
  • Berkley~Signet Mystery Authors – a selection of previously released books (1 winner)
  • The Best Reviews– winners choice of a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com or BN.com
  • Sandy Blair – a hardbound, autographed copy of A THIEF IN A KILT
  • Barbara Bretton– a signed copy of both JUST DESSERTS and JUST LIKE HEAVEN, plus a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com (1 winner)
  • Robyn Carr – a signed Advanced Reading Copy of A VIRGIN RIVER CHRISTMAS <!–
  • Kristina Cook – a signed copy of Sandy Blair‘s A ROGUE IN A KILT, along with a signed TO LOVE A SCOUNDREL cover flat (1 winner) –>
  • Claudia Dain – an autographed copy of PRIVATE PLACES, containing Claudia’s novella, A Night at the Theater
  • Thea Devine – a signed copy of her novella, The Guy Diet in WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION…, plus a goody basket(1 winner)
  • Marie Ferrarella – a signed copy of THE BACHELOR (2 winners)
  • Elizabeth Grayson– choice of one of Elizabeth Grayson’s historicals or Karyn Witmer’s A SIMPLE GIFT <!–
  • Amelia Grey – an autographed copy of one of her backlist titles –>
  • Elizabeth Guest – a signed copy of NIGHT LIFE and a signed copy of NO ORDINARY MAN, written as Suzanne Simmons (1 winner)
  • Lisa Hendrix – a signed Advanced Reading Copy of IMMORTAL WARRIOR
  • Metsy Hingle – an autographed copy of both BLACK SILK” and WHAT THE MILLIONAIRE WANTS…and the winner’s choice of any book from her backlist (1 winner)
  • Emma Holly– a Levenger ballpoint pen and a signed copy of STRANGE ATTRACTIONS (1 winner)
  • Jillian Hunter – a signed copy of THE SINFUL NIGHTS OF A NOBLEMAN
  • Madeline Hunter– winners choice of ONE of the Rothwell series books; THE RULES OF SEDUCTION, LESSONS OF DESIRE, or SECRETS OF SURRENDER (2 winners)
  • Nicole Jordan– a choice of a book from a selection of Nicole’s available backlist: TO PLEASURE A LADY, TO BED A BEAUTY, TO SEDUCE A BRIDE, FEVER DREAMS, WICKED FANTASY, LORD OF SEDUCTION, MASTER OF TEMPTATION, THE SEDUCTION, THE PASSION, DESIRE, ECSTASY, THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE, THE LOVER THE WARRIOR or TOUCH ME WITH FIRE
  • Shirley Jump – ONE of these Melissa Jamesbacklist titles: LONG-LOST FATHER, OUTBACK BABY MIRACLE, HER OUTBACK KNIGHT or A MOTHER IN A MILLION (4 winners)
  • Angela Knight – a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate
  • Cathie Linz – a signed copy of BAD GIRLS DON’T
  • Sarah McCarty– a $15 online gift Certificate to Amazon.com
  • Cheyenne McCray – an autographed copy of SHADOW MAGIC
  • Lucy Monroe – a signed copy of HIRED: THE SHEIKH’S SECRETARY MISTRESS and some miscellaneous goodies (bath items, romantic stationary, etc.) (1 winner)
  • NAL/Signet/Onyx Authors– a selection of previously released NAL/Signet/Onyx books (1 winner)
  • Joy Nash – an autographed copy of IMMORTALS: THE CROSSING and 50 other chances to win a copy of IMMORTALS: THE CROSSING. The contest starts on August 12th and ends on September 30th.
  • Mary Paine – a paperback edition of A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES by Diana Gabaldon
  • Diana Palmer -an autographed hardcover edition of FEARLESS
  • Caridad Piñeiro – a CALLING T-shirt and an autographed copy of an earlier release (1 winner)
  • Francis Ray – a signed copy of THE WAY YOU LOVE ME
  • Karen Robards – an autographed paperback edition of BAIT
  • Eden Robins – an autographed trade paperback edition of AFTER SUNDOWN: REDEMPTION
  • Running With Quills – an autographed book from each of the Quills authors (1 winner)
  • Susan Sizemore – a signed copy of I THIRST FOR YOU
  • Christina Skye – a Foxfire t-shirt with Izzy’s signature (3 winners)
  • Bertrice Small – a Basket of Cookies and Nibblers from Mrs.Fields
  • Annie Solomon – a signed copy of LIKE A KIFE or DEAD RINGER (winner’s choice)
  • Susan Squires – a signed copy of ONE WITH THE DARKNESS and Godiva chocolate (1 winner)
  • Roxanne St. Claire – a signed copy of KILL ME TWICE
  • Mariah Stewart – a signed copy of DEAD END
  • Susan Wiggs– a free Booklovers’ Bag of goodies, a “Laugh Cry Dream Read” totebag filled with wonderful things to eat, read and pamper yourself with (1 winner)
  • Sherryl Woods– a $25 Starbucks giftcard

When A Man Loves A Woman, by La Connie Taylor-Jones

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Cover ImageFinished 8-17-08, rating 3/5, romance, pub. 2008

Let me start by saying that I was sent this book to review for this blog.  I was curious to read it since I like romances.  This is most definitely a romance, but it was more than that.  Long after the romance had sorted itself out there was a mystery to be solved.

A.J. loved Vic and wanted nothing more that to spend the rest of his life married to her.  Vic was not willing to let her heart get broken again and resisted the urge to find love in his arms.  Their large families wanted them together as did A.J.’s twin daughters and A.J. was willing to use them to help his cause.  A car accident forced them into close quarters and into the middle of a police investigation.

This book has a lot to offer – A.J. is as close to perfect as a hero can get, Vic was a ‘hot’ size 14, there is a large cast of characters, and there is no shortage of action.  It was also wonderfully written.  That being said, some of these things were also a detriment.  I don’t trust a perfect man. Even in romance there should be no such thing.  And the extra storyline stemming from the car crash was a little too convenient and somewhat unbelievable. 

This was the second book written about the Baptiste family and I would recommend starting with the first one, When I’m With You.  Taylor-Jones plans to continue writing about this large family and another Baptiste brother in her next novel.  She is a talented author who received writing awards for her first book.  I don’t think that you will be bored or disappointed with this book.

Hey, I won!

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I visit www.writerspace.com regularly.  It’s a place where you can access the biggest names in romance.  The participating authors have monthly contests and the site itself has a web ‘party’ a few times a year where you can chat with your favorites.  On Sunday they had a Beach Party and by signing up once I was entered to win from hundreds of prizes.  I won a book by Maryrose Wood.  http://writerspace.com/beach/winners.html 

If you are a fan of romance or romantic suspense I hope you’ll check out the site.    This is the third book I’ve won here in the last 3 or 4 years.  Happy Reading!

Bittersweet Rain, by Sandra Brown

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Cover ImageFinished 7-13-08, rating 3/5, romance, pub. 1984

Caroline grew up as the daughter of the town drunk.  She was the poor girl who would never amount to anything.  Rink was the significantly older, rich son of the town patriarch.  He met Caroline when she was only 15 and fell in love.  They hid their relationship until one day Rink decided to tell his father, regardless of the consequences.

Fast forward 12 years and you’ll find Caroline married to Roscoe, Rink’s dad.  Roscoe is dying and Rink is forced to come home.  Rink and Caroline are forced together by the circumstances, but find their attraction has the same powerful pull it had before. 

As silly as this may sound, and I thought it sounded silly too, it was an enjoyable romance.  There were a few things that I thought would be hard to get over, a college graduate in love with a 15 year old and a woman marrying an old man for the comforts he could provide, but somehow it worked.  It was a good romance and I would recommend it.  Sandra Brown knows how to tell a good story.

Magic, by Tami Hoag

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Cover ImageFinished 5-26-08, rating 2.5/5, romance, pub. 1990

Rachel has come home for the first time in five years to take of her mother, Addie, who is sick with Alzheimer’s disease.  She finds that Bryan is already living in the house, looking for ghosts.  Sparks fly and within 12 hours they are in love.  Although the focus is the love story, the relationship between Rachel and Addie is the most interesting.  There is a mystery thrown in, but not one that really mattered. 

 I started reading this a few months ago and completely lost interest, but for whatever reason decided I would finish it.  This book is sickeningly sweet, and not in a good way.  It seemed to repeat the same thoughts and feelings without much new to add.  I really enjoy Tami Hoag’s mysteries, but this is the first and maybe last of her romances I will read (unless of course I have another one hiding in that huge stack of books in my kitchen).

An Angel For Emily, by Jude Deveraux

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An Angel for EmilyFinished 5-17-08, rating 3/5, romance, pub.1998

“I’m your guardian angel and we have been together for a thousand years.”            Chapter 1

Emily is engaged to a popular newscaster in the city and she runs the local library in the small town of Greenbriar.  On a night when Emily was the center of attention and being awarded Librarian of the Year, her fiance, Donald, stands her up.  Upset, Emily hits a man with her car on a dark road and is faced with a man who called himself her guardian angel.

Michael, her personal angel, has been sent down to earth to help Emily, but he doesn’t know what he’s supposed to do.  Emily can’t believe he’s an angel, especially considering that he’s on the FBI Most Wanted list.  The two reach an understanding and some very unangelic feelings arise.

To enjoy this fun romp you must be totally willing to suspend disbelief and common sense beginning on page one.  With that said, it was fun.  The way of this spiritual world has its heart in the Hindu tradition of reincarnation, although I’m pretty sure Hinduism doesn’t believe in ‘relations’ between angels and humans.

The Third Heiress, by Brenda Joyce

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Cover ImageFinished 4-12-08, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 1999

 Jill is a lonely woman who meets the man of her dreams and he asks her to marry him.  Ecstatic, Jill is unprepared for him to have second thoughts and the worst happens.  Hal dies because of Jill.  Jill flies his body back to London to his super wealthy  family and is greeted with disdain.

So, begins the mystery of what Hal had meant with his last words whispered to Jill.  She is obsessed with finding the truth and finds an ally in Hal’s cousin, Alex.  She packs up her life in New York to move to London to uncover secrets Hal’s family would rather leave buried.  Alex is the hero or the villain and Hal turns out to be no prince charming.  The pages turned fast because I wanted to know what was what.

I love Brenda Joyce, which should be evident by now since this is her third book I’ve read this year.  To me this felt like a departure for her and not her best work.  It was a bit disjointed, but with that being said I really did enjoy it.  The mystery will keep you reading even if you think you’ve got it figured out because there are so many little questions you need answered.  This is more mystery than romance, but if you are open to that I think you’ll like it.

The Fires of Paradise, by Brenda Joyce

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Cover ImageFinished 3-12-08, rating 4/5, romance, pub. 1992

 This is the best historical romance I have read in years.  There is the beautiful woman born into privilege and there is the hardened escaped convict watching his back.   The two are thrown together at random, but stay in each others orbit through circumstance and lust.  Lucy is a proud woman who is used to getting what she wants and Shoz is a proud man used to getting what he wants.  What they both want is each other. 

Shoz goes to work for Lucy’s grandfather until he is shot in the back.  He is then thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit and he takes Lucy as a hostage to escape.  They travel from Texas to Death Valley, where Lucy meets his son and is forced to work for a woman who despises her.  Eventually Lucy and Shoz marry, but they are forced apart by her family after they are discovered.  There is more adventure in a Cuba on the brink of rebellion and in New York, where Lucy’s reputation is ruined.

While I’ve always known I like my romantic heroes manly and flawed, the first chapter in the book goes further than even I was comfortable with in introducing us to the hero, Shoz.  I wasn’t sure that he could be redeemed.  This is also not a book for the politically correct.  When reading I was jarred by the use of the word rape and had to keep reminding myself it meant to ravish or plunder.

If you  are a fan of historical romances then this book if for you.  It is also a part of the Bragg saga if you are familiar with Brenda Joyce.  I’m looking forward to reading more from the series.