Love Romance Passion

Review: These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer

Keira — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:40:18 +0000

For a truly exceptional read, Regency or otherwise, that makes you giddy with glee you need to pick up These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. It’s a delightful story about a cross-dressing female who goes from rags to riches and from unloved to abundantly loved. It’s even a guardian/ward romance! Not to mention the kidnapping sequence and the revenge plot! It’s positively action packed.

The hero is a cross between a dandy-like Corinthian, with his scented handkerchief, heeled shoes, and fan -- and -- the veriest devil of a man with fierce eyes, keen intelligence, and a merciless thirst for revenge. The heroine is a Nonpareil who can sword fight, capture princes with a flutter of eyelashes, and shock matrons with her language!

What really pleased me is the slightly different formatting. There seemed to be much more dialogue in this novel than in others also by Heyer. In addition, every chapter has a little summary-like heading telling you what you’ll find in the upcoming section. It was very nice and a source of amusement with titles such as 'Lady Fanny's Virtue is Outraged' and 'Mr. Marling Allows Himself to be Persuaded.'

One of my absolute favorite parts is a reflection of what’s going on between some side characters:

'I don’t trust him.'

'Why, I think I do for once.' Hugh laughed a little. 'When last I saw Léonie – Léon she was then – it was "Yes, Monseigneur" and "No, Monseigneur." Now it is "Monseigneur, you must do this," and "Monseigneur, I want that!" She twists him round her little finger, and, by Gad, he likes it!'

'Oh, but there’s naught of the lover in his manner, Hugh! You have heard him with her, scolding, correcting.'

'Ay, and I have heard the note in his voice of – faith, of tenderness! This wooing will be no ordinary one, methinks, but there is a bridal in the air.'

'She is twenty years behind him!'

'Do you think it signifies? I would not give Justin a bride his own age. I’d give him a babe who must be cherished and guarded. And I’ll swear he’d guard her well!'

'It must be. I do not know. She looks up to him, Davenant! She worships him!'

'Therein I see his salvation,' Hugh said.

These Old Shades, pg 274

I hardly have the words to describe how awesome that last line is and indeed this whole section. The only thing that could make this story better is more of it! I did not want it to end!

These Old Shades is a must read for Heyer fans and one I would very much recommend for new comers to try first. You will not be disappointed.

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: These Old Shades

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Regency Romance Books

4 Winners of 3 Contests

Keira — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:38 +0000

Eek! Got too busy with holidays and wasn't paying attention! So sorry everyone to keep you waiting on these goodies.

The winner of the Comparing Summer Wine Lee to Eliza Doolittle giveaway for a copy of My Unfair Lady is... # 8 Joye!

Joye: I like the Eliza Doolittle story lines because I like to read about achievements and happy endings. This book sounds good and I added it to my TBR list.

The two winners of the Writing a Series giveaway for the two sets of Judi's books (In Over Her Head and Wild Blue Under) are... #s 11 & 12 Rosie and Deidre!

Rosie: Hi Judi, We met at AAD, and wasn’t it a great weekend! A series is as good as it’s author, characters and world – think J.D. Robb! If the boundaries of a world can stretch, then the human emotions and conflicts that make up a good book can be applied to a range of characters and plots. So long as the books remains true and the characters develop then a series needn’t get stale *hugs*

Deidre: Seven is a pretty good series book count. I have lost interest in series that drag on with nothing really new happening. However, if it’s truly a favorite, I’m gonna stick with it and hope for the best.

The winner of the The Oxymoronic Genre – Erotic Urban Fantasy giveaway for an ebook copy of Teal Ceagh's Beth’s Acceptance is... #3 Susan!

Susan: A spicy erotic industrial strength urban fantasy novella?
You certainly are a pioneer! Great job, I’ve heard you’re a wonderful author. I hope to read your work in the near future. You know what always amazes me, the author incorporating those dribbles of information. That sounds “very difficult” to do successfully.

Congratulations ladies! I will contact you shortly about your winnings. If you miss the email you can reach me at reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com

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Best of November 2009

Keira — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:57:01 +0000

Sparkly vampires are about the only thing that can beat last month on the blog! Thank you everyone for all your contributions, comments, and participation! Let's take a quick overview of all that we did:

October's 11 Most Commented Posts:

Guest Bloggers:

Author Interviews:

Guest Book Reviews:

Movie Reviews:

Movie Review: New Moon starring Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner

As November is the month of thanks don't miss 8 Things about Romance That I’m Thankful For.

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Review: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Keira — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:36:13 +0000

Book three in the Twilight saga is by far my favorite of those books published. (Breaking Dawn, book 4, is coming out in August) Eclipse is simply beautiful. It’s longer than the other two books but does not contain chapter one of the next book (darnit!). In Twilight, true love was found. In New Moon, true love was lost. In Eclipse true love is a choice.

Eclipse is all about Jacob and Edward and their love for Bella. Edward hates Bella’s attachment to Jacob, but he feels he should not get between. Why? Simply put, because Edward feels he should suffer the consequences of his actions last year. That having to deal with Jacob is part of the price he has to pay for his foolish decision to leave Bella.

Victoria, the vampire out to get Bella from the last book is still at large. It is Bella who puts all the clues together and comes up with the answer. Edward and Jacob and the rest of the Cullens and Werewolves have to work together to protect her. Are the dogs and bloodsuckers really going to work together? Hmm… you could say trouble is in the air.

I have three favorite scenes in this book. The first is the night Bella goes over to the Cullens for her weekend abduction (this is part of the plan with the werewolves and the vampires) and stays with Edward alone. I won’t say exactly why I like this scene, but if you could probably guess if you have read the other books by this point. I loved it. It is hands down the best scene out of all three books. I laughed out loud quite a few times because of Bella's remarks.

The second is Bella’s quasi dream where she overhears Edward and Jacob talking in the tent. Jacob asks that Edward speak plainly since he can’t hear his thoughts like Edward can hear Jacob. They talk about Bella and Edward is so noble in this scene you just want to find him and cuddle him to death. Pun intended. Their truce ends at daylight.

And lastly I loved the ending scenes from the time Bella stops crying to the very end. They feel like one big scene, culminating once again in Edward and Bella’s meadow. It is here he’s determined to be the selfless he’s ever been. He’s been watching her and it seems she’s doing everything everybody else wants, making them happy at her own expense. So he puts his wants aside and lets Bella choose how to best make herself happy. She’s happy right where she is and the other pain will fade in time… she hopes.

The point of view changes from there to Jacob’s and as I read it I was feeling vindictive. Not a very nice thing to begrudge a fictional character, but I was glad for his pain. I still am. It’s just another sign in my opinion at Stephenie Meyer’s skill at writing her own characters. We don’t get that wrapped up in the story too often. It is very rare, last seen in Harry Potter, the story of the boy wizard. I hope you will pick up this saga and find yourself as riveted by this compelling love story as I was.

Rating: 5 Stars

Happy Readings!

P.S. What book four will be about I can not begin to guess. True love is able to heal all wounds? What do you think? Leave a comment and tell me!

Originally posted 2008-11-27 10:05:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Review: Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

Guest Blogger — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:36:12 +0000

by Anne, guest reviewer

As this book contains just about everything worth knowing, you've probably already come across it in your literary voyages. But if you haven't, be prepared for an absolute gem. From the bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger, this tale follows the highs and lows of Bette Robinson, a newcomer to New York City's party circuit all thanks to a pell-mell job in public relations.

Everyone Worth Knowing is Weisberger's second foray into the world of fiction. Despite the plot similarities shared with The Devil Wears Prada, the book hasn’t been as well received and sales have failed to match those of her first novel. This is surprising as Everyone Worth Knowing proves to be unputdownable. It is a page-turner that'll grab you hook, line, and sinker.

Bette is a single woman battling the New York dating scene, with an unbeatable weapon in her arsenal: an obsession with romance novels. Bette uses this passion for romance novels to help deal with the obstacles she's facing in her real life by escaping into a fantasy world. In this world two gorgeous and accomplished people always manage to overcome life’s struggles and challenges, as a result of their undying love for each other.

Romantic novels also provide Bette with social support in the form of an eclectic collection of women who join her for regular book club meetings. Together they form a group of avid romance readers who build close friendships through sharing titles like Who Wants to Marry a Heartthrob? and The Very Bad Boy.

One of the highlights of the book is a passage where the teenage Bette tries to justify her 'lifestyle decision' to her parents. She hits the nail on the head: romance novels contain more than their fair share of agony, ecstasy, and happy endings in a whole variety of ways, from the traditions of chivalrous courtship to the more modern dating online in the modem epoch. In this day and age it's wonderful that such books remain popular. The two-fifths of American women who are buying at least one romance novel a year can't be wrong, especially with a $1.5 billion industry behind them.

The rest of the novel is solid, with a strong character base and plenty of quirky industry figures. But the real appeal is the modern-day fairytale qualities of the story. Will Bette get her man? You'll just have to read and see...

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Buy: Everyone Worth Knowing

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Review: Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Cara Lynn — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:25:51 +0000

By: Cara Lynn, guest reviewer

I was visiting friends, and this book was sitting on the coffee table. In spare moments I picked it up to read. I had not heard of the author before, yet the book jacket intrigued me, telling that Jill Shalvis' books are well received and making the story seem interesting.

The plot revolves around two people each suffering their own hurts and in need of each other, though they don't know it. Katie Kramer was in a horrific auto accident, the only survivor of a bridge collapse, and has flashbacks nightly in her dreams. Cameron Wilder, in a moment's lack of attention because he was thinking of his girlfriend's cheating, suffers an injury that ends his career as a snowboarder.

Katie feels she must make changes in her life and begin to live life as if it were an adventure, for she knows only too well how quickly it could end. She takes a temporary job in the Sierras for an outdoor adventure business, Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. She has no intention of staying, but plans to move on to her next adventure. Cam shows up in the middle of the night, after being estranged from friends and family, suffering pain, both mental and physical, and finds her in his bed.

And so it begins.

She gets under his skin. She knows just the right way to get past his defenses, learning slowly of his accident and what makes him tick. He's never cared to explain himself to anyone before, not even his family.

Along the way, there is an assorted cast of other characters, including his brother and his aunt -- and his ex-gf. There is both humor and poignancy in the book, and very, very good (and believable) sex scenes as the two fall in love and decide where their lives will go from here.

Perhaps they offer each other both salvation and adventure that will last a lifetime.

I'm going to read another of her books.

Rating: 4 Stars

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Originally posted 2009-03-13 05:17:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Review: The Disgraceful Mr. Ravenhurst by Louise Allen

Keira — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:25:50 +0000

This was one of those books where I had to slug my way through it. I don’t know why I had to slug but I did. I started and stopped this three times and finally finished it. Woohoo. I feel very accomplished.

One of the parts about this book that bothers me is that it’s first cousin romance. I’m not sure why this had to be the case. They grew up for the most part away from each other – so could they not have been childhood friends or perfect strangers? I suppose it is historically accurate as first cousin marriages took place among royalty of the time so why not the gentry, but it was more than a bit off putting.

Elinor is a dowdy bluestocking spinster. She acts as her mother’s secretary and artist as a way to escape the endless parade of pointless ballroom attendance. On a trip in France to study religious houses Elinor runs into Theo Ravenhurst. At first she doesn’t recognize him as her cousin, but pretty quickly that is sorted out.

As the two fight attraction, Theo is on a mission to recover an artifact that he purchased from a late Duke in the area. Theo manages to get himself, Elinor, and her mother invited to the new Duke’s chateau and conducts midnight searches. A near brush with death and subsequent flight throw the two into a night of wild passion but of course everything between them is so screwed up they only hear the words the other is saying not the meaning.

Rating: 2.5 Stars

Buy: The Disgraceful Mr. Ravenhurst

Buy eHarlequin: The Disgraceful Mr. Ravenhurst

Between the Sheets with Olivia Roland, Narrator of Land of Falling Stars

Keira — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:33:39 +0000

Welcome to the second article under Between the Sheets. Here we get to focus on going beyond the printed page to learn more about the industry, the parts usually forgotten by the time the product hits the shelves. Today’s special guest is Olivia Roland, narrator of Land of Falling Stars. Please join me in welcoming her!

Q. -- How did you get started in book narration?

A.-- I started as a stage actor and learned of an opportunity recording books for the blind from a fellow actor.

Q.-- What's the audition process like for audio books?

A.-- You're asked to read segments from different genres (fiction, non-fiction) and submit a recording and will often do an audition to show your reading skills.

Q.-- Were you required to do anything special for the audition because it was an erotica novel?

A.-- No. We submitted material from a novel with a similar feel.

Q.-- What's your favorite part about narrating?

A.-- I love being able to use all the ranges of my voice, and to be able to put my training with languages and dialects and acting to great use.

Q.-- Did you feel strange narrating erotica at first?

A.-- I've recorded romance novels and historical romances for over a decade and they have many explicit sex scenes, so I was accustomed to some of the material when I began to read for Ravenous Romance.

Q.-- What other voice acting have you done?

A.-- I've recorded hundreds of commercials for radio and television, industrials and training videos. I have also recorded several PBS specials and have been nominated for two Heartland Emmy Nominations for Best Narration.

Q.-- And finally, why should people listen to audio books?

A.-- Audio books are magical to me because you get the advantage of hearing them read by an actor, but at the same time you create all the images and imagine all the people in your mind's eye all on your own.

You get the best of two worlds: an actor's voice and interpretation and your own power of creativity and imagination as you hear a writer's words. It's the best kind of escape, anywhere you choose to have it!

Thank you Olivia! It's been so good to talk with you. I couldn't agree more with why people should listen to audio books. They are definitely magical.

Photo Credits: bondiben

Originally posted 2009-03-25 05:33:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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What Does Fabio Buy with His Romance Money?

Keira — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:33:38 +0000

I know this video is slightly dated - came out back in March (2009) - but I think it's really interesting.

200 + Motorbikes! Wow! Half the time I had no idea what he was talking about. Did you? He was sure excited about them though! My biggest obsession is romance novels. I definitely have 200 of those around!

Some notable quotes:

"My agency, they always worried about me riding motorcycles. But you know what, life is too short. I love motorcycles. I love speed. It's not because the job I do that I'm going to limit my life."

"My goal is 365. There are 365 days in a year, so I'm not quite there yet."

What's your biggest obsession?

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Quick Survey

Keira — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:34:55 +0000

Google Forms is an amazing web tool. I put this form permanently on the About page of this website so if you ever want to submit for a second or third time you know where to find it. In the meanwhile if you have a moment or two please take this quick little survey and tell me how I'm doing!

Thanks everyone!