Almost a Scandal by Elizabeth Essex

 

Title:         Almost a Scandal SubTitle:     The Reckless Brides Publisher:     St. Martin's Press Imprint:     St. Martin's Paperbacks Pub Date:     July 31, 2012 ISBN:         9781250003799 Author:     Essex, Elizabeth Bold, brazen, and beautiful, the Reckless Brides refuse to play by society’s rules of courtship. But—come hell or high water—they always get their man… For generations, the Kents have served proudly with the British Royal Navy. So when her younger brother refuses to report for duty, Sally Kent slips into a uniform and takes his place—at least until he comes to his senses. Boldly climbing aboard the Audacious, Sally is as able-bodied as any sailor there. But one man is making her feel tantalizingly aware of the full-bodied woman beneath her navy blues… Dedicated to his ship, sworn to his duty—and distractingly gorgeous—Lieutenant David Colyear sees through Sally’s charade, and he’s furious. But he must admit she’s the best midshipman on board—and a woman who tempts him like no other. With his own secrets to hide and his career at stake, Col agrees to keep her on. But can the passion they hide survive the perils of a battle at sea? Soon, their love and devotion will be put to the test…

This is like the western version of Mulan. The story is a little predicted, but nonetheless Elizabeth Essex's writing has captured my attention from page one up to the last page. Sally is bold, intelligent and strong. Being a girl, she's definitely not in any disadvantage situation as compared to other midshipmen. In fact, she's much better than others. I admire her refused-to-give-up spirit and dare to speak up when seeing things not right. Even her own feelings towards Colyear, she did not try to hide it when the opportunities arrived. She grabbed it without any regret, despite their future was unknown. She's amazing, really amazing. As for Colyear, I feel that he's a little overshadowed by Sally. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Colyear is not great. Just the story is more focus on Sally. I think besides her family, only Colyear knows how to handle Sally, whether as his subordinate or as his partner. It's interesting to read how Sally keep on challenging Colyear instead of accepting the order without any question.

The author sets a very good pace on Sally's life at the sea. The author also has her own way on describing the different scenes in the story, be it the chores at the ship, being bullied, or even when facing with the enermies. I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.



Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

 

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

This is the 3rd and last book of The Hunger Games series. This is my very first YA series on Dystopian. And honestly, the whole series makes me think a lot.

After the cliffhanger ending of Catching Fire, Mockingjay picked up from there. The whole story is depressing. It makes me wonder, what Katniss has done to make her deserve such torture, to go through all these? In Mockingjay, not only things out of her control, it was out of Peeta's control as well. I feel sad knowing what Peeta had to go through. I feel even sad knowing there's nothing that Katniss could do to improve Peeta's situation. To me, it's a war that should not involve Katniss and the rest. Unfortunately, some of her actions in the Hunger Games indirectly making herself get involved with no option to say no.

The more I read Mockingjay, the more I feel the world has become so cruel. Towards the end when I read about what happened to Katniss's sister Primrose, my first thought is - if this is what will happen to Prim at the end, then it's become worthless for Katniss to sacrifice herself volunteered for the Hunger Games replacing Primrose at the first place. Anyway, the ending is not that bad after all. Other than the story is depressing, the writing style is good. The emotional roller coaster that Katniss had gone through are so vivid and helpless. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

From Goodreads: - Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met... Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

I never expect reading this book can be such fun and entertaining. Tristan needed a wife. He had a long list of criteria to become his wife, but love is not one of them. With his status and look, it's definitely not an issue for him to get a wife. But to get a wife that matched all his criteria, that's another story. Tristan decided to hire Tessa, the match maker to get him a wife. Tessa believed there should be love for a man and a woman to get married. She's determined to find a woman that Tristan would love for him.

Tessa is a very likeable character. She's strong will, independent and intelligent. She definitely knows how to handle Tristan with his strict criteria to be his wife. It's fun to see how they bantered with each other. Obviously they were attracted to each other but being a match maker, Tessa knows very well that her role is to find the duke a wife and not to fall for him. Tristan's an honorable and responsible man. He has to be fair to all his bridal candidates and hooking up with the match maker is definitely a no-no. But how long can they hold back the strong chemistry between them? Can Tristan keep himself away from her?

The ending is good. A very romantic proposal from someone who claimed did not believe in love. Wish I was the one being proposed to. :) The story also has a very good pace. If you are looking for something light and fun, then this book is for you.I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.