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.

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.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title:         Grave Mercy SubTitle:   His Fair Assassin, Book 1 Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Imprint:     Houghton Mifflin Pub Date:  April 03, 2012 ISBN:        9780547628349 Author:     Robin LaFevers Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

I like the book cover very much! It's the book cover that attracts me at the first place. The story is very interesting. It's a historical fiction, with some elements of the romance in it. The story may look a little dark with those training and killings being an assassin, but nothing brutal. I'm intrigued with those assassin trainings from the convent. Even though the trainings and the rules in convent was very strict, but it did not stop Ismae from making good friends with few other girls there. And instead just blindly follow the order from the convent, I'm glad that Ismae at the end actually give some time to ponder and do her own analysis before carrying out her duty as handmaiden. And her honesty and courage telling the abbess about her mind. It's like you can just see how she has grow by carrying out the order from the convent. It's just a little less convincing that how naive she is when comes to between man and woman, despite those seduction lessons at the convent as part of her training. Duval is another like-able character. I like the way he protects his sister. And Anne, being strong despite her young age.

In summary, Grave Mercy is a good read. Although I feel that the introduction is a little lengthy and slow. But nonetheless I enjoy reading it very much, especially the part Ismae works as the spy in the court. I'm looking forward for the next book in the series next Spring.

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.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

Title:         By the Light of the Silvery Moon Publisher:  Barbour Publishing, Inc. Pub Date:  March 01, 2012 ISBN:       9781616265519 Author:     Tricia Goyer Destiny Brought Them Together. Will Tragedy Draw Them Apart? Amelia Gladstone’s mind is filled with promise as she gazes at the marvelous new ship, ready for its maiden voyage. The Titanic holds the promise of a reunited family. . .and of possible love waiting on American shores. Nothing could mar Amelia’s joy, until she sees a ragged stowaway being escorted down the gangplank. Down-and-out after squandering his fortune, Quentin Walpole thought his voyage to America ended on the Southampton pier. Then a sweet lady—his angel of mercy named Amelia—secured his passage with a spare ticket. Now he’s headed to America, eager for a second chance. But once the voyage begins, the past confronts Quentin when he discovers that his wealthy railroad tycoon father and older brother Damien are also on board. As Amelia tries to bring about reconciliation between father and son, she suddenly finds herself the center of both brothers’ attention with a choice to make: Who can she trust with her heart? Then the fateful night arrives, and one brother faces a greater choice. Will Amelia’s fate ultimately be one of love or loss?

It's a novel about Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage. It's a story about Quentin and Amelia.  

Amelia was a very kind lady and liked to help those in need. Her kindness brought Quentin to the ship and a chance for her to get to know him better. Quentin knew he should run away, but he could not help being attracted to Amelia. At the same time, Quentin's brother Damien also had set his heart on Amelia.

I like Amelia this character a lot. I like the way she treated Quentin, how she managed to open his heart to face his past. I also like the way she saw in people - not by judging their look and appearance, but by their heart. Even though Quentin had nothing to offer her, but a kind heart was all she wants. It's a very touching story. I was hooked to it right from the beginning. The author just has her way of making me want to keep turning the pages to find out who Amelia would give her heart to. I love the ending. It's a perfect ending.

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.

The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin

Title:         The Dragon and the Pearl Publisher:  Harlequin Imprint:     Harlequin Historical Pub Date:  September 20, 2011 ISBN:       9780373296620 Author:     Jeannie Lin THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL... Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away.... Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend....

This is my first historical romance that take place in China during 8th century. The story is very interesting. It is beautifully written with details description of the settings, places, people and even their emotion. It's mostly about the romance between Ling Suyin and Li Tao with minimum actions. It gives a good insight of the position and role of the women during that time. Ling suyin was a very smart and strong lady. She definitely knows how to survive and on her best not allowing others to take advantage on her. She's not only save herself, but she was saying other people's life too. And trying to turn around the situation to make it in favor to her. It's very interesting to see how Li Tao interacts with her. They were attracted to each other and yet they were fear of the relationship, as they were aware of their own destiny and they have no future to be together. I like the little suspense element blended in the story which make the whole thing even more interesting. I like the ending. It's a very good ending.

I enjoy reading it very much and 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.

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Title:         Seduced by Her Highland Warrior
SubTitle:   The MacKinloch Clan Highlan
Publisher:  Harlequin
Imprint:     Harlequin Historical
Pub Date:  07/26/2011
ISBN:       9780373296545
Author:      Michelle Willingham

Book Description:

The MacKinloch Clan Highland warriors prepared to fight fiercely for their country...and for love

BACK IN HER HUSBAND’S BED

Alex MacKinloch is chief of his clan and, in these dark times of unrest, he has united his people. The void between him and his wife is proving a much harder challenge. When Alex discovers Laren has been keeping secrets from him, his thinly veiled frustration can no longer be contained.

The pleasures of the marital bed seem long forgotten to Laren. Yet her warrior husband is looking at her with increasingly hungry eyes... This powerful highlander has seduction on his mind and his wife in his sights!


My Review:

This is a story about a marriage couple who want to save their marriage that has fallen apart. Alex and Laren used to be a loving couple. Despite Alex is a son of the chief while Laren's poor family background, Alex has chosen Laren as his wife for his love for her is so strong. However since their son died 3 years ago, they have not been talking to each other much and started to drift apart. They spent their own time to put away the pain instead of giving support to each other. However deep inside they still love each other very much.

Both Alex and Laren are aware that their marriage has fallen apart. And I'm glad that Alex has started the move try to improve the situation. While it is a bit frustrating to read that they are not talking, and always assume they are doing the best for the other, but isn't this is the common mistake that we are making nowadays? Despite the scene is historical, but this is a realistic fiction story. Proud husband that does not wish the wife to see his pain; timid wife who does not wish to add burden to the husband who has so much to handle; these are common things that can happen to any of the family. Why is it so difficult to talk? Why make a couple can't be honest to each other?

While they are trying hard to save their marriage, being a chief Alex also has to take care of his people from the treat of the English soldiers. They were attacked not long ago and now they are trying to rebuild the keep to keep them safe. Alex is wise and far sighted except to his own wife. He's a good father too. And no doubt Laren is a great mom. She will do anything, without being timid or shy, in order to save her child.   

Seduced by Her Highland Warrior is a story about trust, honesty and be supportive. I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the 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.

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

 

Title:          The Restorer
SubTitle:     Book I in The Graveyard Queen series
Publisher:    Harlequin
Imprint:      MIRA Books
Pub Date:   04/26/2011
ISBN:        9780778329817
Author:      Amanda Stevens

When Amelia Gray was 9 years old, she saw ghost for the first time. Since then, her father who is a cemetery caretaker tells her the 4 rules that she must remember and follow:

Never acknowledge the dead.
Never stray from the hallowed ground.
Never get close to the haunted.
Never, ever tempt fate.

Now at the age of 27, Amelia Gray is a graveyard restorer. Her latest job is to restore an old Charleston graveyard. However before she can complete her job, a body has been found at the graveyard and she is requested to assist in the investigation together with John Devlin, the police detective who in charge of this case.

Amelia is attracted to John Devlin but Devlin is haunted by ghosts due to his guilt that he holds for his past. Amelia has vowed to keep away from this haunted man but she breaks the rules again and again, making herself more and more dangerous. At the same time, more bodies are found and the killer started to leave the hints at Amelia's blog. The clues to the killer and to his other victims; lie in the headstone symbolism that only she can interpret.

The Restorer is the Book 1 of The Graveyard Queen Series. The story is thrilling and chilling too. It is fast paced, full of mystery and suspense, very well plotted with lots of twist and surprises. At the same time the feelings between Amelia and Devlin, how she struggles to keep away from him, are presented very well. The characterizations are quite vivid; some parts can be quite creepy so if you are the nervous type maybe it'll be better if you don't read it at night. 

I enjoy reading it very much. And I'm looking forward for her next book in this series. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Here is the The Graveyard Queen series book trailer:



The Graveyard Queen Series:
Prequel: The Abandoned (April 2011)
Book I: The Restorer (May 2011)
Book II: The Kingdom (November 2011)
Book III: The Prophet (May 2012)

Click here for more info about this series.


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

Across the Nightingale Floor (from Tales of the Otori series) by Lian Hearn

Across the Nightingale Floor is the first of the Tales of the Otori trilogy. It covers a period of just over a year, when Otori Takeo was sixteen years old, and Kaede was fifteen years old. 

It covers how Takeo was rescued by Lord Shigeru and being adopted by him later. One day, Lord Shigeru's friend, Muto Kenji visited them and revealed that Takeo's father was of The Tribe, a group of families with special powers. And Takeo had inherited lots of talents from his father, which made the Tribe wanted to claim back Takeo. In order to adopt Takeo, Lord Shigeru was forced to marry Shirakawa Kaede. But Lord Shigeru also had another plan. The wedding was going take place in Inuyama, home of Lord Iida. Lord Iida had killed Shigeru's father and brother. The wedding gave Shigeru a reason to get near Lord Iida for his revenge. Takeo supposed to kill Lord Iida before the wedding, but Kenji betrayed Shigeru and brought Takeo back to the Tribe. And his action cause Shigeru being crucified. On the same night, Kaede killed Lord Iida when he attempted to rape her. Lord Arai took the opportunity to take over all land from Lord Iida. 

The story is told primarily in first-person narrative by Otori Takeo. At first, I thought I will get bored very quickly but on the contrary, the more I read the more I get fascinated. The characters are well developed and the story was alternate between Takeo and Kaede. Both of them have sad story but they did not give up getting what they want.

Japanese historical story always made me feel very bitter. In those days, there was not much thing where you can decide what to do. You can hardly choose your bride or groom. Lots of arrange marriages due to political reason. There were no laws, the Lords are the law. I actually long to have Takeo's super power:

Acute hearing - so that I can hear what my kids are doing when they are out of my sight (Takeo could draw the layout of the house, based on hearing what's happening at that house, and he could calculate how many people and animals in that house).

Split into multiple self - to attend both kids at the same time.

Invisible - to hide myself so I can get some rest when both kids want my attention non-stop. LOL!

I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.


Some fact about Tales of the Otori -
Tales of the Otori is a series of historical fantasy novels about a young warrior Otori Takeo, set in a fictional world based on feudal Japan. The whole series has 5 books -

The trilogy: Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, and Brilliance of the Moon,
Sequel: The Harsh Cry of the Heron,
Prequel: Heaven's Net is Wide.

The whole series cover the whole life of Otori Takeo - from a village boy become a warrior, to avenge his adoptive father, to fight for his land and inheritance, at the same time escape from The Tribe who want to claim him, and marry the woman that he loves, Shirakawa Kaede, another main character in this series.