Book Review - Fatal Affair by Marie Force

Marie Force is a new author to me.  After reading Fatal Affair I am certain that I will be reading more of Ms. Force's impressive catalogue.  As anyone who knows me will attest to - I am a huge Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb fan.  It was a blog post about what happens AFTER the HEA that turned me on to the Fatal series.  The post - which can be found here, if you are interested - referenced Eve and Roarke from Robb's 'In Death' series.  My attention was snagged and I read the entire post with rapt attention.  Then, to my delight, the commenters began sharing more series with couples who are living their happy-ever-afters.  I am absolutely thrilled to know that there are more authors out there who are willing to keep telling the stories of their characters as they live their Happy-Ever-After.

Intrigued by the priase for Marie Force's Sam and Nick of the Fatal series - I looked the books up on Goodreads.  Further impressed by the reviews and ratings, I downloaded Fatal Affair to my Nook and proceeded to devour the book. 

Samantha Holland is a Washington D.C. Metropolitan Homicide Detective.  At the beginning of Fatal Affair she is back to work after a previous case of hers had gone tragically wrong.  She is immediately thrust into the high profile case of mudered Virginia state Senator John O'Connor.  Feeling that she has something to prove - to herself, her family, her colleagues - Sam dives feet first into the case.  And runs right into Nicholas Cappuano.  He is the one who got away for Sam - and the one she could never forget.  He is also Senator O'Connor's political right-hand man (or the guy behind the guy, as Nick says) and best friend.  Sam can't stop thinking about Nick but he is tied to her case in every way and therefore a major complication.

Nick is shocked when Sam is the Detective assigned to John's case.  He has never forgotten her and also considers her the one who got away.  Once he is ruled out as a suspect in his friend's murder - he makes it clear that he is sticking to Sam as much as possible.  He has invaluable information and access that he is certain will help Sam solve the case.  Of course, he has a personal agenda, as well.  He intends for he and Sam to make up for lost time and hopefully pick up where they had previously left off with one another.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.  Sam and Nick are real and believable characters.  They felt like people you'd be proud to call friends or family members.  They are slightly flawed human beings with great hearts trying to find their happiness in a crazy world.  The secondary characters in the book are just as enjoyable and I look forward to reading more about them, as well.  The  Fatal series is as follows: Fatal Affair, Fatal Justice, Fatal Consequences, Fatal Destiny, and Fatal Flaw (to be released February 6, 2012).

Book Review - Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage by Kieran Kramer

Kieran Kramer's Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage is the third in her Impossible Bachelors series.  In this installment of the series we get the story of Captain Stephen Arrow and Miss Jilly Jones.  Arrow is recently retired from the English Navy and has inherited a ramshackled house on the oft-expressed dreary Dreare Street in London.  Jilly is his much-annoyed neighbor.  He seems to only be interested in partying with his single male friends while she is trying to make a profit with her bookstore.  It seems unlikely that the two opposites will ever find common ground.  And yet, it appears that they both protest just a bit too much about the other.

We learn very early on in the book that Jilly is actually the runaway wife of a nasty and brutal man named Hector.  She sold off her jewelry and fancy clothing in order to leave him and make a new and safe life for herself in London.  She is therefore very dismayed when Arrow starts paying her a lot of attention.  While she is also attracted to him - she knows nothing can ever come of it.  Arrow sees Jilly as a challenge, of course.  I have to say that the chemistry between these two was somewhat lackluster and slightly unbelievable.  I'm not certain exactly why but their relationship felt like a secondary - almost forced - part of the book.

The more enjoyable aspect of the book is with the interactions between Arrow, Jilly and the friendships they make with their other neightbors on Dreare Street.  Together, the residents of Dreare Street band together to help their little community flourish in the face of a crisis.  There are a couple of twists that are well done in this book.  Overall, I did enjoy the book; just not as much as the first two in the series.  The final book in the Impossible Bachelors series is called If You Give a Girl a Viscount and will be released on November 1, 2011.

Book Review - Dangerous in Diamonds by Madeline Hunter

Dangerous in Diamonds is the final book in Madeline Hunter's The Rarest Blooms quartet.  Ms. Hunter was a new author to me and I so enjoyed this series that I will definitely be reading more of her work.  In Dangerous in Diamonds we finally learn about the mysterious and aloof Daphne Joyes along with the scandalous Tristan St. Ives - aka The Duke of Castleford. 

Castleford receives an unexpected inheritance in the form of several small parcels of land.  Along with the land his benefactor requests that Castleford allow the inhabitants to continue living where they are for a price that is near to nothing.  His first inclination is to just let matters be and acquiesce to the conditions of the inheritance.  However, since it is a Tuesday - the one day a week he sees to his Ducal duties and is actually sober - he decides to at least check out the parcels of land.  He begins with the one nearest to London; a piece of land that hosts a business known as The Rarest Blooms.

Daphne Joyes has taken great pride in the growing of her plants and flowers.  She is quite happy with the fact that she has been able to turn her horticultural love into a thriving business.  As a war widow, the money earned helps her provide for herself and the home that has become her sanctuary.  The Rarest Blooms has been a sanctuary to many women hiding from their pasts for a variety of reasons - and Daphne is no exception.

When Castleford comes calling about the land - Daphne is ready to shoot him as a trespasser on her land.  Once she realizes who he is - she is grateful that he is considering allowing her to stay in her home.  Of course, Castleford's curiosity grows exponentially as he finds himself attracted to the intelligent and beautiful Daphne.

What ensues is a battle of wits and a clashing of ideals as the two have cross purposes for the use of the land.  All the while, Daphne fights her attraction to Castleford while he does every thing he can think of to encourage it.  Then they realize they have a common nemesis and join forces to protect The Rarest Blooms.

Dangerous in Diamonds is funny, sweet, emotionally honest and at times heart breaking.  It is also full of the human spirit and baeutifully illustrates ones ability to rise above - and flourish - the bad things we have no control over.  I highly recommend The Rarest Blooms series and Dangerous in Diamonds in particular.

Book Review - Sinful in Satin by Madeline Hunter

Sinful in Satin, the third book in Madeline Hunter's 'The Rarest Blooms' quartet did not diappoint in the least.  Celia Pennifold is the daughter of a celebrated courtesan.  She is brought up to take on the same life as her mother.  However, at the age of seventeen, Celia runs away from the life she has been reared to live.  She finds refuge, friendship and true family with the women in Cumberworth.  Five years later, her mother passes away and Celia is left with a mountain of inherited debt and a house that she never knew existed.  She decides to forge a new life for herself.

Celia's first night in the new house brings her face to face with Jonathan Albrighton, a man she remembers from the time she lived with her mother.  Jonathan remembers Celia as well, as the girls she once was, not the adult she has become.  It turns out Celia's mom had made a tanancy arrangement with Jonathan and he expects Celia to honor it.  So, while she attempts to create a new life for herself, he lives in the attic and their paths cross often.  And when her past comes calling in a sad and distrssing fashion, Jonathan is there to help Celia, even though she is most stubborn about it.

What I most admire about this story is that Celia and Jonathan live on the fringes of 'acceptable' English society and flourish regardless of the snubs they receive.  Of course, their true friends (some titled, some not) and their emerging love for one another also create a strong foundation.

There is one more book in The Rarest Blooms quartet - Dangerous in Diamonds - and I plan to read it immediately.

Book Review - Provocative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter

The Earl of Hawkeswell is a man in desperate need of money. So he marries Verity Thompson, a wealthy iron works heiress, in order to better his own life and those of the people that live on his lands. Then Verity disappers on their wedding day and he is forced to live in limbo until she is either found or officially declared dead.


Two years later, by happenstance only, Hawkeswell finds Verity, alive and well. He is quite furious to say the least. Especially when Verity makes it quite clear to him that she has no intention of being his wife now that she has come of age and can care for herself. Hawkeswell insists that their marriage stands and she must do as he says since she is his wife.

I have to admit that Hawkeswell irritated me greatly in the first part of this book. I tried to tell myself that he was acting like any man probably would have during the time period but he still irked me. I really liked him in 'Ravishing in Red' so I kept hoping for his redemption in his own story and I was not disappointed.

I liked Verity from the very beginning of this book. She is smart, resourceful, kind and quite able and willing to speak her mind. She has valid reasons for wanting a life separate from Hawkeswell and insists that she was coerced into marrying him rather than doing so of her own free will. At first Hawkeswell does not buy in to this in the least. When he finally comes down from his high horse and actually listens to Verity - he learns that quite a lot of what she has said holds merit.

Hawkeswell and Verity clash greatly and seem to always be going in opposite directions. Once they finally start getting to know one another they discover they have a lot in common. They both believe in justice, free trade and they share a most alluring passion.

I enjoy Madeline Hunter's poignant and beautiful style of writing. I just love all of the characters in her 'The Rarest Blooms' series and look forward to the next story in the quartet - Sinful in Satin.

Review - Ravishing in Red by Madeline Hunter

This is the first book I have read by Madeline Hunter and I can say I will definitely be reading more. Her story telling is exquisite and passionate.

In this tale, Sebastian and Audrianna are brought together by the same cause but find themselves on opposing sides of said cause.  Audrianna's father was accused of a wartime crime.  The scandal led him to take his own life.  She is still trying to clear his name.

Sebastain was at the forefront of bringing her father's alleged crime to the public's awareness.  naturally, Audrianna and her family blame Sebastian for basically hounding her father to his death.

Audrianna and Sebastian find themselves in a position where they think they will both learn more and fianlly put the entire matter to rest.  Then a scandal ensues that changes their lives rather dramatically. As they try to uncover the truth surrounding the mystery in the book - they find themselves entwineed in the mystery of their own emotions.

I loved all of the characters in this book. I am quite happy that this book is the first in a quartet called The Rarest Blooms and look forward to reading the others.  The next book in the series is titled Provocative in Pearls.

Review - Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right by Kieran Kramer

I liked Kieran Kramer's Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right and think it's a decent follow-up to her debut novel When Harry Met Molly.

In this book - Nicholas is still the Impossible Bachelor and he is devoted to his career in the English spy Service. He is quite irritated when he is instructed that he must marry as a service to his country.

Poppy is a self-proclaimed Spinster. She and her closest friends even have their own Spinster club. They will not marry because society or their parents say they must. In fact, Poppy has turned down twelve proposals of marriage. And each time, her reason has been because she is in love with the Duke of Drummond and she is certain that he is 'on the verge of a proposal'. Of course, what she doesn't reveal is that The Duke of Drummond is a fictitious character invented by her family cook.

So, imagine Poppy's surprise when Nicholas - who actually is The Duke of Drummond - appears at a ball she is attending one night and indeed proposes to her. Down on bended knee, at that. What folows is a funny story with two very strong-minded characters bent on avoiding marriage. They find themselves in the middle of an intriguing case for the Service. And naturally, they find themselves falling for one another; while thinking the other is completely uninterested in marriage.
 
The third book is Ms. Kramer's Impossible Bachelors series is out now and called Cloudy With a Chance of Marriage.

Review - Suddenly by Candace Camp

Suddenly by Candace Camp is the story of Simon Dure and Charity Emerson.  Simon is set to ask for Serena Emerson's hand in marriage.  he likes her but there is no passion and that's exactly what he wants; that and heirs, of course.  Serena is prepared to accept his proposal out of familial obligation.  Even though she is in love with the pastor in her country home village.  Intent on saving her sister from a loveless marriage - and what she assumes will be a sad life - Charity intervenes on her sister's behalf.  She offers herself for marriage to Simon - in place of her sister.

Of course, Simon accapts but only after he has been thoroughly talked into it by Charity.  Their courtship seems innocent enough.  They are fiercely attracted to one another and want to wed quickly.  Simon manages to convince Charity's mother to have the wedding in six months rather than the traditional twelve.  All seems to be going well - until Simon is accused of murder.  And all of the circumstantial evidence points to Simon indeed being a murderer. 

Camp's tale of passion and murder in Regency London is splendidly told and filled with love.  I really enjoyed this book.  Even though a bit of the plot was obvious from the beginning I still enjoyed the unfolding of the story.  Simon and Charity as a couple were delightful to read about.  If you like a bit of mystery thrown into your love story - this book is a great choice.

Review - Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

Marcus Holroyd was always alone.

His mother died when he was four, but this had surprisingly little effect on his life.  The Countess of Chatteris mothered her son the way her mother had mothered her - from afar.

The above is the way Julia Quinn's Just Like Heaven begins.  My heart immediately went out to this character - incurable sap that I am.  We quickly learn that Marcus is an only child and he is brought up mainly by nannies and then the best tutors his father's money could buy.  Marcus' father saw no reason to have anything to do with his son until 'he was old enough to conduct a reasonably intelligent conversation'.  By then, the age of twelve, Marcus was being shipped off to Eton College. 

Upon arriving at Eton, Marcus meets Daniel Smythe-Smith and finally has a friend.  Before long, Marcus is spending holidays with Daniel's boisterous, fun and loving family; including Daniel's pesky little sister Honoria.  And finally, Marcus feels like he has a family.

More than a decade later, Marcus is alone again.  Daniel has been exiled from England and he rarely sees the Smythe-Smith's - although he is secretly making certain that Honoria doesn't marry any sort of unsuitable man.  Having agreed to this task before Daniel's hasty departure, Marcus takes his duty seriously.  On an endeavor to learn of Honoria's latest love interest, Marcus finds himself in a ridiculous mishap and ends up gravely ill.

Honoria feels horribly responsible for Marcus' condition and insists that she and her mother go to his aid.  The story that Ms. Quinn continues in Just Like Heaven is filled with friendship, family, reconnecting and of course, love.  This book has humor, tears, sighs, sweetness and the ever appreciated happy ending.

2011 Summer Romance Challenge

Another reading challenge.  This one is a Summer Romance Challenge.  How could I resist? I simply can not and besides - this one should be fairly easy for me.  And honestly, an easy challenge sounds great for summer.

Now for the details: This Summer Romance Challenge is being hosted at Book Chick City from June 1st through September 30th, 2011.  Over the course of the four months read 8 to 16 books that fall under the heading of romance (I'm starting with 8).  And since there are many sub-genres to romance - this should be even breezier.  The romance sub-genres include:

• Historical Romance


• Paranormal Romance

• Science Fiction Romance

• Contemporary Romance

• Romantic Suspense

• Western Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• GLBT Romance

If you are interested in participating in the 2011 Summer Romance Challenge just click on the banner in this post and sign up at Book Chick City.  Have fun reading!