Book Review: Time Castaways - The Mona Lisa Key

This is a fantastic, wonderful and imaginative book that my kids and I read together! Siblings, Mateo, Corey and Ruby go on an unexpected time-traveling adventure with a time pirate and his interesting entourage. The siblings learn a lot about one another while they go to different times and places through history. They are helping Captain Vincent of the ship Vermillion to uncover the mystery of the Mona Lisa Key.

My kids and I loved every moment of this book. We look forward to reading the second book in the trilogy - Time Castaways: The Obsidian Compass - which comes out in October.

Review: Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery

Silver Tesdal owns a portable bar that serves the weddings and many events in Happily Inc. She wants to expand her business and goes to the bank for a loan - where she is turned down. Drew Lovato works for the bank and is in line to take it over but not in time to help Silver now. So he devises a plan that doesn't initially sit well with Silver. The two had a relationship he summer after high school but Silver broke up with Drew before he went to college. Then she found out she was pregnant.

Fast forward over a decade and Drew and Silver are living and working in Happily Inc again. Drew manages to become business partners with Silver. She is reluctant at first but then gives in because what he says business-wise makes sense and she wants to expand. The thing is, they had a child together and Silver kept in touch with her and now she has to share that knowledge with Drew.

There were elements of this book I really liked - the humor, the friendships, the emotions. I also liked Silver and Drew as people but I didn't feel the spark between them as a couple. They had really good moments together but they were supposedly so 'hot' together in the past but it wasn't in their present story.

I like this series and look forward to continuing with it but Silver and Drew's story was so-so for me. 

Review: Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery

I really enjoyed this book! Natalie and Ronan are wonderful together. This a slight case of opposites attracting in that Natalie is an eternal optimist with a bright and sunny outlook about life while Ronan is not. He's quiet and enjoys a good brood. I think he's entitled to that brooding though considering he was dealt a major blow and something huge was changed within his family dynamic. He needs to learn to accept that he is still very much a part of his family and loving Natalie helps him do that. Natalie wants family and she gets frustrated with Ronan because she thinks he is ignoring the family he has right in front of him.

This is a wonderful book, full of heart, charm, humor and love. Natalie and Ronan are both artistic people (he's a world-renown glass artist and she's a mixed media artist still finding her way) and their artistic endeavors through the book were fun to read about.

If you like a love story with a bit of spice and a happy ending then I think you'll enjoy this book. Also, if you like quirky small towns, giraffes, characters with a lot of great imagination (dragons) and family dynamics you'll like this book. Did I mention that there are giraffes? 

Book review: Year One by Nora Roberts

I was skeptical to read this book and put it off for months. Now I feel kind of silly for doing so. Nora Roberts is an auto-buy author for me. I'm not someone who reads end-of-the-world type books because, quite frankly, the idea of them is scary to me. I should have trusted that Nora Roberts' masterful storytelling would shine regardless of the fact that she tackled a new genre with this book.

Year One begins with an illness called The Doom. It's vicious, vile and everyone who catches it dies quickly. As The Doom obliterates huge numbers of human beings around the globe Lana Bingham, Max Fallon, Arlys Reid, Little Fred, Jonah Vorhies, Rachel Hopman, Katie MacLeod Parsoni and Chuck realize they must leave their beloved New York City (and boroughs). If they don't they are going to be rounded up by what's left of the military and experimented upon because they are immune to The Doom. In addition to relocating in order to avoid being lab rats they are running from the evil that has become rampant in the dark times they face. The evil comes in human and mystical forms. However, there is plenty of good and light, as well, both in human and mystical form.

In all fairness I have to warn that there is a LOT of dark in this book. There is a fair amount of violence, murder and death, brutal acts, rape and bigotry. There is a lot of good and heroism, too. Babies are saved, people accept things they previously believed to be unreal. People become leaders and sacrifices are made in order to learn to live in a new world that no one recognizes. There are also a lot of secondary characters in the book. Some, like Eddie, are very funny and provide an element of needed comic relief.

I felt the style in which Nora Roberts wrote this book was different from her romance or romantic suspense novels but it made sense to me considering she went down a new writing path. I cried more than once while reading this book but I cheered the characters on, too. I had HOPE for them and that meant a lot to me as a reader. Roberts' trademark story telling and ability to create believable relationships was in full force. I am looking forward to reading the next book (and hopefully getting resolution to some of the story lines) in this series come December.

Book Review - All He Ever Needed

All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey sounded like such a good book to me when I read the blurb.  Technically, the writing in this book is good but it is a bit more redundant than I like. How many times do we need to be told the last name of the main male protagonist? And how many times must we be told that he is a reformed bad boy? This got tiresome fast. Also, since it is supposed to be a romance, I would think the couple in question should have kissed before the book was half done.

I'll give the author another chance, but I'll see if I can check the book out from the library. This book had such promise but really fizzled for me.

Book Review - Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn is the story of Thomas Cavendish, the Duke of Wyndham and Lady Amelia Willoughby. Thomas and Amelia have been engaged for nearly all of their lives. As children their eventual marriage was arranged by their parents and neither had a say in the matter.
Amelia is growing weary - and irritated, truth be told - with the Duke’s seeming refusal to set a date for their wedding. Sure, he knows exactly who she is and that they are to be wed but he treats Amelia as a duty and nothing more. He certainly doesn’t act as if he truly means to get to know her and this is quite unacceptable to Amelia. She decided that she is done responding with gentility to the pitifully small amount of attention he pays her - in the name of duty only, of course.
Thomas, although tired of his constant duty and lack of privacy as the Duke of Wyndham, is quite irritated when he is shunned at the local dance hall - by his fiancée, of all people. Intent on giving Lady Amelia a piece of his mind and a lesson on her duties as the future Duchess, he finally sees her for the woman she has become and his interest is captured.
Naturally, their courtship is far from smooth. Just as Thomas realizes he is quite attracted to his future wife, and as Amelia decides not to appear so docile; they learn that they may not be allowed to wed at all. It is brought to light that Thomas may not be the true heir of Wyndham. Now that Amelia and Thomas are discovering - and even accepting - their feelings for one another - will they hold firm in the face of scandal and perhaps a loss of every thing they had thought was rightfully theirs?

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume is Julia Quinn’s follow up novel to The Lost Duke of Wyndham. It is immediately apparent that Ms. Quinn is following the same time line in this story as she did the previous. While at first I thought I would like that - I didn’t. It grew a bit annoying reading scene after scene that I’d already read in the first book. And while Amelia and Thomas’ relationship does develop in this book - I felt Amelia deserved better. It seemed to me that Thomas only wanted once he thought he was ‘entitled’ to her. As much as I love and adore Julia Quinn’s writing (and am in fact about to read her latest novel) this was not one of my favorites.

Book Review - The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Jack Audley is the very charming lead male character of Julia Quinn's The Lost Duke of Wyndham.  The man who was once a soldier for Britain is now a highwayman.  And in the tradition of Robin Hood - he is robbing from the outrageously snooty rich and giving to those less fortunate.  One night, as he endeavors to rob the coach of yet another aristocratic family - his life changes in ways he had never anticipated.  It turns out, he's the heir to one of the very wealthy families he normally disdains.  Oh, and he may very well be losing his heart to the companion of the nasty-tempered Dowager Duchess of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh is the companion of the Dowager - a trying job on the best of days.  The job takes a toll on Grace's spirit on the worst of days.  And one of those worst moments actually turns out to be one of the best of her life.  She is surprised by the attraction she feels for the highwayman robbing them and even more surprised when he kisses her.  Then she is struck speechless to learn that the Dowager is convinced - on sight - that this charming rogue is the never-known son of her long-dead son.

Julia Quinn outdid herself with this book.  It is full of her trademark humor and tender feelings of developing love.  Jack is not keen on becoming the Duke but he is quite keen on Grace.  While Grace finds herself falling in love with Jack - she is very sad by this development.  because she knows that if he is indeed to be the Duke - there is no hope of a future for them.  There is quite a bit below the surface of these characters and all is revealed in a really heartening and appropriate manner.  I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who haven't yet read it.

Book Review - An Affair Without End by Candace Camp

An Affair Without End by Candace Camp is the first book I've read this year for the 2012 Historical Romance Challenge.  While I can say that I did like this book - it's not a stand-out book for me.  In fact, when I sat down to write this review - my mind went blank and I had to look up the synopsis on Good Reads.

Lady Vivian Carlyle has known Oliver, the Earl of Stewkesbury for nearly all of her life.  While they have a certain reputation for bickering endlessly with one another - they do also seem to like one another's company.  While in London for the Season and the coming-out of his newly discovered relatives - Vivian and Oliver are thrown into each other's company more than normal and they find that they are quite attracted to one another.

There are a series of jewel thefts occurring in London and Vivian takes it upon herself to start asking questions of her jeweler - much to Oliver's annoyance.  Feeling that he must 'protect' Vivian, he ensues to help her learn more about the thefts.

There were elements to this book that I liked but I also felt that the story had been told before.  Vivian and Oliver were likeable but mildly annoying at the same time.  I can't even remember how many times through the book one of them would mention or think about how unsuitable to marriage they were for one another.  While Ms. Camp tied up the mystery nicely and Vivian and Oliver received their happy ending - I was just relieved to be done with the book.

Book Review - A Winter Scandal by Candace Camp

A Winter Scandal is the first book in a new series by Candace Camp.  I will say that I will anxiously be awaiting the rest of the books in this series as this one was just brilliant.  Ms. Camp weaves a suspenseful, heart warming and wholly engaging tale.

Althea Bainbridge is the village Vicar's sister and while she is quite revered, she is a spinster and lonelier than she had realized.  An unintended snub by Chesley's newest resident - Lord Morecombe, and a cancelled visit have Thea heart broken and praying in church.  She wants a life of her own and to no longer have to live in anyone's shadow.  Little does she know just how quickly her heart's desires are about to come true.  As she concludes her prayer, she hears odd noises coming from the church's nativity scene.  And inside she finds, much to her surprise, a baby boy - about six months old.  Not knowing what else to do with Matthew (the name she gives the baby), she takes him home.  That same day, Thea discovers something that makes her believe Matthew is Lord Morecombe's.

Gabriel (Lord Morecombe) is startled but thoroughly intrigued when Thea barges into his new country home with a baby that she claims is his and demands that he take responsibility.  Gabriel assures Thea that the baby is not his but is astounded by the 'proof' Thea provides.  Suddenly, Gabriel is absolutely certain that he knows who Matthew's mother is and he and Thea take an unexpected journey - literally and emotionally - as they try to reunite Matthew with his mommy in time for Christmas.

I thoroughly loved this book.  It is rich in detail, character, setting and emotion.  This is the second book I've read by Candace Camp and I can honestly say that I have a mission to read all of her catalogue.

Book Review - His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander

Despite the some what corny title, His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander was a very well done and engaging book.  Lady Veronica Smithson is an independent, forward thinking widow in Victorian London.  She is tired of being alone but is not the least bit interested in marrying again.  She enjoys her freedom and her ability to make decisoions, financial and otherwise, without having to consult a man for approval or permission.  She is lonely for companionship, though.  Her very good friend Portia is cousin to the world adventurer Sebastian Hadley-Attwater.  Veronica is instantly attracted to him and decides that he will do nicely and sets forth a plan to be his mistress.

Sebastian has indeed led a life of adventure but has finally returned home to England.  He is certain that he will travel again but he is restless and ready for home and hearth.  He has recently realized that he misses his funny and well meaning family.  When he meets Veronica, sparks fly.  Sebastian decides rather quickly that he wants to marry Veronica.  What ensues is a funny, sweet and sometimes bittersweet story.  Can these two very headstrong characters fins a way to compromise and still be together? And better yet, can they do it by Christmas?

I loved this book and will definitely look for more books by Victoria Alexander.

Book Review - The Next Always by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts is an absolute favorite of mine and she did not disappoint with the first book in her Inn Boonsboro trilogy - The Next Always.  I have been so intrigued by the idea of this book since I first learned of it a while back.  You see, Inn Boonsboro is a real place that is owned by Ms. Roberts and her family.  I have perused the website for the Inn and my husband knows that I would love oh so much to go and have a romantic and relaxing stay there.  With him, of course.  Considering that it's in Maryland and we live in California - it'll be a bit of time before we can actually go there.  So, I lived slightly vicariously through this book, and loved every moment of it.

Clare Murphy Brewster is the hometown sweetheart who left, married young, had two children rather quickly and then became a war widow - right as she learned she was pregnant again.  With two small boys and a third on the way she returned home to her parents and the small town she always loved.  In order to survice the death of her husband and create a way to support herself and her children - she opened the town bookstore Turn the Page (again, a real place in Boonsboro).  Five years later and she has made a happy family for herself and her boys and a successful business out of the bookstore.
Beckett is the youngest son of the towns beloved and much admired Montgomery family.  Together with his mother and two brothers, they are taking a crumling, historic building in town and turning it into a gorgeous Inn.  Each brother, and their mom, has their talents and they all work equally hard in bringing Inn Boonsboro to life.  And oh yes, Beckett has a very strong thing for Clare.  He has since high school but figures he'll just have to suffice with being her friend.

Fortunately for Beckett, the Inn has a resident ghost who gives Clare and Beckett a slight match making hand.  Nora Roberts has created a really lovely story about a second chance (in Clare's case) and finally getting the chance (in Beckett's case) at true love.  Toss in all of the wonderfully accurate and funny family moments that she is so talented at conveying and the mysticism of a ghost and The Next Always is a sure fire winner.

Oh, and did I mention that the cover is completely gorgeous? It is, as you can see for yourself.

Book Review - Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas

I must admit that I have been putting off writing this review.  I usually love books by Lisa Kleypas but not so with this one.  In fact, I only gave it a one star rating on goodreads.  Oh, it bothers me to admit that.  I guess it's because, as a writer, I would be so sad to know someone didn't like my story.  At the same time - I know you can't please everyone all of the time.  Now, for my actual review.

Love, Come to Me is set in Concord, Massachusetts not long after the end of the Civil War.  This is a historical period that I always find fascinating; heart breaking but compelling, nonetheless.  Lucinda is a spoiled, sheltered Northern (Yankee) girl and Heath is a cynical, jaded, war-scarred man (Rebel) from the South.  I really expected this to be a story about opposites attracting and flourishing together against the odds.  And I guess, to a certain degree, that was the case but Heath and Lucinda were so annoying as characters.  They started off all right but them their characters did a 180 and I felt like I was reading an entirely different book.  Heath went from charming and caring to an over bearing, manipulative control freak.  And Lucinda started off as a funny and strong woman who then became weak spined and whiny.  It was so weird and utterly annoying.  I kept having hope for the book and Lucinda and Heath but they just continued to annoy.

The worst part of the book for me was a manipulative, heart wrenching scene just over halfway through.  It was borderline rape in my opinion and that is the exact opposite reason why I read romance novels.  The scene was emotionally and physically manipulative and it made me sick.  Both Lucinda and Heath were jerks in this whole scene but there is never, ever any excuse for physical manipulation and near-rape in my opinion.  No always means no, period.

The most interesting part of Love, Come to Me was Heath's interest in newspapers.  My grandparents worked for one of our local newspapers for years and I have fond memories of it as a child.  I did love this part of the book but unfortunately it didn't make up for the rest of it.  Even with a so-called happy ending, I don't recommend this book.  Sorry, Lisa Kleypas.  I normally adore you but this one was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - Fatal Justice by Marie Force

Fatal Justice is the second book in Marie Force's Fatal series.  I have to say that I enjoyed the second book featuring Samantha Holland and Nicholas Cappuano just as much as I did the first book in the series.  I was a bit surprised that it was even more angst-filled, though.

While Sam and Nick try to find their footing as a very new couple - their personal lives and working lives collide once again.  Julian Sinclair is the newest nominee for the Superior Court and the victim of Sam's latest homicide case.  Unfortunately, Juliam is also another of Nick's close friends.  Due to the fact that Sam and Nick were among the few who last saw Julian alive - Sam must tell Nick of his friends murder in an official capacity.  Sadly, this does not go over well and causes the couple some serious emotional turmoil.

In addition to dealing with the Sinclair case that hits too close to home - Sam lands another case that creates a different sort of familial turmoil.  Sam is on the hunt for a man who appears to have killed his family.  And he has all sorts of media information about the time when sam's dad was shot and paralyzed in the line of duty.

Can Sam and Nick's relationship stand up during the stress of two powerfully fraught cases and their publicly escalating careers? Oh, and an Internal Affairs investigation brought about by a bitter rival? I think fans of police procedurals and strong relationships would enjoy reading and learning the answers in Fatal Justice.

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 - Divergent by Veronica Roth

Abnegation - Selfless

Dauntless - Courageous

Amity - Peaceful

Erudite - Intelligent

Candor - Honest

These are the five factions of society that make up Veronica Roth's futuristic dystopian society in Divergent.  Beatrice Prior is the sixteen year old protagonist of the story.  She has grown up in an Abnegation home and surprises her family at the cultural choosing ceremony by becoming Dauntless.  All of the new members of each faction must undergo an initiation period.  beatrice becomes Tris and gets quite a bit more than she bargained for in the often times violent initiation process.  This is the courageous and brave faction of their society, though.

In addition to combat training and being forced to face her fears, Tris makes human connections in a way she never had in her selfless community.  She has real, multi-layered friendships that she comes to trust and rely upon.  There is also Four, one of the leaders of her initiation process.  She is confused by his protectiveness of her and her developing feelings for him.

Divergent is the first book in a trilogy and I will say that I am greatly looking forward to the second book, Insurgent.  Veronica Roth has created a world where the factions, while trying to evenly distribute their strengths, has actually become a very fractured and imbalanced society.  There are political, social and basic societal elements all through the book.  It is full of bravery, self discovery and even has a very sweet love story.

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.