PONDERING: “Just when I thought I was out — they pull me back in”
I’ve just about given up on the “historical romance” because it’s not satisfying what I want to see in a well-written historical. But a recent post condemning readers who are labelling books “mistorical” has dragged me right back in.
REVIEW: Her Dark Protector by Carol Stephenson
Laura C’s review of Her Dark Protector by Carol Stephenson
Romantic Suspense published by Carina Press 26 Mar 12
I keep diving into the romantic suspense pool and hoping to find some rocking waves, but all too often I just find a stringy mess of seaweed. This book has great potential. Really great. Corruption, secret societies, sneaking around…but it just turns into a messy blob I couldn’t finish.
EXCERPT: Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham
Like Genevieve Graham, if you’re a Diana Gabaldon and a Jamie and Claire fan, you’re going to enjoy her MacDonnell family books, Under the Same Sky and Sound of the Heart. They have that rich, historical, and Scottish feel to them. The way of life of these characters is harsh and there are more times of anguish than there are of happy, but that makes the happy moments all the sweeter.
Dougal has survived Culloden and is held prisoner by the English until a daring escape. Along with him is the young teenage boy, Aiden, who Dougal has protected during their imprisonment. They make their way to London, putting more distance between them and the soldiers searching for them. What happens next is a huge surprise and one of those very happy times.
Until the English once again tear his world apart. Dougal takes the lesser of two evils, soldering for the enemy to make his way to the colonies and where his destiny lies.
We have a chapter from the book for you today, and I guarantee after reading it, you won’t want to miss this book.
Summary:
Dougal MacDonnell, a fierce warrior from the Highlands of Scotland, is able to hear the thoughts of other men and dream how the future will unfold.
Devastated by the loss of his family during the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he fosters a deep hatred for the English. But when Glenna, the love of his life and a Scottish outlaw, is captured and shipped overseas, Dougal is forced to join an English army made of vanquished Scots. Now fighting on the side of his sworn enemies, he embarks on a journey that will take him across the seas to the colonies.
There he will risk everything for the chance to find his true love.
DUCK CHAT: Fun & History with Genevieve Graham
Today we have Genevieve Graham with us, so sit back and enjoy the fun!
Genevieve’s debut book, Under the Same Sky, a beautifully written Scottish historical story, released in January. She’s been receiving wonderful reviews and new fans are discovering what a delight it is reading her books. Her second book, Sound of the Heart, releases today, so you’ll want to make a special trip to your local bookstore or head over to Amazon.com right now!
She’s one of only seven Canadians who have been published by Penguin. A very distinctive accomplishment. As a reader, I’m glad her editor has asked for more stories from Genevieve. These books should be on every romance reader’s keeper shelf. They’re that good.
So now let’s chat!
REVIEW: Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham
Sandy M’s review of Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham
Historical Romance published by Berkley Trade 1 May 12
I had hopes for this book after finishing Genevieve Graham’s debut, Under the Same Sky, which I loved. Sometimes a new author has a difficult time maintaining such excellence after a first book. So you can imagine my tad of hesitation as I began reading Sound of the Heart. Should I have been worried?
REVIEW: Untouched by Sara Humphreys
Sandy M’s review of Untouched (Amoveo Legend, Book 2) by Sara Humphreys
Paranormal Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 3 Apr 12
Kudos to Sourcebooks for finding new, up-and-coming authors who are writing outside the box, giving readers something a little different than the usual stories we’ve been getting lately. Sara Humphreys is the latest author I’ve found who’s taken my shifters and given them a bit of a twist.
REVIEW: The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter
Ash’s review of The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld, Book 9) by Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance published by HQN 28 Feb 12
I have to say that Gena Showalter can really do no wrong by me. Paris’ story is one I have been waiting for. He has been through so much and I think he’s really grown, maybe not in a good way at first, but he’s definitely not the same person he was at the start of this series.
REVIEW: What Lies Beneath by Andrea Laurence
LynneC’s review of What Lies Beneath by Andrea Laurence
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Desire 3 Apr 12
I am so very sorry I can’t do a more positive review for this book, but it has serious flaws which eventually prevented me enjoying it as much as I might have done. Huge plot holes and a Mary Sue heroine aren’t my favorite tropes, but if you can ignore the holes and go along with Mary (actually called Adrienne), then you will enjoy this one.
REVIEW: Unbreak My Heart by Helen Scott Taylor
Sandy M’s review of Unbreak My Heart by Helen Scott Taylor
Contemporary short story romance ebook published by Helen Scott Taylor 3 Apr 12
I jump at each and every chance to read a Helen Scott Taylor book. After her success in the paranormal genre, Ms. Taylor is branching out into contemporaries. I always love her characters, who draw me into their lives, and the magical worlds they live in in her previous books. So I have to say, I was curious to see what happens in this new contemp world she’s decided to try.
REVIEW: Beneath the Skin by Lauren Dane
Veena’s review of Beneath the Skin (De La Vega Cats, Book 3) by Lauren Dane
Paranormal Romance published by Samhain 3 Apr 12
Beneath the Skin by Lauren Dane is the continuing story of the De La Vega Cats, which is the spin-off from her highly popular Cascadia Wolves series. Gibson De La Vega is the Bringer or judge, jury and executioner; second to his brother Max (Revelation), who is the alpha of the Boston Jaguars. Mia Porter, an Iraq war veteran and recovering from a hate crime, rescues Gibson when he attacked and shot with silver. Attraction sizzles and sparks fly, but the contentious family history between their two families may derail their budding romance.
