background

Friday, August 31, 2012

eARC: How to Disgrace a Lady by Bronwyn Scott

Today's selection is How to Disgrace a Lady by Bronwyn Scott. Which this is from the Rakes Beyond Redemption miniseries from Harlequin.

What's the story is about:

Merrick St. Magnus, the second son of the Marquis of Crewe. Gotta love second sons, nothing but wastrels who love to gamble and sleep around. After all they are entitled to do, there just the spare.

Lady Alixe Burke, the daughter of the Earl of Folkestone. A self-proclaim bookworm, who believes herself firmly on the shelf. After all who wants to marry a blue-stocking girl of 26.

The first time Merrick and Alixe encounter each other is at the pond on the estate. Let's just say it's not one you'll ever forget. Merrick is intrigued by Alixe and would like to get to know her a little better. Alixe is leery of Merrick, and rightly so he lives up to the spare's motto.

One night Merrick is hanging out with the guys, when Archibald Redfield offers to make a wager with Merrick. Now this guy is a schemer, and with all schemers up to no good. He's been trying to persuade Alixe to marry him, but she doesn't trust Redfield at all. So, Redfield figures he could use Merrick to obtain Alixe.

However, his plan backfires when Merrick doesn't run away from the estate and decides to help Alixe to become the toast of society. An offer he couldn't refuse, after all it would let him remain a bachelor as long as he can launch Alixe as a success.

The more time they spend together, the more they realize there might be more to there relationship. However, will Merrick sacrifice his bachelorhood for Alixe? Or will there be another to swoop in and take her?

My thoughts:

The story started out really strong. I love the relationship between Merrick and Alixe as the story went on. However, towards the middle I was starting to get bored with it and was struggling to finish the story. It wasn't bad, it was just slowing down. However, towards the ending it started to pick up. I have to say I really liked the ending and thought it was cute. I'm curious how the rest of the miniseries will go, so I might have to read the next installment. I guess I'm sucked in, which happens from time to time.
If How to Disgrace a Lady interests you, I would go check it.

So, happy reading whatever you're reading!

eARC provided by NetGalley

Thursday, August 30, 2012

eARC: When You Give A Duke A Diamond by Shana Galen

This week I was able to preview When You Give A Duke A Diamond by Shana Galen. Let me tell you I'm excited that this book comes out on Saturday.

Let me share what's it about:

We meet the three Diamonds who are: Juliette the Duchess of Dalliance, Fallon the Marchioness of Mystery, and Lily the Countess of Charm. All three are sought after courtesans for there indiscretion, yet they are very discreet.

Everyone believes the rumors of Juliette, the Duchess of Dalliance, yet they would be surprise by the actual truth of the matter. Juliette would prefer to shy away from the lime-light, but has no other way to survive. Loved by men and hated by women. However, appearances can be deceiving.

Rumor is Juliette is connected to a very high profile man, William Cavington, the sixth Duke of Pelham, in very scandalous affair. Of course, this is not the case. Why would a stick in the mud go after a courtesan? Especially, when he is engage to Lady Elizabeth, by the way I don't like her.

No matter, something horrible happens to Lady Elizabeth and Pelham has a hard time believing, especially when he hears it from Juliette. Now both there lives in danger from an evil man name Lucifer.

Each of them carries a secret they do not want the other to know. Both of them have been shaped by there secret they carry. Will they become each others confidant? Can Pelham let loose enough to realize he might actually learn to love another person or will he let it slip through his grasp? Will they catch Lucifer before another succumbs to his evil plot?

My thoughts:

Utterly amazing! I mean When You Give A Duke A Diamond was a page turner I couldn't put. I truly believe Shana Galen has outdone herself with her new book. With out a doubt, I look forward to the next book in the series. Seriously, I need this book in my collection and plan to add to it. I most definitely would re-read this again. I LOVED IT! I strongly encourage y'all to go check this book out.

That's all for now and happy reading!

eARC provide by NetGalley

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

eARC: A Season for Sin by Vicky Dreiling

Let me share what's A Season for Sin is about before I say what I think of this novella:

In Vicky's last book How to Ravish a Rake, you got a glimpse of Andrew Carrington, the Earl of Bellingham, (Bell) and he is a rake of the first kind. So, he's a mystery, you don't really know who he is other than friend to Will Darcett, and a man who is trying to run from his past.

At the beginning of the story, he's going to dump his mistress. Boy the man is in for some surprises when he gets there. Now Bell is on the hunt for a new mistress. The man is having no success. When he stumbles upon Collin Brockhurst, Earl of Ravenshire, and Harry Norcliffe, Viscount Evermore, at the Vauxhall. Which is the start of a unique kind of friendship.

They tell him a new widow just came to town and she has no interest in getting married. Of course this piques Bell's interest, because he has no desire to marry. A match made in heaven, right. WRONG!

Lady Chesfield, Laura Davenport, is a very proper widow who has desire to be conquer by a rake or married off to anyone. She just came to London to enjoy the company of others. However, this is easier said than done, when you have Lady Atherton trying to matchmaker.

My thoughts now:

First off, you need to think of this story as a long prologue. Going into this story with that frame of mind will help you not to be disappointed. Basically the story is a set up for Vicky Dreiling's next book What a Wicked Earl Wants, which will feature the story of Bell and Laura. I have to say I can't wait to read it. Both of them have been warned to stay away from each other. However, all Bell here's "Go for it."

Overall, I liked. Even though it left you wanting more, and sometimes that is the case with novellas. As I said before this is setting up for the next book and the series. So, be on the look out for it, you I know will.

Well, that's all for now and happy readings!

ARC provide by NetGalley

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

License to Thrill by Stephanie Bond

Okay, last night I was able get through Stephanie Bond's License to Thrill. Oh my what a fun witty read. Here's a quick sum up of what's it about:

James Donovan is a former British secret agent. Yep, you know that's sexy and don't lie. James was asked to help  transport a possible valuable item to the states for a friend/former lover.

Kat McKray a museum curator has been asked to examine the documents James has travel with. Kat has her doubts about the authenticity of the papers.

James can't pass up the opportunity to get to know the little curator a little better. After all he is a playboy secret agent. She tries to resist his charm, but caves into going to dinner with him.

They have a charming time. After all is said and done they depart ways. This is where the story starts to turn into the mystery. Sometime after midnight, someone steals the papers and the blame is place on Kat. Oh no, right. With no alibi to help her out, she could be facing serious jail time. Will James come to the rescue of Kat or will he go on his merry way?

Yep, that's right I liked this quick read. I mean first off, who doesn't love an ex-british secret agent who drips with charm and sex appeal. If that doesn't scream hero, I don't know what does. I actually like that  you couldn't figure out who the real culprit was until the end. I mean you have all these possible suspects and they each can be found guilty. So, if you get a chance to check this out License to Thrill, you might enjoy this quick fun witty read. I like it, but that's my opinion.

So, happy reading!

Rating:

Monday, August 27, 2012

Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

I'm so excited to tell you about this book. I actually read this book when it first came out back in February. I had just started my twitter account and my blog wasn't even a thought yet. It was the time where I had my running list of romance novels I read with comments (looking back at the list I turned into a slacker). Well, the list of books started to get out of control and couldn't keep the list up. Sorry I'm digressing here, let me back to the point. I read this book and loved it. However, Heather's new book had just came out at the beginning of the month and I just couldn't remember the main points of the first one, so I decided to re-read Sweet Enemy. Here's what's it about:

We have Miss Liliana Claremont who lost both her parents at a tender young age. Basically grew up as an orphan. I know, sad. Instead of opening up to everyone and anyone she closed herself off and becomes very interested in chemistry and the effects on things. Mainly, she looked for a way to help people with science.

However, something happens to cause her to look into the death of her father more closely. Which she needed to go undercover to find the answers at a house party at the Earl of Stratford's home. She managed to secure an invite via her aunt, who love to see her married off.

Geoffrey Wentworth, Earl of Stratford, would like nothing more than to stay in town and focus on trying to help his fellow soldiers. However, that's not going to happen with a conniving mother. Which, she manage to get all the key power players that he needs to secure this act to come his house party that he's hosting (by the way didn't know till he answered his mother's summons). Now Geoffrey is stuck at a house party with a gaggle of women, who all want to be next Countess of Stratford, except for one.

Liliana is on a mission to find answers to a burning question, "Who killed her father?" Believing she could fly under the radar from everyone, especially the Earl. You got to love when a plan goes out the window. Geoffrey and Liliana find themselves drawn to each other. Will Liliana find the answers she's looking for or will she be disappointed to find the answers? Can Geoffrey and Lilian's relationship survive this? I guess you will have to read the story to find out.

Now my thoughts: I still LOVE this book. It made me laugh and cry. So, much fun. You have to love a heroine who is not afraid to be her true self, even when it's truly unpopular to be a "bluestocking kinda gal." The hero is fabulous too. I mean when he stands up to his mother on the choice to take Liliana as his wife when he should have picked a docile wife that would do anything he says without question. Truly a great read and I'm excited to get to dive into Heather's next book. So, I hope you get a chance to check this book out.

Happy reading!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

ARC: Not Proper Enough by Carolyn Jewel

A couple of months ago I got a chance to get an ARC copy of Not Proper Enough by Carolyn Jewel by commenting on another blog. Everyone that participated needed to finished a sentence that described a rutabaga. I must say I thought mine was cute and creative. Anyways let me tell you what it's about and what I thought about Not Proper Enough:

At the beginning of the story we meet up with Lady Eugenia Bryant, who happens to hate the hero. I think hate would be an understatement of the year. However, Grenville Forman Talbot, the Marquess of Fenris, understands the extreme loathing that Lady Eugenia has for him. I mean when you're young and stupid, you show your ignorance.

For instance, when Lady Eugenia had her first season, Fenris said some hurtful things about her. Surprise, surprise words actually hurt. However, when you have a serious crush on a gal and you don't want your friends to know the stupidness flies out.

Now she comes to London to sponsor young Hester Rendell, who happens to be a plant fanatic. If Lady Eugenia is able to launch Hester it will be a miracle. Seriously, who wants to be stuck with a girl who is only interested in plants.

Fenris has a tough task ahead. I mean when you are trying to convince a woman that has no interest in being with you that she is the love your life, I mean it can be practically impossible. Is there a chance that Fenris can convince Lady Eugenia that he truly loves her or die trying?

OH MY GOODNESS! What an awesome book! I loved every minute of it. Talk about a page turner that I couldn't put down. First off, the story line was moving and shocking at the same time. Not Proper Enough kept me wanting more. To be honest it would be one of those books to re-read again. That right there says a lot. So, I hope that you all get a chance to check this book out when it comes out. Plus, you all want to know if Fenris is able to change Eugenia's opinion of him.

So, happy reading!

ARC provided by the author

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Marrying Up by Wendy Holden

Today's selection is Marrying Up by Wendy Holden. I must say it was delightful. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading the book. First of all I must say that there are a couple story lines in the story that all interrelate with one another. So, if you are not a fan of that you might not like this book.

First of all, we have Polly and Max's relationship. Let me rephrase that, a budding relationship when Max is called home. Max never tells Polly where he's from or that he's a crown prince. He just wanted to be a normal guy to her. Sometimes that never really works to well.

Next you have Allison Donald, who wants to be wealthy beyond means. She's willing to do anything to become a social highlight among the creme de la creme. So, she decides to go through a transformation. Not a physical one, but with a new persona. She heads to London to become Alexa MacDonald.

Finally, you have Lady Florence Trevorigus-Whyske-Cleethorpe (aka Florrie). The best way to describe her would be a valley girl of England. However, she is a socialite always in the scandal sheets. You wouldn't expect anything less from her.

So you have all these characters that are intertwined with each other in some way. Alexa attaches herself to Florrie trying to climb the social ladder using her. However, Florrie is too ditzy that she doesn't even know it.

Overall, I liked the book. Granted there is a lot going on in Marrying Up. However, if your not afraid to take on the challenge of keeping up with all that is going on, you might actually enjoy the story. I have to say writing a review for this story was a bit of a challenge, but I still liked the book.

That's all and I hope you enjoy whatever your reading.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

eARC: Last Chance Bride by Hope Ramsay

Today I needed something quick and fun. So, I decided to read Hope Ramsay's novella Last Chance Bride. Here's what's it about:

Sharon Anne McKee is a planner, you know one of those girls who has there life planned out to the minute. In away she has to, because she's involved in everything. She's about ready to embark on a new adventure, college. How exciting, especially when she will have her high school sweet heart with her?

Stone Rhodes, isn't financially ready to go to college nor does he really want to. So, he decides to enlist in the Marines and not tell anyone, especially Sharon. Yeah, I know, big mistake.

Let us not forget the local matchmaker, Miriam who predicts everyone's soulmate. She predicts Sharon and Stone will be together. However, when Stone sticks his foot in his mouth and suggest something that was the completely inappropriate to say, makes you wonder if they are going to end up married.

A cute little novella set in the south. You gotta love the south and how everybody knows your business. If you are looking for a longer story, this isn't it. Basically, this story is setting up for the next book. A teaser, as you might say. However, it got me wanting to know what happens to Sharon and Stone. So, I will be looking forward to reading the next book.

On a side not there are other stories from Last Chance and you know what I think I might go back to see the other stories. Overall, I liked the story. Don't get discourage over the fact, it's a short story. I think sometimes they are great, just in case you really don't want to commit to a series.

That's all for now and happy reading.



eARC provide by NetGalley

Sunday, August 19, 2012

eARC: Until There Was You by Jessica Scott

I must be on a roll this month. However, we will see how long this will last. Anyways, I was able to get a chance to check out Until There Was You by Jessica Scott. Here's what the story is about:

Captain Claire Montoya just arrived at Fort Hood and force to go to a hail and farewell at a local bar when she meets Captain Evan Loehr. Stun by Evan's good looks, she had to put herself in check; mixing work and fun together never is a good thing. However, they both withstand the temptation each brings to the table and move on from there.

Years later, fate brings these two crazy kids back together. Claire looks at fate laughing in her face, because she can't stand Evan. Due to past actions, Claire dubs Evan as "Captain America," because he does everything by the book.

However, walls between them start to come down as they slowly get to know each other on a whole new level. Yet neither of them can truly trust each, because of the baggage each one carries from there youth. It's amazing how baggage can impact your life?

Overall, AMAZING! I loved Jessica's first book Because of You, which was also amazing. Now you have book two from her Coming Home series, is which just as good or better. Evan is a hero you can love, once he gets past that whole Captain America thing. In all honesty, isn't all that bad. Claire is loyal to a fault; sometimes being a little too loyal can get you into trouble.

So, if you love military stories, Jessica Scott is your gal. She is an amazing writer when it comes to military stories. If you haven't read any military romance stories, she is awesome to pick to start with. Plus, you don't need to worry about reading the first book or this one first, they are stand alone.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

ARC: Shadow Rising by Kendra Leigh Castle

 All right, I've had this book for almost a month staring at me, saying "you need to read me." However, there were other books that were calling me. So, I have been putting it off. I know, shame on me. I have been meaning to get to Shadow Rising  by Kendra Leigh Castle. So, here is what's it all about:

Ariane is locked up in her gilded cage wishing there was more she could do. She is worried about her friend Sammael who has disappeared from Grigori home. Taking matters into her own hands she leaves her home in search of Sammael. Where she comes into contact with a member of the House of Shadows.

Damien Tremaine is hired by the Grigori to go in search of Sammael when he comes across Ariane. Ariane is a fierce little thing and willing to defend herself at whatever cost. However, circumstances throw Damien and Ariane together, which they need to figure out how to work together. Since Shades are not know for working well with others, this is a challenge for Damien.

Well, this is a book three in the Dark Dynasties. Overall, I didn't feel like I was missing much, but it might be useful to go back to the previous two books. I believe that, if I had started with the future book four I might be a tad bit lost. Since this book really sets up for book four. Overall it was a pretty good read if you are looking for action and vampires. However, as a cautionary warning you might want to start with Dark Awaking  and Midnight Reckoning. Those books might be useful.

That's all for today, so happy reading.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

eARC: Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer

As a kid, I would stay up late watching TV, especially on Nickelodeon which would turn into Nick at Night. This is where I got my first glimpse of The Brady Bunch. I can still hear the opening of theme song. With that all said, I'm so excited that Kieran Kramer has paid homage to an iconic TV family and wrote a regency version of the Brady Bunch.

So, let's meet the first book in Kieran's new series The House of Brady, Loving Lady Marcia:

Lady Marcia Sherwood is perfect in every way. Even perfect girls make mistakes, but hers cost her virtue. With that kind of price Marcia decides to forgo her season and become a teacher at the school she has been attending.

Duncan Lattimore, the Earl of Chadwick, tries so hard to fix the world's problem or at least his brother's screw ups. Especially, when he finds out what he done to Marcia all those years ago. Now he's trying to rectify the situation, but Marcia wants nothing to do with him. Why would she when she believes Duncan is the reason his brother left her? Funny how life is not what it seems.

 Don't you love when a hero tries to take on the world and make it a better place? If you do, you will love Duncan Lattimore. He's the perfect hero and possible the perfect match for Marcia.

For all those who loved the The Brady Bunch growing up, you are going to love Kieran's new series The House of Brady. And if you are like me, you will notice some bits and pieces from the show modify to fit the regency period.

Just to let you know, I LOVED this book and I'm super excited to see more from The House of Brady. Loving Lady Marcia is a fun and animated read, which you should check out when it comes out in two weeks.

However, if you want to know more about Kieran's new book, she is doing her blog tour the rest of the month and you can check out all the blogs that she will be attending by going to her website: http://kierankramerbooks.com/tour/

Plus she is offering some super cute stuff.

ARC provide by NetGalley

Monday, August 13, 2012

eARC: A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner

What do you think of when you hear about fairies? I personally think that they are mischievous and up to no good, but maybe I'm wrong. Possibly miss in form; who knows? However, I know I just finished a charming book that happens to deal with fairies, which is A Lady and Her Magic by Tammy Falkner. Here's what the story is about:

We meet Sophia Thorne who happens to be a fairy come to help the Duke of Robinsworth's daughter and possibly him. However, Sophia wasn't assigned to the Duke's daughter, but her sister Claire. And you wonder why I think they're mischievous?

Ashley Trimble, the Duke of Robinsworth, is enchanted by Sophia by first sight. Rumor has it that he killed his first wife, which most young attractive ladies stay far away from him. Not Sophia; she doesn't take the hogwash that society feeds and judges the situations for herself.

As luck would have it, Sophia and her grandmother (by the way is definitely mischievous) were invited to a house party at Robinsworth home, which is hosted by his mother. What perfect way to get closer to Robinsworth's daughter. However, nothing ever goes according to plan. Ever since Sophia had set her eyes on Ashley she had practically broken all five of the Unpardonable Errors which her society has.

While reading this book, I learned there are two different types of fairies: Mission fairies and Gift fairies. Sophia falls under the Mission Fairies. By the way, the different fairies don't get along very well. Each has there own standards and rules, go figure. For future information garden gnomes are a bunch of gossipers, you might not want to have them around. Last but not least, next time you look at a fish you might take into consideration it might be bad fairy.

Overall, I found this book charming and enchanting. Words you might associate with fairies and I'm looking forward to reading more fairy adventures from Tammy Falkner. So, you might want to check this book out when it comes out in a couple of weeks.

ARC provider by NetGalley

Friday, August 10, 2012

Invitation to the Prince's Palace by Jennie Adams

Ok, today selection is total utter fluff. Nothing more than that. I mean last week I saw Invitation to the Prince's Palace at the BX, and thought "you know what, I want to read this." However, I held off.

Last night I headed to Wal-mart to get some milk, because we were out of whole milk. Just to let you know my son is a milk addict, seriously. I mean he will chuck his drink cup at me to let me know he wants more. Anyways, I'm digressing. Before I get to the dairy isle I head down the book isle, I know big mistake. Oh well. Then I see it, Invitation to the Prince's Palace. I couldn't resist, so I added to the shopping cart. Here's a quick sum up on the book:

Melanie Watson was trying to escape her aunt and uncle's home one morning. Thinking she was entering an unmarked cab she didn't ask too many questions and just wanted to get to the airport. Well, the driver wasn't a cabbie, but a prince ready to pick up her cousin. However, they didn't realize the mistake until it was too late.

Instead of Melanie's cousin, Prince Rikardo decides to go through the original plan with Melanie. The plan consist of them getting married for a couple of months, then separating. Each would live there own lives as if nothing happen after the few months of marriage. Sounds like a great plan, right? However, things don't always go according to plan. Which make's the original plan a tad bit complicated.

Alright. As I said at the beginning, this is fluff. Just a read to read. A sweet quick story that which my friend would call brain candy. That simple, so if you are looking for something light and fluffy you will find it in Jennie Adams Invitation to the Prince's Palace.

On a side note I would like to know what happens to Rikardo's brothers, and since the author is taking sometime off I'm going to waiting and hoping she will write more about this family. Especially, when there could be a secret long lost brother. Oh, I do hope she writes about the rest of them.

Time to go and I hope you are enjoying whatever your reading.


Thursday, August 9, 2012

A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious by Mary Wine

Well, today I finished A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious by Mary Wine. Here's what the book is about:

You meet Miss Jannette Aston who is fascinated by all things Illuminist. However, she was raised with a father who can't stand anything that pertains to the Illuminist.

While hanging out with her friend Sophia Stevenson, she decides to head over to the Illuminist place to see if she could get in. Jannette manages to get into the building and learns she could possibly be a Pure Spirit. Pure Spirits are able to handle Deep Earth Crystals, which have a power to operate many things. The Illuminist aren't the only ones who want Jannette abilities, there are the Helikeians who would like her ability for evil.

In the story you learn about Jannette and where her family stems from. She is also dealing with the possibility that her mother could be a traitor to the Illuminist. With all this Jannette has to prove herself to Darius Lawley and learn the ways of the Illuminist.

Overall, I liked the book. It was an interesting read and it peaked my interest to want to read the next book whenever it comes out. I mean I need to know if the Illuminist are able to take down the Helikeians. Plus, I need to know what happens to Sophia since she has gotten wrapped up into a new situation. So, I'm looking forward to see what happens in the Steam Guardians Series. Hopefully, the Illuminist are able to conquer the Helikeians.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey

Yesterday I finished A Little Mischief. So, here is what the book is about:

We have a precocious heroine, Miss Isabella Winslowe. At first she didn't purposely seek out trouble, it just land it at her doorstep after her reading group.  She finds Gretchen Colebrooke hovering over a body. Both of them believe he's dead, so they decide to involve Gretchen's brother the Earl of Colebrooke.

When Daniel arrives back to Isabella's home to find there's no body and thinking it's a ploy to leg-shackle him. Isabella outrage by the notion, she would do something so low like that. They both agree that Gretchen is not to attend anymore of Isabella's reading group.

Later on that evening Daniel, Gretchen, and Isabella see the presume dead man. However, the happiness doesn't last long when they discover the man is actually dead. Now Daniel and Isabella decide to work together to figure out who-dune-it. While trying to solve the case, both have trouble keeping there mitts off each other.

Overall, I liked it. The story was adorable with the hero and heroine trying to keep things professional, yet have the hardest time fighting what feels so right. Both Daniel and Isabella have this need to protect Gretchen. So, if you are looking for a quick fun read with a dash of mystery I would suggest to you A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey.

ARC provided by NetGalley

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Forever a Lady by Delilah Marvelle

This weekend I just finished Forever a Lady by Delilah Marvelle. I just have to say I was amazed with this book. Truly an emotional moving book.

The hero Matthew Joseph Milton learns a very hard lesson about life at the tender age of 20. His father loses the family paper to money a swindler. Left destitute you would think that it couldn't get worse, well your wrong. He lost his vision in one eye, because he was sticking up for a young boy.

Instead of crumbling, he decides to take matters into his own hands and becomes a man of ill-repute. Once a gentleman, now a thug and  a leader of a group called the forty thieves. Now seeking justice for those that have been wronged on the poor side of town.

Our heroine, Lady Bernadette Marie Burton, forever scandalize cause of what happen in New Orleans. Moves to New York under a new alias until her friend Mr. Astor asks for her help to get his granddaughter introduced to London society. So, she ends up going back to London.

She makes the acquaintance of Mr. Milton and has a quick love affair with him. Matthew believes she could be the one. However, circumstance prevents anything to happen. When this happens Matthew decides to become a better man. Is it enough to get Bernadette back?

I LOVED this book. You can't helped, but love Matthew and all his misguided self. Truly a gem who seems to have the worse luck and you cheer for him to come out on top. As I said at the beginning, it is an emotional moving book and worth a look at.

ARC provide by NetGalley

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wedded Bliss by Barbara Metzger

Well, I have been trying to get through some books, but I felt I needed to talk about a book. I figure I could tell you about a book I read a couple years, which was Wedded Bliss by Barbara Metzger. The first time I read this book, I thought it was alright. However, since I didn't have many books, I decided to re-read it again. On the second go around I really liked.  Here's a glance of what the book is about:

Robert Rothmore, the Earl of Rockford, comes home to find his boys are missing and have been staying at Mrs. Alissa Henning. As you can tell Rockford doesn't take the news lightly and marches over there. Upset he takes one of her boys who is also named William, thinking the child is his. She comes running out with a pistol. Yeah that would leave an impression.

Rockford comes up with an idea: his boys need a mother and Mrs. Henning needs a protector, why not kill two birds with one stone. So, they married. Alissa moves into his home and he goes back to London to woo the Austrian princess. Trouble starts to brew and she needs to go to Rockford for help and the game changer; she wants to have a baby girl.

This isn't conducive to his lifestyle and basically orders them out. While in London, things happen to make Rockford feel like a total CAD. You feel so bad for Alissa when she decides it was a mistake to come to London and heads back to house to start packing to go back to the country estate. Rockford decides to change, is it enough to get Alissa to stay?

After writing this, I really want to read this book again. However, I can't, other books await. Maybe one day I will be able to re-read this book. I hope that you get a chance to check it out. Happy reading.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

In Search of the Perfect Cupcake

My Best Friend & I at Crush Cakes
 As you can tell I have cupcakes on my mind, I know totally productive. When I lived in California it was pretty easy to find a cupcake shop. However, coming to Montana I haven't found what I have been looking for. I mean is really that hard to find a stellar cupcake. The places I have tried have been all right, nothing to go "OMG, they have the best cupcakes."

So, I continue the search for the perfect cupcake and I'm always looking for suggestions for places to try. I don't care if they are out of state. You never know, I might be in that area one day.

Here are so of the cupcakes I have tried in California:

I don't have pictures of the first cupcake places my best friend and I visited, but I can tell you what they  were. We first drove to Pasadena and we found this place called Dots. Ok, we didn't just find it. I found it when I participated in the Pasadena 5k, but my husband wasn't taking the subtle hint that I wanted a cupcake from there. So, I decided to drag my friend with me there to get a cupcake. I know crazy, but it was a lot of fun. The cupcake I really there was a coconut lime cupcake. TASTY.

After that we took the Santa Monica Blvd, exited and travel down Santa Monica Blvd. We should have followed the GPS. Oh well, we were on an adventured to get to Sprinkles. Which took us awhile, after all it is in the LA area. Let me just say the cupcake was moist.

mint chocolate
Lemon cupcake with Raspberry
After are cupcake adventure I decided I want to try my hand at making cupcakes. My first one was a coconut cupcake. It was perfect and of course I didn't think to take a picture of it. So sad. My next attempt was a mint chocolate. Let just say I'm not that great at making a chocolate cake. I tried, right. My next attempt was a lemon cupcake with a raspberry cream cheese frosting. Now that was tasty.

Cupcakes & Beyond
My next cupcake adventure was in Poway (San Diego area) near the Target. The place is called Cupcakes & Beyond. As you the selection on the right. The cupcake in the top left corner is a Salted Carmel and that was the best one there.




Margarita Cupcake
 My last adventure with my best friend we went to Crush Cakes in Santa Barbara. Fabulous cupcakes! If you go there on a Friday get a Margarita cupcake, you won't go wrong with that one.

As you can see I have had a lot of fun finding these places. At the beginning I said I'm always looking for new places. So, let me know where I can find some good cupcakes.