W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ June 26, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? I'm reading two books actually. I'm doing a group read with Austenesque Reviews. We are reading Abigail Reynold's new book, Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections. It's a lot of fun reading it with a group! At the same time, it's hard not to read it straight through! Fortunately, the questions are daily, so it's going quickly! There's still time to join us! I'm also reading, Traitor's Knife by E. Kaiser (to be released July 9th). I just started it, so I don't have a feeling about it yet. 

What did I recently finish reading? This week I finished reading One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend both by Monica Murphy. I LOVED both of them! After finishing One Week Girlfriend, I found out there is a sequel (more like a continuation) to it - Second Chance Boyfriend, so I had to read both! 

I also read The Breeders by Katie French. This book was a very different read for me. I think it was the first dystopian book I've ever read. I was looking for a change - to try something new. It was good. I was surprised at how much I liked it. I don't think I will read another one though, but you never know! 

What do I think I'll be reading next? I'm not sure. I think I'll read Dare You To by Katie McGarry. I'm also getting a new Pride and Prejudice variation to read, His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian! Woot! 

What are you reading?

Winner of Pirates and Prejudice!

First, I would like to say THANK YOU to 

Kara Louise for graciously offering to giveaway a copy of her new book

Pirates and Prejudice!

Rafflecopter has picked a winner! 

to:

Heide S.

Thank you to all who entered!

If you didn't win, there is another giveaway going on over at

Austenesque Reviews! 

Hurry, that giveaway ends, June 26th.

Or,

you can buy a copy at Amazon.

Heidi you should have received an email from me.

Update: Annette, please email me. If I don't hear from you soon I will have to choose another winner.

Second update: Annette never emailed me, and I had to choose a new winner. Sorry, Annette. 6/30/13

Review: Lady Harriette by P. O. Dixon

Lady Harriette: Fitzwilliam’s Heart & Soul by P. O. Dixon 

Publication Date: June 6, 2013 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 
Paperback: 208 pages 
Received: e-copy from author 
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

I enjoyed reading Lady Harriette. This Pride and Prejudice spin-off is the third in a series of books. The first two concentrating on Elizabeth and Darcy, while the third concentrates on Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Harriette.

Colonel Fitzwilliam is now married to Lady Harriette and is the master of a large estate. Being a landowner is not all that he expected. Not only is he worried about keeping his young, active bride happy, there is money missing from the estate accounts. He finds running an estate more work than he thought, but he is determined to show he is up for the job, which is proving a difficult task, considering his steward has run off with a large amount of the Colonel’s money! 

Not wanting to burden Lady Harriette with his troubles, Colonel Fitzwilliam keeps them from her.  That proves to be a bad idea since Lady Harriette decides to take matters into her own hands to find out what he is up to. Her actions are very humorous and land them both into trouble! 

I really liked Lady Harriette! She is feisty, to the point, selfish...and she seems like the perfect match for Colonel Fitzwilliam in the same way Lizzy is the perfect match for Darcy. I liked how Elizabeth put it, about herself and the Colonel: “Keeping their haughty spouses rooted in common sensibilities was no small feat.”

And yes, Elizabeth and Darcy are in this book quite a bit. Darcy is helping Colonel Fitzwilliam with his estate, but everything is not smooth sailing for him when his past bad behavior comes back to haunt him.

Although Lady Harriette is the third in the series, I felt it could stand alone. Dixon spent some time retelling important events from the previous two stories so you should not be confused.  

If you’re a fan of Colonel Fitzwilliam, I think you will like Dixon's new book, Lady Harriette!

I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy a copy at Amazon.
Add to goodreads.

Connect with P. O. Dixon:

Facebook
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Pinterest
Website 
Blog

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

Review: Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

Publication Date: May 24, 2013
Publisher: Heartworks Publications 
Paperback: 276 pages 
Received: e-copy from author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Just by the title I knew I would love this story, Pirates and Prejudice. Kara Louise has done it again with another sea faring Pride and Prejudice tale...err variation! I mean who doesn’t love a good pirate story and throw Mr. Darcy in the mix...ok, I’m in love.

Darcy wants nothing more than to be left alone. Upset after Elizabeth refuses his marriage proposal he has withdrawn into London’s seedier side of town. Unkept and drunk, Darcy is mistaken for the notorious Pirate Lockerly, and soon he finds himself on an adventure he'll never forget! 

Instead of going with the Gardiners on a trip to the Lake District, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet are sailing to the Isle of Scilly to visit Mr. Bennet’s gravely ill sister. On their return voyage, their ship becomes caught up on some rocks during a storm. While the crew tries to fix the damage and free the ship from the rocks, the women are rowed over to a deserted island located near by. Unknown to them, there are also pirates on the island. When Elizabeth finds herself in the hands of the real Lockerly, it’s Darcy to the rescue! 

Darcy is a man who claims “disguise of every sort is my abhorrence” finds himself disguised as a pirate. As he struggles to shed his gentlemanly habits, Darcy is reminded  of Elizabeth’s accusation of his un-gentleman-like behavior.

Elizabeth does not recognize Darcy at first. He is introduced to her as Captain Smith. They get along well, and Darcy enjoys being with Elizabeth again. He dreads the day when the truth is revealed, and she goes back to disliking him again. 

Darcy second proposal was lovely. It left me with that warm fuzzy feeling!

Shiver me timbers! I loved the pirate talk and the sword fight scenes! This swash-buckling adventure takes Pride and Prejudice on the high seas! Pirates and Prejudice is a fun read, and one that I will read again and again!

5 out of 5 stars!

I received a copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy a copy at Amazon.
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks




Connect with Kara Louise:

Facebook
Twitter

This completes my tenth selection of the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013 hosted by Austenprose. 


Be sure to read my interview with Kara Louise and enter to win a copy of her new book, Pirates and Prejudice. Clicking here will take you to the interview and the Rafflecopter entry form. There is an extra entry in the Rafflecopter for commenting on this post.

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ June 19, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? I'm currently read One Week Girlfriend: A Novel by Monica Murphy. I'm just barely into it, but it seems like it's going to be good. 

What did I recently finish reading? This week I finished reading A Fair Prospect: Darcy's Dilemma Vol II and AFP: Desperate Measures Vol III both by Cassandra Grafton. Loved them! I also read Crossing the Line by Katie McGarry. It was pretty good. It's a short story, about 67 pages.

What do I think I'll be reading next? I have a book for review called Traitor's Knife by Elizabeth Kaiser to read next. It's a YA fantasy. It looks good. It's the second in a series, and I haven't read the first. It's not out yet, so I don't have a cover picture or a link.

What are you reading?

Author Interview with Kara Louise and GIVEAWAY of her new book!

I’ve had the honor to meet Kara in person a couple of times. The last time we were together (having lunch at D'Arcy's, I might add!), I remember her mentioning a book she was writing with pirates in it....I’m happy to say she did!

Today, it is my privilege to have Kara Louise on my blog. One of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations is Kara's book Darcy's Voyage! She has recently released her new book Pirates and Prejudice. I was thrilled to read it and will have my review posted on Thursday!

**Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win a copy of Pirates and Prejudice!**

Without further ado, please enjoy my interview with Kara Louise:



1. I love that you have written Darcy as a pirate, even if he is just impersonating one! What inspired you to write him as a one?

I actually came up with the very first chapter years ago. I don't know if it was after seeing one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, or even perhaps Disney's Swiss Family Robinson. I put it aside because I didn't know where I was going with it. Last fall I pulled it out and decided to tackle it again. I knew I wasn't going to have Darcy as a real pirate, but I thought having him impersonate one and then end up battling real ones while rescuing Lizzy might have a strong appeal.

2. In the story, Darcy finds it uncomfortable to wear pirate clothing, speak like a pirate - to be un-gentleman like. Did he give you any trouble putting him in that role? Does he warm up to the role?

What I thought was interesting was having to 'retrain' him so that he would behave less like a gentleman, all the while having the constant reminder of Elizabeth's words that he had behaved in such an ungentleman-like manner in his proposal. His manners and speech were so ingrained in him, that he often slipped back to his refined ways, especially when he reacts to something out of surprise or anger. It was fun to write, and as the readers will see, after the adventure is over, he will occasionally revert to his pirate language, but only for Elizabeth to hear.

3. If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as Mr. Darcy?

Can I cheat and say Colin Firth 20 years ago? To me he is the ultimate Mr. Darcy and the one I envisioned as I wrote this. OK, if I can't cheat and put him in a movie because of his age, let me see...Jude Law? He's a little younger, but I guess he's still too old. How about Michael Fassbender? I think he would be great, but although he's younger, he's still a little too old. Ok, I guess I'll have to settle for Henry Cavill. Seems perfect in every way.

4. Besides Pirates and Prejudice, which one of your books is your favorite?

I think Darcy's Voyage, which was originally titled Pemberley's Promise, has a special place in my heart. It was the response I received to that story from so many people that prompted me to look into publishing. It was one of the first I self-published, and then was one of the two picked up by Sourcebooks. I also have a special place in my heart for Master Under Good Regulation. I wrote that book with a copy of Pride and Prejudice open next to me so I could make sure I got everything right. For those who are not familiar with it, it is the story of Pride and Prejudice told through the eyes of Mr. Darcy's dog, an English Springer Spaniel named Reggie. And now that we have our own Reggie, it makes it even more special!

5. Every writer seems to have a different writing process. Some prefer to outline their whole story. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants. Background noise. Perfectly quiet, with no interruptions. What is your writing process?

I don't like a lot of noise, but will occasionally have music playing in the other room. I love music from the 60s and 70s, as well as music from my parents' era. I love some of the good ol' musicals or Frank Sinatra. I also love Mantovanni and his stringed orchestra, plus some classical music. When I'm writing, I don't want anything too wild. I play music from my downloaded iTunes and select 'shuffle' on 'My Favorites' and just let 'em play! As for how I write the story, I don't outline, but I have a general idea of where the story is going. Sometimes I surprise myself as much as anyone else by the direction the story goes. For example, in Pirates and Prejudice, I had no idea Elizabeth was going to hit Darcy in the head with a rock when she saw him coming, thinking he was another pirate. I also prefer to be alone in the house, but that doesn't always happen. Now that I'm retired, though, I have plenty of time at home to get writing done!

6. What's up next for you? Do you have another story in mind?

I have one non-Austen story that I've written 10 chapters for, but I need to go back and readdress some things to make it more compelling. I also have a few chapters written of an Austen sequel/backstory (not Pride and Prejudice) based on a minor character. Because of the way I want to tell it, I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. And, there is also a modern sequel to Drive and Determination, following Gina in a Persuasion based story. As I take some time off from writing now that P&P is published, I'll mull these stories over and decide which one has the greatest appeal, both for me to write, and for readers to read!

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Thanks to everyone for stopping by, and thanks to Candy for hosting me. I hope you will all have a chance to read Pirates and Prejudice. I am offering a paperback copy of Pirates and Prejudice to US readers, or an e-book to International readers. To be eligible for the drawing, fill out the Rafflecopter below. 

Good luck!

Thank you, Kara, for being here today and for your generous giveaway! 

**Please, come back on Thursday to read my review of Pirates and Prejudice!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember, to enter the giveaway you must enter the Rafflecopter above! 

Any thoughts? We'd love to hear from you!

Review: The Rules of Engagement by Jillian Leigh

The Rules of Engagement by Jillian Leigh

Publication Date: May 21, 2013 
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
Received: e-copy from author 
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 


The Rules of Engagement is a delightful, regency romance novella. Leigh spins a humorous tale of how a gentleman meets a lady he would like to marry...the only problem is he’s already engaged! At least that’s what everyone thinks! 

Long ago, to keep ladies looking for a husband away, Hugh Trevalyn made up an imaginary woman whom he told everyone he was engaged to. It was a perfect way to enjoy the company of other women without getting tangled into the marriage web until the day Hugh decides to ask Miss Lucy Meriwether to marry him. Claiming his engagement is no more, Miss Meriwether wants to meet this mysterious woman. In a moment of weakness, he agrees! Now, he must come up with a real person willing to play his ex-fiance! He enlists his dear friend Amelia Grant. 

Ah, Miss Amelia Grant, I loved her! Hugh and Amelia have been friends for so long. They have a natural, comfortable relationship - the best of friends. Amelia is full of common sense, and she's pretty straight forward, telling it as it is. They love to have debates on all subjects, and he is always sending her books.  Amelia, now into her 30s, has turned down a few proposals of marriage, hoping someday she would receive one from Hugh, but now he’s asking her to pretend to be his former betrothal so he can marry another.

When Miss Meriwether wants to meet the man Amelia is newly betrothed to, it gets even more complicated! Hugh enlists his rakish cousin, Aubrey St. Claire, to be that lucky man. But you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out how this comical scheme turns out! 

I really enjoyed The Rules of Engagement! It had me laughing out loud a few times!

4 out of 5 stars!

I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.

Buy a copy at Amazon. 

Add to Goodreads.

Connect with Jillian Leigh:

Website 
Facebook  
Twitter 
Pinterest


Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ June 12, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading?  I am currently reading A Fair Prospect: Darcy's Dilemma by Cassandra Grafton. I love spending time with Elizabeth and Darcy! 

What did I recently finish reading?  This week I finished reading Lady Harriette by P.O. Dixon. I enjoyed reading it. I love Colonel Fitzwilliam! I also read The Rules of Engagement by Jillian Leigh. This was a fun read. I laughed out loud a few times. 

What do I think I'll be reading next? My plan is to read A Fair Prospect: Desperate Measures (Vol. III) by Cassandra Grafton. I hear there is a nice cliff-hanger at the end of Darcy's Dilemma ...so, I'm most likely going to read it right after. I read so many of these Pride and Prejudice variations that I sometimes get them mix up in my head. I had to go back and review Vol. I, Disappointed Hopes (my review) before I started Darcy's Dilemma. 

What are you reading?

Review: Pushing the Limits By Katie McGarry

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Release date: April 30th, 2013 (first published July 31st, 2012) 
Publisher: Harlequin Teen 
Paperback: 416 pages 
Received: I picked up a copy at the LA Festival of Books 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 



So wrong for each other…and yet so right.

 

I really love this story! Pushing the Limits is an intense, emotional ride! Who would have thought a popular girl and a stoner would have so much in common? The system and people they loved have disappointed them. Now, the only ones they can trust are each other.

Echo can’t remember what happen the night she received the horrible scars on her arms, in fact, she can’t remember the whole day, and nobody will tell her. Two years ago she was popular, then her world fell apart, now she's considered a freak by everyone at school.

Noah’s been labeled emotionally unstable since he punched his first foster dad. Going from one foster family to another after his parents died, his experiences haven’t been good ones. Now he’s trying to get his act together so he can get custody of his little brothers after he graduates. 

When their clinical social worker asks Echo to tutor Noah, did she know that’s just what they needed - each other? The attraction between the two is intense, but Echo can’t be seen with him, not if she wants to get back to ‘normal’. Her best friends want her to start hanging out with them again, Luke wants to date again, she has a chance to get her life back. But if she’s seen with Noah she can kiss her chance to be popular again goodbye.  At the same time, Noah is the only one that understands her. 

Noah is a hottie, bad boy! He has a reputation as a stoner and only interested in one-night stands. He’s never felt for anyone the way he feels for Echo. He will do anything for her. I love how protective he is of Echo.

This book is written between Echo’s point-of-view and Noah’s.  I loved that each character has his own font, making it easy to tell which POV the story is coming from. Whole chapters are told from one POV with that person's name as the chapter title. I really liked the flow of this story.

I highly recommend Pushing the Limits! It's an edgy, emotional romance! Make sure you have some tissues handy for this one!

**Warning for some strong language.**

5 out of 5 stars!

My personal copy.

Buy a copy at Amazon.


Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!

W... W... W... Wednesdays ~ June 5, 2013

W... W... W... Wednesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should be Reading. To play along, just answer the following questions:

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you'll read next?

What am I currently reading? I am currently reading Lady Harriette by P. O. Dixon. I'm really enjoying it so far! It is third book in the series, which To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too) is the first. This story is about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Harriette. 

What did I recently finish reading?  This week I read a few books. First, I finished reading Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise. Loved it! I'll have a review up in a couple of weeks. Plus, an interview with Kara and a giveaway! Next, because I couldn't wait any longer to read this, I read and finished Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry. It was so good! I found it to be an edgy, emotional read. I also read, To Have His Cake (and Eat it Too) by P. O. Dixon. A re-read for me. I can't get enough of Mr. Darcy - as you well know! ;)

What do I think I'll be reading next? I think I'll be reading The Rules of Engagement by Jillian Leigh. 

What are you reading?