True to the Highlander by Barbara Longley ~ My Review

True to the Highlander by Barbara Longley 

Publication Date: February 18, 2014 
Publisher: Montlake Romance 
Pages: 338 
Received: e-copy from publisher for my honest review. 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I loved True to the Highlander! In this time-travel romance, a modern day girl finds herself in the Scottish Highlands during the 15th century!

While working at the Renaissance Festival, Alethia Goodsky knew to keep her distance from Madame Giselle, the fortune teller. The old woman always seemed to be watching her. But when Alethia hears crying coming from the fortune teller's tent, compassion gets the better of her, and she goes to see what's the matter.  The old fortune teller spins a tale about someone that she cares about being in trouble, how Alethia has certain gifts and that she would be able to survive anywhere...Alethia soon finds herself in the Scottish Highlands of 1423, and right in the path of Malcolm MacKintosh.

Malcolm was on his way back to Moigh Hall with a group of his men, when they find Alethia alone, without any guardsmen or servants to protect her. He insists she come along with them, and he scoops her up and puts her on his horse. He is not about to leave her alone in the wilderness, especially with the likes of Hugh in their party. Hugh is not to be trusted. But, Alethia is not going to be taken that easily! She has taken self-defense classes and uses some techniques to free herself, taking Malcolm by surprise! It is pretty hilarious! 

Alethia had me laughing with her modern language and independence that baffled and frustrated Malcolm, but he also enjoyed her sharp wit, and he loved to goad her. Soon, she was fitting right in with the MacKintosh clan. Her violin had made the trip with her, and she was able to charm them with her musical abilities. They were also intrigued with the mystery that had brought her to them. With a bit of twisting the truth and “era-blending”, she came up with a story that was believable. 

After being in the Highlands for some time, Alethia was becoming torn as to what century she wants to belong to, and a bit nervous because she did not know when or if Madame Giselle would send her back. She was falling in love with Malcolm. Plus, there was Hunter, a little deaf orphan whom she had begun caring for. He had become her ward. She couldn’t leave them behind, but there was her deaf grandmother in the future, who needed her, and all of her dreams. Alethia was to graduate from Juilliard next spring and was to start working soon after in Los Angeles, working for a Hollywood orchestra that made soundtracks for movies.  Either way, she was in for heartache. 

I love the Scottish accents and those sneaky Scottish marriage laws! You have to be careful because you’ll end up married before you know it! ;)

True to the Highlander is a humorous, time-travel romance! I seriously can’t wait to read the next book in  The Novels of Loch Moigh series, The Highlander’s Bargain, where Robley, Malcolm’s cousin travels to the 21st century!

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

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Against His Will By Nancy Kelley ~ My Review

Against His Will (Brides of Pemberley #3) by Nancy Kelley 

Publication Date: October 22, 2013 
Publisher: Smokey Rose Press 
Pages: 381 
Received: E-copy from the author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 


Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed Against His Will! This story flowed well, and I was drawn in from the beginning and it kept my attention all the way to the end! This is the third of Kelley’s Brides of Pemberley series. After meeting Sebastian in Loving Miss Darcy (my review), I couldn’t wait to read his story in Against His Will, and I was not disappointed!

Sebastian Montgomery has never cared for those of society, but when his grandfather and uncle are killed in a carriage accident he suddenly becomes the new Earl of Lisle, something he never expected or wanted. As the details of the accident become known to Sebastian he begins to suspect foul play, especially after being attacked himself. His service to his country as a spy has trained Sebastian well, and he uncovers many clues as to what happen and who may be responsible. Is someone after his title or are they just out to destroy his family?

Not only is there a mystery to be solved, but there are other matters at hand now that Sebastian is an Earl. He needs to find a wife and produce an heir. His mother has given him an ultimatum, find a wife himself or she will find one for him. Knowing his mother would not give up on this point, he chooses the only lady whom he doesn’t find boring, Kitty Bennet. After spending more time with Kitty, he realizes how well suited to him she is, although he may not love her; he can tolerate her. But after someone uses Kitty to get to Sebastian, he understands he could do more than tolerate her ... he loves her.

I truly loved Kitty in this story! She has improved so much since she is no longer under Lydia’s influence. Sadly, she undervalues herself, and her father’s words “the silliest girl in the kingdom” weighs her down. At one point in the story,  I was crying with Kitty when she thinks she is unworthy of an Earl’s love.

I loved Against His Will! A Regency Romance and a great mystery. I think it’s Nancy Kelley’s best work yet!


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

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The Road to You by Marilyn Brant ~ My Review

The Road to You by Marilyn Brant 

Publication Date: September 29, 2013 
Publisher: Twelfth Night Books 
Pages: 300 
Received: ARC e-copy from author 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


Sometimes the only road to the truth...is one you’ve never taken.

 

I really enjoyed reading The Road to You! It was a pleasure for me to step back in time and take a trip down Route 66 in this coming-of-age romantic mystery! 

When Aurora finds her brother’s journal (her brother and his best friend, Jeremy have been missing and presumed dead for two years now) she turns to the only other person whom she can trust to help her on her quest to find out what happen to them... Donovan. The thing is... Donovan, who is Jeremy’s older brother, is also the last person she wants to be around. He makes her nervous, every nerve in her body comes alive just thinking about him. Together they set off on an adventure with the hope of finding their brothers alive.

I love the chemistry between Aurora and Donovan! Aurora has always been attracted to Donovan, and he’s always felt there was something special about Aurora, but in the past she was too young. Spending so much time on the road together only intensify these feelings, but they need to put them aside to concentrate on the task at hand; finding Gideon and Jeremy.

Donovan, who Aurora calls Mr. Tall, Dark and Intense, is really very sweet and protective of Aurora - even though he’s a tough guy on the outside.

I liked Aurora’s intuition; her ability to read people. She can see much deeper into people than what’s on the surface. (It’s a quality that appeals to Donovan too.) Aurora always felt everyone might be wrong about Gideon; that maybe he was still alive. After all his body was never found, and the investigation ended all-too-soon to Aurora's way of thinking. 

I also loved that The Road to You is set in the late 70’s. Aurora and Donovan are without many of the conveniences we have today, like cell phones, internet and GPS. To do research, they would have to find a library in whatever town they were in and study old newspapers that were stored on microfiche.

It was fun trying to figure out the mystery with the clues in the journal and the information Aurora and Donovan picked up along the way. The Road to You kept me guessing all the way to the end!

I loved The Road to You! I found myself wanting to listen to some of my favorite bands from the 70’s! I definitely would recommend this one!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC e-copy of the book for an honest review.

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The RED Chrysanthemum by Linda Beutler ~ Review and GIVEAWAY!

The RED Chrysanthemum by Linda Beutler 

Publication Date: September 1, 2013 
Publisher: Meryton Press 
Paperback: 304 pages 
Received: paperback from publisher 
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


"Pride and Prejudice" and the language of flowers....

 

LOVED this story!!! The RED Chrysanthemum is a Pride and Prejudice variation that had me hooked from the very beginning! It has quickly moved up to being one of my top favorites! 

What if ...while Elizabeth is touring with the Gardiners, Darcy and Elizabeth have more time together at Pemberley? What if ...when Darcy goes to Lambton to see Elizabeth, the letter she is reading from Jane does not contain the dreadful news of Lydia’s elopement? Allowing them to have a different conversation. Allowing them more time to get to know each other and heal misconceptions. Although, not everything is coming up roses (pun intended), and there are still some misunderstandings to work out. And then, of course, Lydia does run off with Wickham causing more troubles for everyone in concern.

Bingley is a little more astute in this story, and quickly figures out Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth. When he learns of Darcy’s part in separating him from Jane...well, let’s just say I was delighted with the way Bingley began his discussion with Darcy on his part in the matter.

From almost the beginning of this story it evoked emotion in me. From a gentle warmth in my chest when Darcy and Elizabeth were first together in Lambton, to crying with Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds, and at times laughing out loud!  I loved this story! 

For those who care, there are some sex scenes after Darcy and Elizabeth are married. I wouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying this story. I feel you can easily stop reading after they get married, because isn’t the chase the best part?!? Although, you would miss Darcy’s letter to Mrs. Bennet which I found hilarious! 

I thought The RED Chrysanthemum was brilliantly done! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice variations! 

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book for my honest review.

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~ * ~ * ~ GIVEAWAY ~ * ~ * ~

Linda Beutler has generously offer to giveaway one signed copy of 
The RED Chrysanthemum 
to one lucky person! 
Open Internationally! 
Last day to enter is October 21, 2013!

Good luck!

*Note: This is the same Rafflecopter from Linda's guest post page, with a new entry for posting on today's post!

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

*Remember, to enter the giveaway you must fill out the Rafflecopter above!

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.

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Review and GIVEAWAY: A Most Civil Proposal by C. P. Odom

Book Blurb:

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." When Fitzwilliam Darcy spoke these words to Elizabeth Bennet as part of his marriage proposal, they expressed his concealed feelings completely, but their meaning was at odds with the rest of his prideful and arrogant offer of marriage. It was therefore rather easy for Elizabeth to reject his offer in much the same manner. But what if Darcy, never one at ease when trying to speak of inner sentiments, had realized beforehand how his intended proposal would sound to the young woman he hoped to make his bride? What if he had attempted a much more civil and thoughtful proposal of marriage? Could Elizabeth Bennet have coldly and angrily rejected an offer made in such a manner? A Most Civil Proposal, a variation on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," examines and explores how the lives of the two main characters and their families and friends might have turned out differently had Darcy realized his error beforehand and thus avoided being so forcefully instructed and corrected by the love of his life.






Paperback, 302 pages
Published: February 28th 2013 
Meryton Press



My Review:

Loved this story!! As you probably know by now, Pride and Prejudice variations/what-ifs are my favorite stories to read. A Most Civil Proposal is a variation that I am going to have to put into my top 10 favorites!! It’s that good!

What if, Darcy was more thoughtful during his proposal to Elizabeth? What if he took the time to think out his proposal, and write it down on paper before going to the parsonage to make an offer to Elizabeth? Would Elizabeth be more willing to accept him, despite her anger at him for separating Jane and Bingley? And what about her resentment for the way Darcy treated Wickham - could she overcome those prejudices with "a most civil proposal"?

I loved this proposal! Realizing that he becomes so taken with Elizabeth when he is around her that he can’t remember what to say, Darcy prepares himself the night before. He carefully writes down his thoughts. Thankfully, he has his notes with him and can pull them from his pocket to refer to them. (I found it pretty funny that he actually pulls out a “cheat sheet” to propose!) I loved seeing the stoic Darcy become so rattled!

I also loved this Bingley!! When learning that Jane has been in London (something I’ve always wanted to happen! Thank you, Odom!), he immediately goes to her. After being cautions and unsure of himself in the past, he realizes now he needs to be quick and get right to the point. It’s a lovely scene. Oh, and he is not too happy with Caroline for not telling him Jane was in London. Bingley finally grows a backbone, without losing his sweetness.

I did feel that Darcy and Elizabeth rush a little too quickly to the altar, and Elizabeth was a little too agreeable on that matter. In my humble opinion, I felt that waiting a few weeks would have been better. 

I would highly recommend A Most Civil Proposal for your reading pleasure, especially if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice spin-offs!

**Warning: I would rate this mature for adult content**

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy the book for my honest review.

Buy your copy at Amazon. (Disclaimer: Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link I will receive a small commission.)

To learn more about the author, you can read an interview with C. P. Odom at Leatherbound Reviews! You can also read more about him at More Agreeably Engaged!

A Most Civil Proposal completes my 5th selections of the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013 hosted by Austenprose.

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Update! If you look at the comments below, Michele Reed from Meryton Press has graciously offered to giveaway one Free Trade Paperback copy of A Most Civil Proposal to one lucky commentor! How awesome it that!! This giveaway is open Internationally. The last day to enter is April 1, 2013.
Please, leave an email or twitter name so we can contact the winner!

Good luck everyone!!

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

Review & Giveaway: Attempting Elizabeth by Jessica Grey

Amazing! That’s the word I would use to describe Attempting Elizabeth! I truly loved this story! I felt it had a fun uniqueness about it. I loved the whole novel jumping aspect of the story, but there was much more to it than that...I don’t know if I can say anything about it without giving anything away. But I will give it a try!

Kelsey Edmundson is going through a rough spot in her life. She recently broke up her with boyfriend and would rather stay home and read her favorite novel, Pride and Prejudice, but her best friend Tori Mansfield has different ideas. Tori drags Kelsey to a club for the evening where she meets Mark Barnes, a hot Aussie with an amazing accent. Unfortunately, Kelsey is stand-offish, bordering on rude to Mark. After that night, they are thrown together a couple of times and Kelsey is always awkward, and the two cannot have a conversation that doesn’t end up badly. Kelsey is really attracted to Mark and wonders why she can’t just act normal around him!

Feeling like a total idiot, Kelsey retreats back home and to her favorite book where the strangest thing happens, she falls asleep reading and wakes up in Pride and Prejudice as Georgiana Darcy! She is there quite a bit before she learns how to get back out of the book. Soon, Kelsey begins jumping in and out of Pride and Prejudice hoping to become Elizabeth Bennet.

  

I could really identify with Kelsey. I loved her experiences while she’s in the book, and how she grows from them. I also liked how Mark questions her, and how he pushes her to think about herself; whom she is. And in the end she finds herself and maybe even love.

I found it so interesting that the roles were reversed here, Kelsey is more like Darcy with her awkwardness and stand-offish ways and Mark was more like Elizabeth, smart, fun and gorgeous! Ok, Elizabeth has fine eyes, but I couldn't resist saying gorgeous because that describes Mark.  

Grey has a gift for storytelling! Attempting Elizabeth is a fun, cute modern Austenesque novel. This is the second book I have read of hers. In Awake, she put a unique spin on Sleeping Beauty (read my review here).

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

Buy a copy here. (Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link I will receive a small commission.)

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Attempting Elizabeth completes my second selection on the P&P Bicentenary Challenge! 

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, Jessica Grey is giving away 2 e-book copies of Attempting Elizabeth! Yay! To be the winner of 1 copy you need to fill out the Rafflecopter form below! The last day to enter is February 3, 2013. 
 Good luck! 

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Review: Unmasking Maya By Libby Mercer

Book Blurb:

Defamed, Disgraced and Displaced...

Fresh from a career-killing scandal, New York fashion girl, Maya Kirkwood, arrives in San Francisco to reinvent herself as a fine artist. She's offered the opportunity to create an installation at the Silicon Valley headquarters of a hot new tech company. Fabulous, right?

Not so much.

She can't stand Derek Whitley - wunderkind software genius and CEO of the company. Hot as he may be on the outside, inside the man is a cold, unemotional, robotic type. Way too left-brained for her right-brained self.

As Maya and Derek get to know each other, however, their facades begin to crack. She catches her first glimpse of the man behind the superhuman tech prodigy, and he starts to see her as the woman she used to be. But is this a good thing? Once that last secret is revealed, will it bring them closer together or will it tear them apart?

My Review:

I loved, loved, loved this book! This is the first story I’ve read by Libby Mercer, and it won’t be my last! Unmasking Maya has everything I love about a good romance! And I found that I really love Libby Mercer’s writing style.

Maya Kirkwood is an artist, who is trying hard to build a new career and to forget her past career as a fashion designer. With a new name, in a new city, living in a studio apartment, she designs amazing wall art out of fabrics. When she is commissioned to do some art work by Derek Whitley for his company, Unisco, she finds herself strongly attracted to Derek, but the last thing she needs is to get involved with another overly ambitious man who would do anything, or step on anyone, to get to the top. 

I loved Derek Whitley! He reminded me of Mr. Darcy. He has that air of superiority, and he is intense and oh so incredibly handsome. Derek and Maya don’t get off to a good start when he insults her artwork before he knows she's the artist! Stunned by his comments, she can't understand why he would hire her. His friends tell Maya that Derek has not always been so up-tight and driven by his work, and Maya finds out she’s not the only one with a difficult past. 

Derek is always cold and distant toward Maya, but when trouble shows up the night of the unveiling of new the wing at Unisco, Derek is right by her side like a knight in shining armor. As her past is unmasked in front of him, will he believe the worst of her the way everyone else does?

I loved that Unmasking Maya is written in the first person from Maya’s point-of-view. I felt like my best friend was telling me something that happened to her. 

If you’re looking for a cute, fun, quirky romance, I would highly recommend Unmasking Maya.

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of Unmasking Maya for my honest review.

Buy a copy here.

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