Dear readers, you might have noticed of late that I have not been blogging much. The spring was really hard on me. Lots of drama, lots of change. Just lots. I won't bore you with details, I'm sure that's enough said. However, things are looking up and I am looking forward to some R and R time.

I remember last summer I reminded myself that there is lots to do and enjoy--a walk in the park, a good book, time with friends, a relaxing bath. And there is still all of that to enjoy, and I fully intend to pamper myself. I've earned it. I'm sure you have too, so please don't forget to take care of yourself.

The trouble is, I think everyone these days is time poor. Everyone is running around trying to get stuff done. You work, then you run around to events with friends, appointments, errands like groceries, Wal-mart visits for household essentials, and then you take the kids to a birthday party, or perhaps if you don't have kids you're going out to play tennis or see a concert or whatever. Maybe like a friend of mine you are in a wedding party and somehow being someone's bridesmaid is taking up all of your spare time.

Time for you to simply be
Picture not my own work

My point is, our lives are busy. When do we ever sit back and soak up the sun? Or walk along the beach? Or just sleep in? I mean, I barely noticed that the trees were in bloom this year and the next thing I knew they all had green leaves! Why didn't I notice that happening? My mind was too busy so I know it's time to slow down, breathe deep and just relax. Read books. Watch the clouds and birds and just be for a little while.

Guess what? It's okay to just be. To do nothing. Or what seems like nothing. It's healthy to spend time alone. It's good to take a break from the rush of doing, going, and just be still for a little while. Be with yourself instead of being swept along by things that likely can wait, or that maybe you just say no to.

So, R and R. That's my plan because it's long past time I put me first. I think, as a result, you'll see more book reviews.

Happy Reading,

Jewels

Last summer I picked up this novel at a flea market and I put it aside and have only now read it. And my goodness, what a breath of fresh air! I did initially feel as though this romance was a bit bodice ripper--you have a determined hero who intends to claim his bride, a heroine who is defiant and bold and sort of naive in some ways, not to mention equally determined not to be claimed. Even the language and setting give you the impression that this is a bodice ripper but then I realized it published way after that romance era.

Series: The Medieval Plantagent, #3
My Rating: 5 ❀'s
Genre: Historical Romance
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I'm not complaining though, it's evident the author took a great deal of time with her work, and I appreciated the consistency of the characters and the history woven into the story. Plus, I like something a little different. Sometimes historicals all start to feel the same, and a good medieval romance is right up my alley. The writing style is more descriptive, the story built up to and detailed and I liked that this wasn't some easy breezy read.

Rosamond is an interesting character, bold, defiant, strong willed, and I certainly can admire a woman who is not a doormat. It does take Rod some convincing to get her to agree to marry him after all, even if they are betrothed. And Rosamond goes with objections to the alter, but I think ultimately she married him because she knew he was exactly the man she needed. The marriage, like the courtship is a rocky one as war breaks out and Rosamond and Rod find themselves diverging on politics and family. Rosamond certainly makes questionable choices and decisions throughout the novel that lead to misunderstandings between her and her husband, but I think it made the romance all the more engaging as they always came together for a romp in the hay leaving those problems behind them, at least momentarily.

I really liked Rod. Level headed, intelligent, patient, he was Rosamond's match because he was just as strong willed but much more practical too. I was surprised sometimes by his mine attitude--he doesn't go around growling it during love scenes or acting like some crazed possessive alpha, but it's very clear that he has staked a claim on Rosamond and has no intention of not marrying her--or keeping her as his wife. At first I wondered if this would led to those grey area bodice ripper scenes, but as I've said, this is in no way a bodice ripper, and I loved that Rod wanted Rosamond willing and loving and never sought to dominate her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this author. I've not read her before, nor did I know this novel was one in a series, but I don't think that much matters in this case. An engrossing romance for this reader, I'll be hunting more novels by Virginia Henley.

Happy Reading, 

Jewels

I really have to thank a friend for this recommendation. I totally love this steampunk series! I love the blend of the historical and paranormal elements in this sub-genre. The cover is totally deceiving however, it makes me think of a woman who is fighting vampires at night or investigating mysterious murders, but the novel's heroine is like nothing the image on the cover conjures. At least, for me.

Series: London Steampunk, #1 
My Rating: 4 ❀'s
Genre: Urban Fantasy
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The heroine, Honoria, is practically killing herself trying to eke out a living that will help support her family, which consists of her sister and ailing brother. They are practically destitute as the money they make hardly covers the essentials of rent and food, and then there is the doctor's bills to add in. Honoria however, is too proud to become a blood slave, even when it becomes apparent that Blade might not give her much of a choice.

I loved Blade. He was a real gentleman, but there was also roughness to him, and he let everyone see that roughness by flinging his cockney speech in their faces. Or rather, in Honoria's. I liked the blend of his character, the hard edges and the good heart and noble intentions. He seemed bigger than life and very dominating, yet he was down to earth and likable. I have to admit, both he and Honoria are hard to describe. There are so many layers to them.

There would be layers to characters who live in this world. It's a dark, gritty London filled with Drainers, blue bloods and vampires. The society is based upon the upper class of England, but is different since all the aristocrats are blue bloods, which means they'll eventually be vampires. And vampires are very bad, very vile things. Honoria is struggling to hide herself from the blue bloods, and Blade is the only one who can offer her protection--as his blood slave.

The novel is perfectly paced, drawing you immediately. You want to know more about Honoria, you want to know more about the world, and soon enough you're totally immersed in this society, especially since Blade and Honoria heat up the pages even before they heat up the pages. They clash, they confide in one another, they flirt, and they fight. It makes for perfect romance. Plus there's action so the novel is one is that always keeps you turning the pages.

I'm curious about the rest of this series.I hope to read more from this author soon.

Happy Reading,

Jewels

I decided recently it was time to return to Gansett Island. This series has provided me with easy to read sweet romance and so far I've not been too disappointed with the novels. The story features the romance of yet another McCarthy brother and the heat level did not disappoint. Nor did the hero, who was known to shun relationships and wanted nothing to do with relationships.

Series: Gansett Island, #5 
My Rating: 3.5 ❀'s
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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I'm going to be totally honest and say that while I enjoyed this story, it was a little light and fluffy for me. The couple are great together, and Grant is clearly a charmer, and he certainly charmed me as well as the heroine, Grace. But I think a lot more could have been explored in this novel and simply wasn't.

For instance, Grace had been a "fat"girl all her life and had chosen to under go lap band surgery to help her change her entirely. I was at first anticipating that the story would involve a lot of uncertainty because of this history, and possibly doubt in regards to the romance with a knockout looker McCarthy. I thought there was potential for good, raw emotion but the story didn't really pivot around this, which is fine. I just think a huge opportunity was missed in regards to exploring body image and what it means to be beautiful.

I suppose the second thing that made this novel fall a little short for me was there was no real bump in the road for this couple. They come together quite naturally, the sizzle builds, each of them is willing for this to be a fling of sorts, but each falls more and more in love until there is no way that they can't be together, even in spite of some minor obstacles in their way, which are quickly resolved. I felt as though they needed to earn the HEA a little more. A little more drama was needed to made this really devastating.

However, overall the novel is quite polished, the pace is good, the heat level zings and the characters are all well formed and likable. We see some of the other couples and their lives now, and get more set up for later books. A sweet romance, some teasing about Laura and Owen and Tiffany and a hot cop, and the novel is wrapped up with a HEA that will likely leave you smiling. A perfect summer read, so do give this novel a read.

Happy Reading,

Jewels

Love historicals? Well, you probably know that I do! I recently read The Daring Duke, the first in its series, and I have to say, I loved it! Historicals are easy for me to love, but this was different from a lot of historicals I've read.

Series: 1797 Club, #1
My Rating: 4 ❀'s
Genre: Historical Romance
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I like a heroine who is a wallflower, as it's not only the outgoing, sassy ladies who deserved a HEA. And I really loved Emma. She came from such appalling parents and yet had integrity and goodness. She was content to be herself and live more simply if necessary instead of turning herself into a gold digger. She didn't really want to be interested in the Duke of Abernathe, James, but she couldn't help herself. And  yet, she didn't reach for him either.

Naturally that means he was seeking her out. James never intended to marry out of spite for his own father's awful treatment. I'm not sure I've encountered a heroine and hero who have both had such awful parents, but their backgrounds connected Emma and James. James was drawn to Emma, a woman who seemed uninterested in him and yet spoke her mind instead of simpering like all the other women in his experience. In an effort to better Emma's marketability as a bride, and to throw the husband hunt off his trail, James begins a flirtation with Emma. Once that ends up quiet sensuality.

Yeah, these two can burn up the pages. And that's always good. I love the way Jess Michaels blends erotic scenes with such sizzle as well. The more these two flirt and indulge in one another, the more they are drawn together until circumstances require they become engaged. I loved the plot twist that necessitated this as it threw James into the role of the white knight, and I love that Emma yields to the plan and to other activities, even though she is afraid of what their future might look like.

Which is happy, as you might guess. I can totally recommend this as a read you'll burn through, and that will burn you up.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Reading,

Jewels