Smutty Saturdays: Star Crossed Seduction

Smut Level: MEDIUM :)

By: Jenny Brown

Publisher: Avon
Release Date:  August 30, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Night Owl Reviews

A beautiful thief has stolen the heart of the one man in London whose secrets are as dangerous as her own . . .
Shrewd and wily, pickpocket Temperance Smith needs no man’s favor to survive on London’s unforgiving streets—even when she’s caught red-handed by an officer of the hated dragoons.

On leave from India to find a proper bride in London, Captain Miles Trevelyan is easy prey for a seasoned pickpocket like Temperance. But when the dazzling thief steals first his wallet, then his heart, his pursuit throws them into a deadly world of treason and betrayal that will force them to question everything they know about love, loyalty, and desire. For there can be no middle ground for these two stormy-tempered Scorpios entangled in the star-crossed romance that threatens to destroy them both . . .

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Star Crossed Seduction is a historical romance unlike anything I have yet to read. This is the second book in the new astrology historical romance series by Jenny Brown and while I think the whole concept is interesting, I felt a little confused. But let me start at the beginning…

I have always been interested in astrology. No, this does not mean the stars, that’s astronomy, I get confused with the two all the time. This story has many facets, astrology being a major part of one. It’s a romance, obviously, historical between a pick-pocketer lady from noble lineage and an officer of the King’s army (screams forbidden romance) now add in the mystery of stolen item, betrayal of the worst kind, fights for freedom, and conspiracy’s galore… that’s what Star Crossed Seduction is about!

I thought everything I mentioned above was interesting enough, I liked the romance, I liked the mystery, and I loved the lack of trust that turned as desires grew. What I didn’t like as much was the astrology part, yes it pulled the story together and yes it was interesting, but towards the end it just got so cryptic and too much detail with the seventh moon rising in the Venus and blah blah. That, along with the legit historical language of the book, created a bit of confusion for me.

Still I really liked the characters and the backstory, and even the way they come together. It was cute and exactly what I needed.

My Review in a Tweet:

If you are for a different historical romance that has some mystery and conspiracy themes to it, this is the book for you! Even more so if you love horoscopes :)

Ratings:

Plot Development: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Characters: 8/10 
Pace: 7/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Ease of Reading: 5/10

 

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Book Review : Guarding a Notorious Lady

It's time for my new meme... 

Smutty Saturdays!

 Book Smut Level is: MEDIUM ;)

By: Olivia Parker

Publisher: Avon Books
Date Released: May 31, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: Netgalley

Exquisite trouble . . .
A woman of pristine breeding, Lady Rosalind Devine is also an unrepentant meddler and snoop— which is why her brother refuses to leave her to her own devices while on his wedding trip. But Rosalind will not make things easy for any unseen, unwanted “nursemaid”—and vows to use her considerable wiles to expose her mystery guardian.
Nicholas Kincaid, the Marquess of Winterbourne, agreed to secretly guard his friend’s spoiled, stubborn sister, though her infuriating penchant for mischief is causing him to question his decision. Though bound by the rules of society—and friendship— Rosalind’s spirit and sensuality have sparked a fierce desire in Nicholas to play a very different role in her life, one that entails passion, ecstasy . . . and unavoidable scandal.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I have to say I really really liked the first book in this series, it was kind of like the Bachelor meets historical romance. I enjoyed this book as well, but was expecting so much more from it, because of how much I liked Rosalind as a secondary character. She was still an awesome character no doubt, actually Olivia's characters are all some of my favorites, but I felt like the plot didn't have as much romance as I wanted. I wasn't really buying it.

And the ending felt a little rushed. I was like okay this happens and obviously is meant to keep them apart a little longer, till feelings are sorted, but then all of a sudden, everyone understand each other, they are in love and we are done!

Overall though, it was an awesome journey, and like Olivia's other work (which I HIGHLY recommend but have not reviewed), it was witty, sexy, and just plain delightful.

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Uniqueness: 3/5
Characters: 3/5


Similar Titles:

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Book Review : The Taming of the Rake

It's time for my new meme... 

Smutty Saturdays!

Book Smut Level is: MEDIUM ;)

By: Kasey Michaels

Publisher: HQN Books (July 26th 2011)
Date Read: June 4, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley

Meet the Blackthorn brothers— Three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love.

Charming, wealthy and wickedly handsome, Oliver "Beau" Blackthorn has it all…except revenge on the enemy he can't forget. Now the opportunity for retribution has fallen into his hands. But his success hinges on Lady Chelsea Mills–Beckman—the one woman with the power to distract him from his quest.

Desperate to escape her family's control, Lady Chelsea seizes the chance to run off with the notorious eldest Blackthorn brother, knowing she's only a pawn in his game. But as Beau draws her deep into a world of intrigue, danger and explosive passion, does she dare hope he'll choose love over vengeance?

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

Of all the romance novels, I must say the historical genre is my favorite. Thanks to Isa at BookSoulmates, I have been reading many of these lately. And yes they do all follow some general guidelines, such as: the hero is usually dashing, brooding, and opposed to marriage and there is so much tension and stolen moments until the hero and heroine REALLY get together. Still, they are all so different.

In The Taming of the Rake, our hero is dashing, brooding, and opposed to marriage (SURPRISE) but unlike other story lines, there is not as much "does he, does she love me?." It really is a ROMANCE novel, they build a friendship, a trust, a loving union. They have conversations and yes the kisses are forbidden and hot, but there are also many sweet and tender moments as well. AND there is stories and mysteries, outside of the romantic plot line, that just kept me reading it all in one sitting!

Also, can I just say YAY for independent girls! Chelsea is one fierce woman. I also really enjoyed seeing Beau, before he became a "rake," though he is really one of the tamest rakes I have read about. I loved them together, seriously one of my favorites.

This story is one of the most realistic historical fiction romances I have read, in the romance aspect and with the old language... which I will admit threw me off a little at first. But I can't describe to you how much I liked this book, so to sum it up....

My Review in a Tweet: Kasey Michael's story had me tripping, falling head over heels in love with not only Beau but the whole Blackborn family. Definitely some of my favorite rakes and I can't wait to read more about them!

Ratings:

Plot: 4/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 5/5


Similar Titles:

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Book Review : The Vespertine

Book: The Vespertine
Author: Saundra Mitchell

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Date Published: March 7, 2011
Pages: 293
Source: Galley
Date Read: May 7, 2011

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Summary Taken from Goodreads

Yani's Review:

I am a fan of historical romantic fiction, so I expected to really like this book. I didn't. Don't get me wrong, the premise was intriguing and the male lead was -like all good male leads- swoon-worthy, but I just didn't click with it.

This is going to sound a lot like complaining, but first I will tell you the things I didn't like:

1. the old style writing - this usually doesn't bother me but mixed in with the paranormal (or is mythical?) aspects, I didn't know what was up and what as as down, what was real and what wasn't. I had to reread a lot of parts over and over again.
2. Chapter 1 is really like a prologue, and then I realized that its jumping from past to present. Combined with what I wrote as #1, this led to more confusion.
3. Very slow to pick up, I swear I almost dropped (stopped reading) the book like three times before things finally started happening.

What might have saved the book:

1. The last 1/4 of the book picked up quickly and the plot thickened as you would say and that is when I finally got hooked into the story.
2. Nathaniel - so intriguing and dark, and he has special gifts!

 Throughout the book there where many things I liked as well, but I feel like my confusion didn't allow me to love the book as I should. With such a different background and the historical aspect this should have been a Epic read for me, instead it just good. Still I probably will pick up the sequel, though I won't be knocking down doors to get it.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5
Writing Style: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5

Similar Titles:
none ?

Memorable Quotes:

Review: Between Shades of Gray

Book: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel Books
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Pages: 352
Source: ARC Tour 
Thanks Good Golly Miss Holly
Date Read: April 4, 2011

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously—and at great risk—documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

Yani's Analysis:
After I wrote this review I realized it was less of a book review and more of a discussion. Either way my thoughts where brought on by this book: the topic, the characters, and the writing. So I am leaving it at that.

When I was younger we read the Diary of Anne Frank in school and I became obsessed that such evil can exist in this world. I began to read anything WWII related: After the War Carol Matas, Number the Stars Lois Lowry. I even made my parents take me to the Holocaust museum in New York. Yes, my obsession was frightening, but I didn't want to ignore human cruelty, I wanted to learn all I could about it. Humanity is so complex.

The moment I heard about this book the comparisons began. It is hard with books with topics such as these to fictionalize and create realistic and relatable characters, but Ruta did just that with the main character Lina. Told in present tense with certain paragraphs about the past and reference to the future being brought up... Like when she is taken and she says she didn't realize that would be the last time she looked in a mirror for almost a decade. That moment I was affected and by page 31 I was crying.

It's funny how so many books now are based on possible future evils, dystopian and sci-fi, that society or the government causes and we just forget that humanity has let this evil occur before. I don't mean for this to be a political discussion, but this book reminds me that history repeats itself. And while we read these dystopian books for fun, a little part of me always thinks which one will be out future? And even in these worlds where evil occurs there will always be people like Lina, who fight to keep themselves human, even when other do not act that way.

That is the power of books such as these, we find truth and comfort that even in a time as this, there are those that risk everything to help one another. I really enjoyed this book, it was a little slow, but every second was powerful and heart wrenching. You don't hear much of the plight of Stalin's victims, usually its just Hilter's victims and that is a shame. Thank you Ruta for giving the world this book.


Ratings:

Plot: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Characters: 5/5


Other Memorable Quotes:

"I pictured a rug being lifted and a huge Soviet broom sweeping us under it."

Review: Invisible Things

Update 1/3/2010: Just found out this is a sequel, still from what I have read of this book, the author's style is not to my liking. I probably will not read the first one, but if you were a fan of The Explosionist, I think you will enjoy the story progression of Invisible Things.

Book: Invisible Things (The Explosionist #2)

Author: Jenny Davidson

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 272

Book Received from Star Book Tours

Date Read: 12/19/10 - 12/22/10

From Amazon:
Sixteen-year-old Sophie knows there is more to the story of her parents' death. And she's on a mission to find the truth. To aid her in solving the decades-old mystery, Sophie has enlisted her best friend, Mikael, whose friendship has turned into something more. It's soon clear that Sophie's future is very much wrapped up in the details of her family's past, and the key lies with information only one man can provide: her parents' former employer, the elusive billionaire Alfred Nobel.  As the threat of war looms in Europe, dangers to Sophie and her loved ones grow. While her determination to solve the mystery doesn't waver, forces beyond her control conspire to keep her from her purpose. Then, news of her great-aunt Tabitha's death sets off a chain of events that leaves Sophie questioning everything.

The more Sophie learns, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—in her life is what it seems. And coming to terms with the dark secrets she uncovers means imagining a truth that she never dreamed possible. Full of gorgeous settings, thrilling adventure, and romance, invisible things is a novel that dares to ask, what if?

Yani's  Analysis:

"What if" is not the question of this book. Its more like just "What???" When I first started reading I kept looking around and going to the front to see if I had skipped something. Still, even after having completed the book I felt like there are many unanswered questions and not the good kinds that make you anxious to read the sequel. Maybe I had too much expectation for what seemed like a unique and thrilling storyline as it is described above. First, there was no mission, things happened to Sophie, she did not make anything happen. Second, while Mikael is her love interest I did not feel his back story as a best friend was formed. Also, for being mentioned in the synopsis I thought there would be a little more love or flirting going on between them, but alas nothing ::sigh::

You could tell from her writing style that Jenny Davidson is very intelligent. I usually love books that are witty and so well versed, but her writing style just irked me. The story is slow to pick up, confusing, vocabulary is foreign, and the back and forth between memories and her current thoughts just made me want to pull out my hair. Still, the novel had some good moments. Female power and all that good stuff was included, plus relevant issues on what is right and wrong when a country is at war... see below for a great quote on that topic.

Overall though, there was too much left unsaid. Like what was the point of the supernatural element? What exactly is the agency her aunt ran? What does legation mean? These thoughts consumed me even after I put down the book. And while I love a good open ending that leads to a sequel, this is one sequel I won't be picking up.

Ratings:

Plot: 3/5

Writing Style: 2/5

Characters: 3/5

Uniqueness: 4/5

Memorable Quotes:

"But there was kind of a hypocrisy, wasn't there, in congratulating oneself on not having to assent to such things while simultaneous benefiting from living in a world where espionage and even assassination might be the only way for one's country to maintain it's independence."