Finnikin of the rock - Melina Marchetta

At the age of nine, Finnikin's world is shattered by the five days of the unspeakable: the royal family of Lumatere is brutally murdered, an imposter seizes the throne, and a curse binds all who remain inside the kingdom's walls. Those who escape are left to roam as exiles. 

Ten years later, Finnikin and his mentor, Sir Topher, are summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young novice with a startling claim: Balthazar, the heir to the throne of Lumatere and Finnikin's childhood friend, is alive, and she can lead Finnikin to him. Even as he suspects this arrogant young woman, Finnikin also begins to believe that Lumatere might one day be raised. 

My thoughts:

Hype. Yes hype. Everyone told me that this was the best book ever. So was it? Nope, it was good, I could enjoy it, but nowhere near best ever. Best fantasy ever, HA, no. Best YA fantasy? Not even that.

I also felt like it did not know where to stand. Shall I be YA, or try to be adult? SO SO much rape. But almost no violence, before you say anything, stop, I say almost no violence for a book with that much talk about rape.

And that last big fight scene, the book's war. Omg, pathetic. 2 pages where nothing was described. Give me a war, give me death, blood destruction, make me feel. Now it felt like they rode in and in a second everyone won.

And then there was more talk about rape.

Finnikin, well him I could like. He felt the hardship, he wanted more for their people. But what to do.

Evanjelin, omg, I did not like her. Arrogant and unlikable.

And then there was more talk about rape.

It was a journey book. They went on a journey, and then the book ended and everyone was happy for now.

A leader should be kind, and yes ruthless at times. But still nope, I can't see that person as a ruler. Not as a good ruler.

Conclusion:

It was good, simple, but omg so much rape talk. I get it, you all suffered! But give me some brutality against men too then.

Read more? Sure I could, but please not another 400 page rape book. And there are better fantasy books there, so book 2 can wait. Also, please no win a  war in 2 pages *eye roll*

Cover

Meh

Paperback, 401 pages
Published August 9th 2011 by Candlewick Press (first published September 29th 2008)
Lumatere Chronicles #1
Fantasy YA
Own

The Stepsister Scheme - Jim C.Hines

You know how all those old fairy tales take you through lots of scary adventures till you finally reach that inevitable line: "And they lived happily ever after..." Guess what? It's not true. Life in never-never land isn't all sweetness and light. Cinderella - whose real name is Danielle Whiteshore (nee Danielle de Glas) - does marry Prince Armand. And (if you can ignore the pigeon incident) their wedding is a dream-come-true.

But not long after the "happily ever after," Danielle is attacked by her stepsister Charlotte, who suddenly has all sorts of magic to call upon. And though Talia - otherwise known as Sleeping Beauty - comes to the rescue (she's a martial arts master, and all those fairy blessings make her almost unbeatable), Charlotte gets away.

That's when Danielle discovers a number of disturbing facts: Armand has been kidnapped and taken to the realm of the Fairies; Danielle is pregnant with his child; and the Queen has her very own Secret Service that consists of Talia and Snow (White, of course). Snow is an expert at mirror magic and heavy-duty flirting.

Can three princesses track down Armand and extract both the prince and themselves from the clutches of some of fantasyland's most nefarious villains? 

My thoughts:

I am glad I finally read this Hines series cos this was funny. And it was fantasy! And it was fairytales.

Danielle aka Cinderwench aka Cinderella finally got her prince. And all is well. Well for a time.

Danielle was sweet, she was nice, she was nicer than I would have been, but hey she could throw a punch (not always literally) too.

Armand her prince, well he was not in it a lot since the poor bastard got himself kidnapped. Silly men always getting kidnapped so the women has to do the dirty work.

Talia aka sleeping beauty has a chip on her shoulder, but sure is good at her job.

Snow White, is a flirt, but great with magic.

Together these three must find Armand. Kick some butts. Meet some fairies. Meet some baddies and see if they can fix that Happily Ever after.

Conclusion:
Totally reading more of these. 

Cover

nice

Mass Market Paperback, 344 pages
Published January 6th 2009 by DAW
Princess #1
Fantasy
own

Urban fantasy Tuesday: Thorn Queen and Dark Alchemy

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why.

Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature. . .

My thoughts:

I do think I liked this one better than book 1, with book 1 I liked it, but it never packed a punch. This one was better, but of course those things that I did not really care for where still here, but here they did not bother me for some reason.

Let's start with the love triangle. Now I do not really see it as a love triangle anymore. Sure she is dating Kiyo. All is well. But every time she meets Dorian she goes all dang! And who can blame her, Dorian sounds like sex on a stick, wile Kiyo is so boring. Not to mention about to become a father to a fairy queen's kid. Eh. Maybe they both are wrong for you. She will surely end up with Kiyo in the end, but at the moment he bores me, he turned into the nice guy. While King Dorian is mmmm, and that dark side of his, mmmmmmm.

The smexy scenes I skim, who cares, get to the real action!

She is queen . So lots of things to deal with there.

There is one part that I wish that had not been there...why? Really why?!

Conclusion:

All in all it was good. I wish she would just kill her sister, and I will totally read more.

Cover

ok

Mass Market Paperback, 374 pages
Published August 1st 2009 by Zebra (first published July 13th 2008)
Dark Swan, #2
Urban fantasy
Own

Geologist Petra Dee arrives in Wyoming looking for clues to her father's disappearance years before. What she finds instead is Temperance, a dying Western town with a gold rush past and a meth-infested present. But under the town's dust and quiet, an old power is shifting. When bodies start turning up - desiccated and twisted skeletons that Petra can't scientifically explain - her investigations land her in the middle of a covert war between the town's most powerful interests. Petra's father wasn't the only one searching for the alchemical secrets of Temperance, and those still looking are now ready to kill. Armed with nothing but shaky alliances, a pair of antique guns, and a relic she doesn't understand, the only thing Petra knows for sure is that she and her coyote sidekick are going to have to move fast, or die next. 

My thoughts

I can't decide whether this was a 2 or 3. Yesterday it felt like a 3 for the reason that if the library got book 2 I'd read it. Today I am more like, if the library got book I would just say meh. I'd say 2,5 then, but give it a 2. Because I do not really want to read more. I could just leave it like this and be fine with it.

Petra come to Temperance to find her dad. She meets a coyote. I never got if the coyote is magical or not. She makes friends. She does not do much for her work, the reason why she officially is there. She meets a hunky weird guy. She finds a few corpses.

There is a bad Rancher, a real asshole. There is a bad alchemist, I never really got him,

There are strange...stuff.

Conclusion:

So all in all...meh? Yeah meh. I still read it and all, I was never omg, boring! But still, meh.

c over

meh

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published April 28th 2015 by Harper Voyager Impulse
Dark Alchemy #1
Urban fantasy
Own

Vigilante - Shelley Harris

Jenny Pepper never expected to end up like this. Tired of her job and the domestic grind, and bewildered by her teenage daughter, one night Jenny stumbles into a vigilante rescue. Suddenly her world is exciting again - and she's a hero. In the costume, she can be anyone she wants. And so her secret life begins. But when a real villain appears, Jenny's need for adventure begins to cost her dearly. As she starts to see less and less clearly through the mask, she finds her fantasy life becoming frighteningly real.

We all want to be extraordinary, and we all have a moment in our lives when we realise that we're not. Vigilante is about a woman who refuses to accept it gracefully... 

My thoughts:

Jenny is a 40ish mum who is bored. Bored with daily life in the bookstore she manages (even though she loves books!). Bored that she and her husband never goes anywhere. Worried about her teenage daughter who is drifting away from her. She is a normal woman, doing normal things.

But then the book takes a turn when she helps someone. And then maybe she could help more? Oh Jenny. Sure, yes good that you saved people, but that is so dangerous. Vigilantism is, oh I am torn. She helps people, but well I do not have to tell you how hurt she can get. The mask wont hell you there.

Then the book took another suspenseful turn as something bad is going on in town.

But, it was a good book. Jenny was just so normal, in a good way, just like anyone of us. Except that she sure makes her own story exciting. 

Cover

ok

Hardcover, 288 pages
Published January 8th 2015 by W&N
Library
Fiction

Book Discussion: Katrina, The beginning

This month Carole and I will be discussing "Katrina, the beginning" by Elizabeth Lorraine

Author: Elizabeth Loraine

Title: Katrina, The Beginning

Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance, & Fantasy

Pages: ebook

First Published: August 2009

Where I Got It: My shelf (ebook freebie)

As a Vampire being hunted was nothing new. Finding out that I had to save those that were hunting us was!

Katrina is thrust into something she never could have imagined growing up in the aristocracy of Europe. Once the fashion of the day, and girlish gossip filled Katrina and her new friends days, but their lives changed the instant their race was threatened and they were chosen as the Five, and the protectors of not only the vampire race, but all the peaceful races of the world!

C: Happy Day after Xmas!!! 

B: Yay happy Day after Xmas. May I first start with my tale of my reading of Katrina? The let me begin. I read 70 pages in 1,5 weeks. The over xmas I tried my best and read 30 more, then you said you had finished it and I tried again, but omg!!!! I had to skim cos I was all blerghhhhhhhhhhh.

C: Oh my. Yeah...it  took me a week to “finish” it. I literally forced myself to get through it last night. Lots, lots, and LOTS of skimming 

B: I think my breaking point was when she was meeting the other girls and they all went Hi my name is X, but my nick is V. Hi my name is X, but my nick is C. OMG. Srsly? Who wrote this? A 11 year old?

C: Ugh. I felt like it was written by an 11 year old. My breaking point was the dialogue….its suppose to be historical, but I felt like it modern day. What really killed me was Katrina’s sister was named Katherine….like really? 

B: Yes!!! They have the SAME NAME. What was the parents thinking?!

C: Right!? I really liked the concept of the story, but dang the delivery killed my soul a little bit. 

 B: I did skim a lot so I might have missed something. But the worldbuilding! Why are there vamps around? Why do they have human guards? What on earth is their world like? I got nothing. I only got that she is young, met new friends, and then at the end made some stupid jokes about their hair when people were dying. So crap world. But the writing was crap too, and the dialogue truly horrendous. 

C: It was explained why they have/need watchers….but it was lame. There were so many plot holes and things that didn’t make sense. 

B: Might have read that and filed it under too lame and forgotten it ;) But yes, I am so glad you did not like it too. I was all gods this suck so much, I sure hope Carole does not like it.

C: hahahaha I guess it was my turn to have a lammmmmmme book. >_< Luckily it was an amazon freebie. I’m so bummed. 

B: Lol. But yes, I have nothing good to say AT ALL. I certainly did not like Katrina, nick Kat, or her sister Katherine, nick Kate. Or anyone at all. Oh oh oh, not to mention the whole I LOVE my human guard, but wait, look at that sexy vamp. Sure, you wanted a triangle, and you made one.

C: Yeah…..I hated the triangle. It literally lasted like two pages and then both Katrina and Quinn realized, “Oh...it was blood lust...so we can be friends again.” WHAT? Really!? You can’t just be “in love” and get over it that quickly. Don’t care if it was “blood lust”....there should be more recovery from that! Bleh.

B: The only good thing about the book was that, I thought it had 490 pages, and then it suddenly ended! I was all YES!!!!!! I had them all in one. 

C: LOL LOL. By 95% done, I literally said, “OH MY GOD...WHEN WILL THIS END!!!!?????” Then it did and I was happy.

B: My last line would be: Do not read this one. But if you do like cliché YA vamp stuff that is written  by a teenage girl who thinks she is the heroine then sure why not, read this. But I sure do not recommend it.

C: Same….there really was no redeeming thing….it was a high let down. :/ The end?

B: The end. I just want to leave this mess behind me.

C: I’m sorry I picked a hot mess of a novel. LOL

B: I am scared now. But I do want to read Moyes for January, but I am scared it will suck

C: I have hope.

B: Let there be hope.

-The End-

#FitReaders Check-In: December 25, 2015 and DNF

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in 

Sat 1 h walk
Sun 1 h walk
Mon 1 h walk
Tue 1 h walk
Wed 30 min walk, 10 km bike
Thu 1 h walk
Fri 1 h walk
Sat 1 h walk

Tadaaaaaa,  DNF TIME

The People's Queen
Dull writing. Could not connect

The rest of us just live here
I was all whaaat? What is going on? I am so bored. Will this turn into something?
You know what, dnf

Ashenden
It was boring, and I got annoyed at the descriptions

My dear I wanted to tell you
I just can't care about these characters, the writing is dull and not for me.

Holiday Romance: Candle's Christmas Chair and A family for Christmas

When Viscount Avery comes to see an invalid chair maker, he does not expect to find Min Bradshaw, the woman who rejected him 3 years earlier. Or did she? He wonders if there is more to the story. For 3 years, Min Bradshaw has remembered the handsome guardsman who courted her for her fortune. She didn't expect to see him in her workshop, and she certainly doesn't intend to let him fool her again. 

My thoughts:

A sweet little novella about two people finding each other again.

Min loves designing and working. She has found her thing. Even if others thinks it's a hobby. Min is nice and has a passion, and she is trade, she can sort of pull off her hobby.

Avery needs a wheel chair for his mother. He was so nice! All sweetness and , awwww.

3 years they met and fell in love but something happened,

Arghhhhhhh!! That bitch! Some women can make me so angry and I wanted to wring her neck. Trust me.

Can they fall in love again? Can they trust each other? This being an 80 page novella means yes.

Conclusion:

Sweet, and it worked being short. Perfect for the holidays.

cover

meh

Kindle Edition, 82 pages
Published December 15th 2014
Historical romance
Own

Unlucky in love, Maddie LaRocque moves to Calgary at the urging of her former college roommate. Maddie's luck goes from bad to worse when she's laid off from her job two months before Christmas. Undeterred, she sets up a gift wrapping business in the lobby of the Drummond Building in downtown Calgary where she meets Annie, a ten-year-old who has recently lost her parents.

When Maddie falls into the arms of the building's maintenance man it looks as though her luck is changing, but she soon learns that Brent isn't who she thought he was.

Maddie's roommate Lily hasn't fared too well in the romance department either, having been used for her beauty and Asian heritage by a man in Calgary.

The moment Chase Drummond spots Lily, he's stunned by her beauty, but Lily resists his advances, unwilling to have her heart broken by the most eligible bachelor in town.

Will a young orphan girl be able to convince the two women that love is the best gift of all this Christmas?

My thoughts:

I really should have read the blurb, but an ebook is an ebook...

So I was all Maddie likes Chase? She met this hot guy, then he meets her friend and goes all gaga over her. I was all whaat?

Oh but it all makes sense. The book is about Maddie meeting Chase's brother and falling for him. And Chase falling for Maddie's bestie.

All while Maddie becomes friend with Annie, their niece.

When I got over the what is going on shock, it turned nice. It's a sweet romance with a xmas theme. Perfect for xmas.

But be warned, there be bitches in it. Woman can be so evil, and men can be such asshats.

Cover

She sure is ecstatic 

Kindle Edition, 175 pages
Published (first published September 19th 2012)
Contemporary romance
Own

Holiday Romance: Getting in the spirit and Seaside Christmas

He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink? 

Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor. 

When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about. 

If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract. 

Seaside Christmas is the fifth standalone novel in the Seaside Hunters collection, a series of sweet contemporary romances centered on the Hunter brothers. Author Stacy Claflin's beautiful seaside town of Kittle Falls will make you want to visit… and stay! If you like chemistry, budding romance, and love in a quaint small town, then you'll fall for the latest tale in the series. 

My thoughts:

This was a very clean romance, so for you all who want that then read this one. Just kissing.

Cruz has tattoos in a town where that is a bad thing. He also wants to open up a tattoo parlor but the town is giving him grief.

Talia is a preacher's daughter, all sweet and xmas loving.

They meet. They dislike each other. I want to hit her over the head cos she is a silly cow, srsl, you think ying and yang is the devil's work. Omg, idiot. But, but she starts to see that there are other points' of views. Also her father gets it, he is cool.

There is this idiot guy who likes her, I want to knee him. But there we get to see that she does have brain ;)

Conclusion:

They fall for each other and live happily ever after. All in one sweet book.

Kindle Edition, 224 pages
Published November 6th 2015
Seaside Hunters #5
Contemporary romance
Own

At least one good thing has come from Levi Spencer's car accident-- it seems to have knocked some sense into him. He's ready to leave his wild Vegas playboy ways behind and become a new man. And he knows just the place to do it... his brother Joe's new hometown. He's never spent time in a place described as quaint or idyllic, and now he intends to revel in every charming, sweet thing he can find. Like the homegrown country girl his brother sets him up with for the Christmas formal. 

Kate Leggot wants just one great Christmas. After a childhood without Christmas at all and three failed attempts to find the seasonal magic on her own, she agrees to spend the holiday with her friend Phoebe in Sapphire Falls. The Christmas-crazy town is a far cry from San Francisco and Kate quickly finds herself drawn into everything from the snow to the hot cocoa. And, of course, the sweet country boy Phoebe has set her up with for the formal. Looks like she's going to get everything she wanted-- and more-- under the tree this year. 

A not-so-little mix-up, a hot kiss under the mistletoe and a candy cane or two later and December in Sapphire Falls has never been so hot. 

My thoughts:

A cute little and very smexy holiday story.

I just love small town xmas feeling. It makes me want to go out, eat cookies, drink hot coco while watching the snow falls, and carolers sing.

Levi is a bad boy playboy who is taking a break and turning his life around. Too be fair I know nothing of his past so he never seemed so bad to me. And he wants to meet a nice small town girl and relax.

Kate has never had a great xmas and her friend invites her to her small town, and hooks her up with a nice farmer.

But, things are never that simple. Levi and Kate meet, have a great time. But can their love survive outside this small town. She has a job, he wants this now. But duh, yes yes, they will live happily ever after. And the novella worked, I could see it, all that xmas magic you know.

Conclusion:

Nice.

Kindle Edition, 223 pages
Published December 2nd 2014 by Erin Nicholas
Sapphire Falls #3.5
Contemporary romance
Own

When this goes live I will be eating good food and opening presents :D Merry Xmas!!! And to those that have forgotten, the 24th is xmas here.

Immortals After Dark 6,7,9 - Kresley Cole

Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny... 

Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires...

Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs -- and claim his heart? 

My thoughts: 

Seems I can still read Cole too...but it was a close one because this is very MY MATE: I will fight for my woman. My woman. Me man you woman.

Cadeon is a 1000 years old, and has not met his Woman. Oh noes. And he is a demon. And he has horns, does the guy on the cove have horns, nope.

Holly loves math, Holly is a nerd. Holly is a virgin. Holly is the one that Cadeon has been looking for.

BUT. Being the chosen mate does not mean they fall madly at love. Sheesh. Will these two ever fall in love? He knows she is his mate, but still when does the love come? How does he just know? And she is all, you may be hot, but you are so annoying.

And I get the thing you can't say, but you are still an asshat.

But hey I liked it. They are idiots. They are amusing and then they lived happily ever after 

Cover

boring

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Published May 20th 2008 by Simon & Schuster
Immortals After Dark #6
Paranormal romance
Library

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress? 

My thoughts:

Rydstrom, snark.

This one was...borderline yawn at times. I think my problem was that he spent half the book in a dungeon where she tried to seduce him. So that was pretty boring, since I want action, not "look at me, I am pretty, I am gonna suck your beeeeeeep."

Then there is something else than a dungeon...but the biggest problem was still, this is why I left pnr. They are MATES. But I never feel them fall in love, suddenly they just are.

Meh

Cover

still boring, next one too

Mass Market Paperback, 417 pages
Published January 20th 2009 by Pocket Books
Immortals After Dark #7
Library

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her -- and those she loves. 

Garreth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own. 

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia's greatest weakness -- her wanton desire for him. 

My thoughts:

This book was, omg so rapey. Garreth really is a chauvanistic asshole. He was all MATEEEEE!!!!!!!!! Pounce! Ugh, creepy. Just cos she is your mate does not mean you can jump her like that and thinks she will fall for you.

So yes the mate thing, more like instant lust. And yes Lucia felt it too, but the reason why she is all no no is that she got her life back and promised a goddess to be chaste.

Garreth throughout the whole book is all do me do me do me do me! And really does not take no that well. Ugh, really Garreth!

But hey Lucia is no peach either, she is probably the most stupid female alive. Srsl, tell him you can't have sex! Omg just do it! Tell him why! Omg, and then they do it and she is all sad, YES! Cos you did not tell him you stupid cow.

Hmm, maybe you noticed that I hate hate hate hate the premise of the secret that is not told, but could easily have been told on page 1.

Lucia the huntress, HA! Lucia The Fool.

Garreth, the dark prince, more like the Pig. 

Mass Market Paperback, 431 pages
Published February 16th 2010 by Pocket Books
Immortals After Dark #9

How to stuff up Christmas - Rosie Blake

'Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you've found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance's phone... 

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. Eve gets an unexpected seasonal surprise when handsome local vet Greg comes to her rescue one day, and continues to visit Eve's boat on a mission to transform her from Kitchen Disaster Zone to Culinary Queen. 

But where does Greg keep disappearing to? What does Eve's best friend Daisy know that she isn't telling? And why is there an angry goose stalking Eve's boat? 

My thoughts:

A sweet xmas story. 

A story about Evie, whose boyfriend cheated on her, xmas is coming up and she just wants to get away. I get that, everything in town reminds her of him, and xmas with family, no. And he was such an asshat with wanting the dog back too. Good riddance I say, good riddance.

Greg is the vet in the village she "escapes too". A nice guy, who reads fantasy! Oh, you got me there Greg, I love you, ahem, I mean he was a sweet guy ;) But he is hiding something...

Evie gets her passion back, and with that I mean, she starts to draw again and takes a pottery class. Oh and she obviously meets a cute guy.

Each chapter also starts with a recipe, yum, I always like that.

Conclusion:

Friendship, romance and food. What is there not to love. 

Cover

cute

Paperback, 304 pages
Published November 5th 2015 by Corvus
Romantic fiction
For review

The lost Duke of Wyndham - Julia Quinn

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have... 

My thoughts:

I found a Quinn at my library and was all whaaaat? To be fair it was not MY library, but this smaller one in town, and I have not visited that library in 4 years since it's not that close. And how could I ever think of looking for Quinn in the library catalog online? (I borrowed 11 books from that library ;) Had many WOW feelings)

Oh, I should talk about the book? But the road there was so good. Best day ever. What hidden gems I found.

Jack is a highwayman when he meets Grace and the Dowager Duchess of Wyndham. Oh oh Jack is the spitting image of her son. Lost Duke found.

But, there is already a Duke, Thomas! I felt sorry for him, since Jack did not want this at all.

Jack was witty, teased a lot (a bit too much to be honest). But he had heart, and soul.

Grace was a but of a mouse in Jack's shadow, but they will fit each other well.

And I do wonder about Amelia and Thomas......the woman who is meant to marry the Duke, but if Thomas is not the Duke...

Oh and the Duchess is a bitch!

Conclusion:

Nice.

Paperback, 371 pages
Published May 27th 2008 by Avon
Two Dukes of Wyndham #1
Historical romance
Library

Carole's Sunday Review: The last wife of Attila the Hun - Joan Schweighardt

Author: Joan Schweighardt

Title: The Last Wife of Attila the Hun

Genre: Historical Fiction & Fantasy

Pages: ebook

First Published: September 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to my by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Two threads are flawlessly woven together in this sweeping historical novel. In one, Gudrun, a Burgundian noblewoman, dares to enter the City of Attila to give its ruler what she hopes is a cursed sword; the second reveals the unimaginable events that have driven her to this mission. 

Based in part on the true history of the times and in part on the same Nordic legends that inspired Wagner’s Ring Cycle and other great works of art, The Last Wife of Attila the Hun offers readers a thrilling story of love, betrayal, passion and revenge, all set against an ancient backdrop itself gushing with intrigue. 

I have always been interested in the story of Attila. He's always been controversial. People either love him or hate him...it all depends on what side of history you sympathize with. Personally....I'm not sure what side I am. All I know is that he and his story is intriguing.

Even more intriguing is the story of his last wife, which this book is about. It's no spoiler, since its common knowledge - but he married this girl and then she killed him on their wedding night. It is assumed out of revenge for what he did. No one can say for certainty why she did it - was it revenge for something he did to her, her family, her people, or just for being him. I still wonder why he needed 12 wives....seems like too much work personally. I totally see 2....3....or maybe 4. But 12? Really? Too much. 

Sorry, I digress....

But yes - I loved how this was in her POV, because I've always wanted to learn more about her. It's a theory, but I would side with this theory that she killed him out of revenge for the wrongs he did to her family and people. Also, it was nice twist that she had help.

There is also a touch of fantasy mixed in. I wasn't a huge fan of the fantasy aspect of the book. For me, it didn't seem to mix well. I'm glad there was only a small dosage of it, so that was a consolation. 

Overall, this was a fun read. It was quick and a nice way to look at the fall of Attila...through the eyes of the women who ended it all. She did what no man could do - she killed a legend and thus became remembered herself. There was a touch of fantasy mixed in, which I was meh about. However, I still enjoyed the story. I recommend it for those that are interested in the time period and Attila himself. It was a nice change of POV. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3. 

#FitReaders Check-In: December 18, 2015 and Lumberjanes

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in 

Sun 1.15 h walk and 30 min walk
Mon 30 min walk, 4 km bike
Tue 30 min walk, 4 km bike
Wed 45 min walk, 4 km bike
Thu 30 min walk, 4 km bike
Fri 30 min walk, 4 km bike
Sat 1 h walk

Snow, rain, snow, rain, this sucks. Almost at the darkest time of the year and then a change, yay

............................

Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are five best pals determined to have an awesome summer together... and they’re not gonna let any insane quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way!

My thoughts:

I liked the illustrations, they were nice and cool. But, to be honest, I have no idea what happened, it felt confusing, jumpy. The story did not work for me.

Oh great, what a short review.

Ok...5 girls, I can't remember their names. One had a hat, one was cute, one was tall, one street, can't remember the next one. They are girl scouts, they find some weird paranormal stuff, stuff happens.

Anyway, good illustrations. But will not read more.

Paperback, 24 pages
Published April 9th 2014 by Boom! Studios (first published January 1st 2014)
Lumberjanes #1
Graphic novel /paranormal
Library

My kind of Wonderful - Jill Shalvis

Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she's determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn't realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn't want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn't the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she's not planning to stick around.

As head of ski patrol at his family's resort, Hud thinks he's seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he's been missing far too long. Now he'll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful. 

My thoughts:

Nope, I did not read book 1, and it did not matter. It takes place at the same place and with a new couple so yes on that. But if you want things in order you can read book 1 first.

Bailey has been in and out of hospitals for the last 10 years, but now she might just be free of it. She was stubborn, nice and wanted to live. What is there not to like?

Hudson is one of those guys with a chip on his shoulder. His misses his brother that he has not seen for ages (long story). The resort is not doing well (are they ever). His mum is not doing well and his siblings are all over the place. But as for how he was...stubborn (not in the good way), goodhearted and stubborn ;)

They argue, they argue, he gives in and they fall in love. And they live happily ever after. But hey first there is drama. She is just there for a short time and then she will leave. Can he just relax and let her in? So after all the will they wont they there will be passions and HEA.

Conclusion:

Sweet.

cover

that must be cold

Kindle Edition, 368 pages
Expected publication: December 22nd 2015 by Grand Central Publishing
Cedar Ridge #2
Contemporary romance
Netgalley

Early review: Wild Cowboy Ways - Carolyn Brown

Allie Logan isn't the type to land a hot hunk of cowboy. Truth is, she's given up on dating since shedding her no-good ex. But the new owner of the most ramshackle ranch in Texas might just change her mind about that. He's six-foot-plus of tall, dark, and charming—the kind of guy who could make a girl throw caution to the wind . . . or the kind of guy who could break her heart.

Blake Dawson hopes he can make Lucky Penny Ranch finally live up to its name, but the property needs a ton of work. Allie and her carpentry skills are his best shot at getting things in order. Besides the fact that her brown eyes and dangerous curves have him roped and tied. Now Blake only needs to convince her that a wild cowboy can be tamed by love—and she's just the one to do it. 

My thoughts:

I like Brown's cowboys. I like the way she writes. I like her small towns. I always want to visit and fall in love with a cowboy of my own. Everyone is nice, even when they are bitchy. And they talk so funny. So duh, when I saw this on on NG I went for it.

Blake is the bad boy cowboy, and he bought a ranch with his brother and cousin (btw which means more books! ;) An unlucky ranch that makes everyone leave.

Allie is the neighbor, and he hires her to fix the house.

There is a grandma on the loose. A sister with an idiot for a fiance. Gossip girls. And a town that needs fixing too in a way.

The road to love is tricky. She does not trust his reputation. He knows what he wants and then they lives happily ever after. Awwww. Just like I remember her books.

Conclusion:
Sweet!

Cover

nice

Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Expected publication: December 22nd 2015 by Forever
Lucky Penny Ranch #1
Contemporary romance
NG

A merry mistletoe wedding - Judy Astley

It is almost a year since Sean and Thea met and it's been a roller-coaster ride: they're getting married on Christmas Day!

Neither Thea or Sean want a big fuss - a simple wedding, with Christmas lights and just a few sprigs of mistletoe for decoration is all they need. But before they know it, things begin to get complicated. Trying to manage a long-distance relationship in the build-up to their Christmas wedding is one thing, but as one challenge after another comes their way, the happy couple begin to wonder if they'll ever make it down the aisle . . .

My thoughts:

I did not realize it when I started, and it did not matter, but this is a continuation of another book. Where the main characters met and fell in love, and I guess stuff went on with family members too. But it works well as a stand alone, but of course I am curious how the mistletoe brought them together the first time.

Sean and Thea met a year ago, and in this one he proposes and they settle for a Xmas wedding. But! First there will be a Fall of drama. There are so many things in the way, he lives in Cornwall, she lives in London. She has a job there, he has a job here. How will they plan the wedding? Are the right for each other? But they are both good people and obviously in love so it will be a happy wedding, just like they want it.

But the book is not only about them. Thea's mum and dad are thinking of moving. Her sister is having a baby and then gets post natal depression.

Conclusion:

A book packing a bit more drama and serious issues than I would have thought. But all good, it made it real. And it all ends well. 

Cover

cute

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Published October 22nd 2015 by Transworld Digital
Women's fiction/Romantic fiction
NetGalley

My last Duchess - Daisy Goodwin

Cora Cash, possibly the wealthiest heiress in 1890s America, has been raised to believe that money will open every door to her. But when her mother whisks Cora to England to secure her an aristocratic match, Cora is dismayed by the welcome she at first receives. The great English houses in which she is entertained are frosty and forbidding, dogged by intrigue above stairs, and gossip below. And it is only when she loses her heart - to a man she barely knows - that Cora realises the game she is playing is one she does not full understand, and that her own future happiness could be the prize. 

My thoughts:

I remember watching The Buccaneers ages ago, and liking it. So yes of course I had to try this one. 

Cora Cash, the richest heiress in the world. And what could be better than to get a title with all that money. Yes better go to England and marry into old blood. Well that was her mother's idea.

Cora was spoiled rotten. But she was nice and thought the best of people. And she so followed her mother's lead. Yes she was foolish at times, but I liked her. And being an American heiress was not always easy, the English were stiff with traditions.

So yes duh the title says that she will land a Duke. The drama is her struggle to fit in. Money does not buy everything.

Her husband, I felt like she did, I liked him, I did not understand him.

The ending felt too nice, but hey, that's nice ;)

Conclusion:

Good book. And it made me miss Downton Abbey (even if it was not set in the same era, but still!) 

PS.

The Title is The American Heiress in the US

Cover

Nice

Paperback, 502 pages
Published January 28th 2011 by Headline Review (first published 2010)
Historical fiction
Library

Then came you - Lisa Kleypas

Reckless, wild, and beautiful, Lily Lawson delights in shocking proper London society -- and now she is determined to rescue her sister from an unwanted impending marriage to the notorious Alex, Lord Raiford, by fair means or foul. But while she succeeds outrageously, Alex is a master gamesman who is not to be undone.

Alex has lost one bride, yet he is enchanted by this remarkable lady who is willing to break any rule to flaunt her independence. When Lily offers him only scorn, he counters with kindness, and he parries her blistering barbs with gentle words and a soft, tender touch. The spirited miss will pay dearly for her interference -- with her body, her soul, and her stubborn, unyielding heart. But will Alex's own heart be the prize to be won in this sensuous game of love? 

My thoughts:

This book...omg, what a heroine. Yes I liked reading about her, but would I want to be friends with her? Gods no. She was exhausting! A hurricane by the name Lily.

Lily does not give a damn. If she wants to jump in the river she does so. She lives on her own thanks to her aunt's money. Her family does not speak of her and every man wants her. A whirlwind that speaks her man, hunts and gambles like a man. And now she must rescue her sister from a loveless marriage.

Well duh, we all know she and Alex will fall madly in love. But the road there is long. First she needs her sister to get some courage and not enter a loveless marriage. Then she must stop Alex from wringing her neck. And then she must stop herself from falling in love with him.

Seems Alex really needed a whirlwind and not a doormat.

Were we supposed to feel sorry for her? Sure I did. But there are better ways to go about that thing I shall not spoil. It did make me see why she was like she was, but she would be like that anyway.

She sure was one of a kind.

Cover

boring

Paperback, 371 pages
Published June 1993 by Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins
The Gamblers #1
Historical romance
Library

Carole's Sunday Review: Near the wild - Maureen Willett

Author: Maureen Willett

Title: Near the Wild

Genre: Historical Romance & Magical Realism

Pages: ebook

First Published: June 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to my by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

COWBOYS AND LEPRECHAUNS. Both occupy Maeve MacKeighry's world in 1870, and she must decide which will win her heart. Leprechauns are feared, even in Ireland, but that doesn't prevent Maeve from striking up a friendship with one who lives near her village. But once Maeve becomes a young woman, the local villagers start to gossip, especially since the MacKeighrys are known to practice magic in their home. It's just for entertainment, but the town folk don't see it that way. Rather than be outcasts, the MacKeighrys set off to America to homestead in Kansas, vowing to leave their magical ways and friends behind. Little do they know that Maeve's friend follows and protects them on their journey.

The MacKeighrys encounter many adventures along the way to Kansas, only to find a simple sod house on their new farm at the end of the journey. The untamed land offers a fresh start for the family, as well as two very interesting men who both compete for Maeve’s attention. Pretty young women in a wild western town are a rarity. But can she forget her magical friend, and turn her attention to two of the most interesting men she has ever met? Perhaps cowboys and outlaws have a certain charm that a leprechaun doesn't, after all.

What a fun and different book. I certainly loved the magical realism added to this historical romance. It was a nice little spark to the story. I do wish that Finn, the leprechaun (which don't call him that....he is a sprite) had more spotlight. He kept good on his promise and only stayed in the shadows and protected the family. I want more of Finn!

Even though it is impossible with a capital I for magical beings and humans to be together, Maeve is still in love with Finn, but then trouble comes when two other good looking fellas meet her and fall in love. One is a rich railroad monger and the other is an outlaw in the making who seeks adventures. Now, her poor heart is pulled in three directions. Girl can't catch a break. 

I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen and who she was going to pick, so that was refreshing. Honestly...I'm not sure who I would have picked...I would like to say Nikki, but I like Maeve I would have a hard time fitting in the American version of the ton. Rich people can really be such assholes especially to those not only poor but not "American". *shakes head* Pity, because the Irish are awesome. 

There were a slow couple of spots, but other then that I could hardly put the book down. I would have gotten it done in one sitting, but sadly I had housework to do because company was coming over. 

In the end, I really liked it. I wished that Finn had more airtime....I do want to learn more about him. Same with Maeve's brother Gavin. There were a couple spots that slowed me up, but the majority was one I could hardly put down. I high recommend this for this that like a touch of magic with historical romance. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4.