REVIEW: The Marquis And I by Ella Quinn

The Marquis And I
by Ella Quinn

Publisher: Zebra
Page Count: 320
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Format: ARC Mass Market Paperback

How got: ARC copy via GoodReads giveaway

Attention Getter: pretty cover

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Trouble is no match for a lady of the extended Worthington family—except when it comes in the form of a most irresistible gentleman...

Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair her reputation.

A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage—including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited woman he loves and win her heart

My Thoughts.

Star Rating - 3

This romance didn’t stand out. Pretty middle of the road, I never felt a special connection to our leads and their relationship. While an enjoyable read at the time, this one is going to be just as easily forgettable. There are attempts for originality and uniqueness that I have to hand to the author. However, at the end of the day, this romance still falls a bit flat and is easily moved on from to another.

The author strives for uniqueness by using a secondary human trafficking plot thread. Not something I’ve seen done in romantic fiction before, I liked how the author tried to give the subject matter the gravitas it deserves. It adds a certain weight to the story that I don’t think it would have had otherwise. It adds to Charlotte’s character in her determination to bring justice to the lives of the female and child victims of the ring.

Our two leads were at least enjoyable. I liked Charlotte’s strength of character and will, as mentioned above. She doesn’t let things bowl her over; she takes the initiative and acts of her own accord. I also enjoyed Constantine. He shows recognizable character growth throughout the story, both in his maturity level and his views of society and women within it.

Yet, together, I just don’t see them working. At least for this reader, there wasn’t any chemistry. I felt like their scenes together were just blah. The personalities should work together; they’ve both got strong ones, but they seem to gel well. Yet, whenever they were having romantic moments together, I just found myself getting bored. So sad to say, the element that should be strongest in a historical romance is the weakest this time round.

So the reason I give this a three is because it falls flat in the most important area for a historical romance, in my opinion, the relationship. I enjoyed the characters separately and the author’s attempts at making her novel stand out from the Regency crowd. However, Charlotte and Constantine just don’t gel well for me. So solid three stars from this gal. It might resonate better with another so keep that in mind when contemplating this work.

Note: Book received for free from publisher via GoodReads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Merchant's Pearl by Amie O'Brien

The Merchant's Pearl
by Amie O'Brien

Publisher: self
Page Count: 466 (according to Amazon)
Release Date: July 24, 2016
Format: Kindle E-Book

How got: free from author

First attention getter: setting

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

As a missionary’s daughter, Sarai was taught that love and faith conquer all. But when her parents are murdered, she quickly learns that the world doesn’t stop for love.

As a teen, Sarai—now called Leila—is enslaved, a palace concubine-in-waiting for the Ottoman Sultan Aziz. Though she does her best to elude him, she’s forced out of her shell when his son, Prince Emre, claims her for his own. Tossed into competition with the other girls in his harem, Leila must face the lavish attention of her young master and the resulting retaliation from his prior favorite, Aster. But it’s an unexpected gift and a glimpse inside his family’s struggles that collide headfirst with Leila’s upbringing. Soon, despite her better judgment, she finds her heart has a mind of its own.

Can she subject her faith and independent spirit to such a future—a future in which the best she can hope for is to be his favorite? How will she stand sharing him with the other girls in the harem? As the sultan’s fragile kingdom unravels around them, will it even matter?

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3.5

For a self-published work, this novel has a lot going for it. The author put in the effort to research her timeframe and society setting, not an effort many put in with a harem setting. I also loved the slow build for our main relationship for most of the book. Yet, there are some issues that keep this from true stardom.

1870s Ottoman Empire is a world in flux, the modern world and European powers encroaching on a traditional Muslim world. Told through the eyes of a captive Ottoman prince and his harem favorite love, the reader gets an in-depth and intimate look at a powerful family in freefall from power. Just a short 40 years after this book’s events, the Sultanate and the empire they rule fall. I was as intrigued by the political conversations and maneuverings as I was our main relationship.

I appreciated the time and care the author took in building our relationship into something believable and real. Most historical romances don't take this route, instead of going straight for the sexy times. This is especially true of a harem setting. Emre and Leila reached a pinnacle of mutual respect and friendship before they even start to think of a physical consummation of their relationship. Starting out as friends first is always the best way to build a relationship, I feel, so I was very pleased to see that here.

I also enjoyed our lead’s personalities overall. Emre was the perfect blend of a gentleman and friend. He respected Leila as an individual, enjoying her mind and personality just as much as her physical form. Being trapped in the insular society that was Ottoman palace and harem politics made his personality stand out all the more as he had to please other parties besides himself, so acting in a way that was hard for him and his dealings with different hair him and family members.

My like for her starting out strong way, Leila proved herself to be a strong, iron-willed gal who didn't take gruff from her fellow harem members while also possessing an equally strong diplomatic streak. Ever since the death of her parents, Leila’s life has been one tragedy or struggle after another. So her finally finding a meaningful relationship with Emre and other harem members gladdened the heart.

Yet, as the story progresses, she started to wear on the nerves. She'd blow hot and cold on Emre, alternately wanting to be with him then punishing him for small, sometimes even imagined, slights with silence and the cold shoulder treatment. The latter half of the book contained these instances more and more, as we went along. By the time we got to the end, at times, I felt like Emre could have done better.

I also felt that this book was far too long. Clocking in at over 400 pages, this book felt like it had extra padding. The relationship journey between Emre and Leila could have been told in half their scenes together. Repeated themes and the conversation topics bogged down their time together in the latter half. Maybe that's why Leila started to grind on me a bit; she was rehashing emotions and thought patterns that I felt should have been resolved or at least evolved by that point.

Still, at the end of the day, this read stands out far above other historical romance titles in the harem sub-genre. It takes the time to explore the world of the Ottoman Empire and the many political maneuvering's that were a part of daily life, both within the harem and without. The main relationship is also build up with a firm foundation and respect and friendship, with romance coming after that. Our leads are relatable for the most part and enjoyable, with occasional bursts of irksome behavior from our heroine. While the heft of this volume is daunting and unnecessary in many places, I'd still look into this title if you're looking for a well-written historical romance.

Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Shattered by Jennie Marsland

Shattered
by Jennie Marsland

Publisher: self
Page Count: 270
Release Date: September 24, 2011
Format: Kindle

How got: personal buy via Amazon

First attention getter: incorporation of 1917 Halifax explosion

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Liam Cochrane no longer belongs. He lost his youth and his brother on the battlefields of Europe. Now he’s home in Halifax, Nova Scotia, trying to dull his pain with liquor and the occasional willing woman. He’s become a stranger in the North End neighbourhood where he grew up.

Alice O’Neill has never belonged. Able to read notes, but not words, she dreams of teaching music – and of Liam, who has held her heart for years and never known. But Liam has shadowy ties in England that he’s revealed to no one, and in that fall of 1917, Halifax is on a collision course with fate. On December 6, a horrific accident of war will devastate the city’s North End. What will be left for Liam and Alice when their world is shattered?

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4.5

What drew me to the book was a personal disappointment, but this was made up for by a fantastic portrayal on other aspects I wasn't expecting. The Halifax explosion of 1917 is one of those forgotten events in history, outside the community where it happened. Hardly anyone nowadays seems to know about it which is a tragedy since it had such an impact, was so large, and killed so many. When I read it was incorporated into this title, I was eager to start. After finishing, I was pleased ultimately by a fantastic tale, great characters, and vibrant relationships.

Disappointment was aroused by how little the explosion actually played a part in the story. This is a personal quibble, as that's what drew my attention to the book in the first place. Yet, this massive event was smooshed onto the end, feeling like it was a tacked on afterthought rather than an integral part of the story. What we got was devastating and illustrated how this event wiped out an entire community and brought untold destruction and tragedy. I guess I was just looking for more exploration on how this event impacted the community and people who live there overall. Still, stacked against everything else, this is a small and personal quibble.

That being said, the rest of this book was fantastic. The characters shine as strong individuals, especially Alice. I loved her special blend of vulnerability and steely core. While she comes off as a bit of a doormat in the beginning, as the story gets rolling she matures into a strong woman who doesn't take gruff from anyone. She overcomes a dysfunctional, borderline abusive home situation and disability to make her own path in life, with her own goals and choices.

I also love Liam and his strength of character to overcome some truly tragic mental health issues. With a severe case of PTSD from the trenches of World War I Europe, he found the inner strength to overcome dark thoughts and build a life for himself. His family and Alice help him along the way, creating a truly inspiring tale of self-healing and overcoming obstacles.

Liam and Alice together make the story. Their depth of emotion for each other and strength in supporting each other create a vibrant relationship. Liam creates the strong bulwark Alice needs against her family’s violence and emotional damage. Alice is a well of love and acceptance for Liam as he faces the demons of war and heals. Together they are an example of historical romance done right.

But it's in the area of the World War I vets that this book really shines, unexpected for me. The author surprises in her in-depth portrayal of men caught in the horrors of war and bloodshed, then coming home to peacetime and family life. Not everyone is able to cope and some get lost along the way. The author shows the varying degrees of success, or not, that the different men have in dealing with the horrors. From Alice's brother to Liam to Liam's friend, the reader is taken on an emotional journey that reflects strongly on the plight of veterans and servicemen today.

This book was a pleasant surprise overall. The author takes us on an emotional journey of self-healing and strength in the face of adversity. Both Liam and Alice grow throughout the book, creating intriguing character arcs that can't be resisted. The only downer is the lack of details on the explosion itself and its importance on the story. It's tacked on nature at the end seemed rushed and an afterthought to me. Yet, that's a personal disappointment and may not stand out as strongly to another. I’d still highly recommend this book for its strong characters and emotional depth. This novel stands as an example of self-publication at its best.

REVIEW: Love's Sweet Revenge by Rosanne Bittner

Love's Sweet Revenge
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Page Count: 512
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Format: MassMarket Paperback

How got: personal buy via local B&N

First attention getter: already fan of series

Synopsis:

From Goodreads:

Their Passion Shaped a Nation

Over the years, Jake and Miranda Harkner have endured all the dangers a wild and brutal West could throw at them. Now, settled on their ranch in the beautiful Colorado hill country, they’ve finally found peace. But for a man like Jake Harkner, danger is always lurking, and the world may not be ready for an infamous outlaw-turned-lawman-turned-legend to hang up his guns.

Threatened by cruel men in search of revenge, the Harkner clan must be stronger than ever before. Yet nothing can stop the coming storm. With the Old West dying around them and the rules of this new world ever-changing, Jake vows to end the threat to his family no matter what it takes…

Even if it means sacrificing himself so his beloved Miranda may live.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3

While a part of me enjoyed seeing Jake's and Randy's story continued for so long, ultimately I felt disappointed by this addition to the tale. I don't know if the author intends to write more in the series, but I can't say that I'll be as eager for the next volume as I was for this one.

I did enjoy seeing Jake's and Randy's story continued. It's rare to see historical romances with leads as old as they are. It's pleasant to see that romance continues for so long and stays as vibrant; in this book, it does. Jake's and Randy's emotional pull are just as strong as they have ever been. I loved most of their scenes together, just like in previous books.

There were times where the author harkens back to the same old themes and emotional pitfalls of previous books, though. Jake's continuing thought processes of not being good enough for Randy and Randy's continuing efforts to counteract that do get old. While this feature is a fundamental foundation of Jake's character and personality, constantly exploring, discussing, and mentioning it made me tire of the whole thing. While it didn't kill my regard for their relationship and romance, it was definitely a downer.

I enjoyed the authors continuing effort to keep her historical background as accurate as possible. She continues to show that she is a leading lady in historical romance when it comes to this aspect along with her emotional relationships. I got a real taste for ranch life in the 1890s and the differing societal environment that came about as the Old West got tamed. Seeing Jake's struggles with this new world order as he tries to protect his own was the root of many conflicts in the novel. They added a nice dimension to the overall romantic relationship and family drama.

To me, the biggest downfall to this book is the amount of filler that pads out the impressive page count for a historical romance. Now most of Bittner's work tends to run longer so that's not as much of a surprise. It's just the sheer amount of content that is repetitious.

Big example of this is the sheer amount of sex scenes in the book. Now it’s great to know the folks Jake's and Randy's age can enjoy a healthy sex life; however, when you have sexy times almost every four or five scenes it gets a bit much. This combined with the repetitious exploration of themes, personality traits, and dangers our family faces already done to death make this book a slog through most of the time.

While it's great to have historical romances that explore a relationship as far as this series has and still have a fantastic emotional pull, this particular volume has huge flaws. Repeated themes and filler content cushion this book out to the point of absurdity. If another book is forthcoming in the series, I don't know that I'll be as eager for it as I was with this one. It might be time to retire Jake and Randy and explore other people. Their grandchildren might be an interesting choice given when they'll be coming of age, during World War I and the Roaring 20s. Now that would make for an interesting setting for a historical romance in this family!

REVIEW: The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

The Soldier's Scoundrel
by Cat Sebastian

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Page Count: 213
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Format: Kindle

How got: personal buy via Amazon

First attention getter: that cover!!

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

A scoundrel who lives in the shadows

Jack Turner grew up in the darkness of London's slums, born into a life of crime and willing to do anything to keep his belly full and his siblings safe. Now he uses the tricks and schemes of the underworld to help those who need the kind of assistance only a scoundrel can provide. His distrust of the nobility runs deep and his services do not extend to the gorgeous high-born soldier who personifies everything Jack will never be.

A soldier untarnished by vice

After the chaos of war, Oliver Rivington craves the safe predictability of a gentleman's life-one that doesn't include sparring with a ne'er-do-well who flouts the law at every turn. But Jack tempts Oliver like no other man has before. Soon his yearning for the unapologetic criminal is only matched by Jack's pleasure in watching his genteel polish crumble every time they're together.

Two men only meant for each other

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

This book caught me by surprise. It's the first m/m Romance I've seen from a major publishing house. In the past, all the ones I've seen have been either self or indie published. So that alone would have caught my attention. Yet, the author gives us enjoyable characters and a lovely romance to go along with that individuality.

I adore Jack and Oliver. Both characters have distinct personalities, uncouth Jack and refined Oliver. Yet where other authors my fall into the trap of making these characters stereotypes or caricatures, the author succeed in making both men individual unto themselves. As the story progresses, each character changes with the turns of the story as well. Both leads were able to develop and grow, not being stuck in characterization ruts.

The relationship between these two made for sweet reading. The author does a great job in conveying that two men can have as emotional and romantic a connection as a man and woman can, especially given the timeframe this takes place in. The Regency era was a time when a relationship such as theirs was punishable by death. Jacks and Oliver's personalities played off each other beautifully, rounding each other out to create a cohesive relationship.

I also liked the time the author spent with her historical details. I got a real sense of the societal rules of the Regency era and the little details of everyday life like dress and home life. Seeing those details play into our lead’s personalities and how their relationship developed was an added bonus.


The one aspect of this book that was weak was the background mystery. The sleuthing was predictable, the clues somewhat hackneyed, and the overall mystery itself borderline silly. I could care less what happened to the Wraxhalls or their associates. However, this is a historical romance; such a story aspect really doesn’t have to be that strong in this genre. It’s still an enjoyable tale.

For what this book is, it shines. The romance and leads are very well done, especially as this is a debut novel. I adored watching these two men grow, both in themselves and together in their relationship. While the background mystery was predictable and boring, historical romances don't hinge on that story aspect, at least for this reader. I would definitely look for other volumes by this writer; she's a promising author for the m-m romantic subgenre.

REVIEW: Love Across the Ocean by Ellynore Seybold

Love Across the Ocean
by Ellynore Seybold

Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Page Count: 158
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Format: Kindle ARC

How got: ARC copy from NetGalley for free

First attention getter: the pretty cover

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Charlotte Mesinger is willing to do almost anything to escape the beatings in the home where she grew up. When she spies an advertisement for a wife to help care for three children, she sees it as an answer to her prayers, even though it means going to America and forgetting the young man she's been seeing.

When Friedrich Haupt's wife dies giving birth to their third child and her parents insist he must hand over the children to them, he is frantic. A customer in his jewelry shop suggests going to America, and another offers to buy the establishment. But convention forbids a woman living in his household without marriage, for whatever reason, and he places the ad, ready to give the woman her freedom after a year.

With these desperate situations resolved, Charlotte and Friedrich still have many secrets...

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - none as DNF-ed @ 30% (put 2 on Amazon as had to put something)

I really tried to like this book; my expectations were high as it involved a trope that is a favorite of mine. I am also partial to immigration stories. However, and this is a big however, this book has so many issues that it has reached the point of not being enjoyable. After 30%, I have to declare this book a DNF.

The premise of this romance is strong initially. An arranged marriage to protect a family and build a new life makes for intriguing reading. I also grew to like Friedrich. He's a caring, considerate man whose main focus in life is to protect his children and build a new life for them after a tragic circumstance.

With a great starting premise and relatable main hero, one would think this romance had a strong foundation. However, these two points were the only good ones in all of the part that I read.

The first offender was Charlotte, our main heroine. She is far, far too perfect. She is innocent, beautiful, angelic, and good. I grew to hate her, even though I only read 30% of this book. I can only imagine the depth my hate would have reached if I had tried to force myself to finish.

Next is the premise. What started out as an intriguing idea quickly moved into absurd territory. The background with Friedrich’s in-laws and the intricacies of family law in Germany seems silly to me; nothing about that seemed real. I'm not an expert on 19th century German law so maybe the author had some grounding in fact. Yet, it wasn't portrayed on the page well enough to be believable to this reader.

The writing style didn't work for me as well. The author did have some good descriptive passages. I got a clear picture in my head of the scene the author was trying to set. Yet, the way she chose to frame the writing seemed simplistic. Choppy dialogue paragraphs and short sentence structure made this a hard read, grammar-wise.

My next point of contention is probably a small one for other readers. It just bugs me more, because I like things to have a strong historical background, even my historical romances. The author was very ambiguous about her historical setting. I got the vague impression it was the 19th century with the immigration to America storyline and some of the background details. However, the author chose to leave the reader guessing on a more specific time frame. Whether this was in the 1830s, 1850s, or the 1870s, the reader could only guess. But like I said, this is a personal bone of contention. It may not bug another reader, so take this paragraph with a grain of salt.

What started out as a highly anticipated historical romance turned into a big disappointment for this reader. Good bones seemed to be in the offering in the beginning. Yet, bad characterizations, an absurd premise, a flaky writing style, and vague historical details quickly killed this bird for me. I'm not sure I could recommend this book to anyone. I feel it could do with a good edit and a good going over by the author.

Note: Book received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Tender Betrayal by Rosanne Bittner

Tender Betrayal
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Diversion Books
Page Count: 708
Release Date: January 31, 2016
Format: Kindle

How got: personal buy; on discount @ Amazon

First attention getter: the author

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Stolen kisses and secret rendezvous lead to a passion that war cannot sever.

Beautiful, proud Audra Brennan felt like a stranger in a foreign land when she came north from Louisiana to study music. But when she savored her first forbidden taste of desire in the arms of handsome lawyer Lee Jeffreys, his caresses sparked a flame within her that burned away the differences between rebel and Yankee, all objections silenced by the fierce beating of two wild hearts falling impetuously, impossibly in love.

Suddenly cannon fire shatters the country. Principled, impassioned, and committed to a nation united, Lee answered the call to fight against the Confederacy, while Audra hurries home to a plantation shadowed by the darkening cloud of war. But in the most terrible of wars, can either afford to surrender their hearts.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 5

Ah Bittner, you know how to take me on an emotional journey. More used to her Westerns, this take on a Civil War tale still pleased on all fronts. I appreciated the new environment but still enjoyed the classic Bittner elements.

At first, I didn’t like Audra; I found her immature and blind to the world around her. Yet, she quickly aged as the Civil War years approached and the harsh North/South divide played a part in her life. By the time we’d reached the climax, she was a strong, resolute woman, determined to make a difference in the world and to create new lives with those she never thought to rub elbows with.

Her relationship with Lee was heart-felt from the beginning. Despite such different backgrounds and family circumstances, there’s an instant connection that laid the groundwork for a relationship to develop through the war years. While they may not share much time together page-wise, there’s still a very tangible love between these two that the reader is sure to feel.

From a historical standpoint and as a tale of the Civil War in general, this book also entertains and excels. The harsh reality of a civil war comes to vicious life as the author explores the institution of slavery itself, the toll of the war took on all, and the common place death that stalked the American South.

I was reminded of a mini-series from the ‘80s that I enjoyed, North & South, with Patrick Swayze. That also combined a historical familial saga of the Civil War years with romance. This book is similar in that it has plot points and characters that ring close to those others. I have to wonder if the author didn’t pull some inspiration from Patrick Swayze and his flowing locks. LOL

A nice shake-up from Bittner’s usual Westerns, this tale of Civil War romance and bleakness stands out. The characters change with the circumstances, being relatable to the audience. The romance is sweet and emotional. If you like Bittner, you’ll love this title.

REVIEW: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

Once a Soldier
by Mary Jo Putney

Publisher: Zebra
Page Count: 343
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Format: Mass Market Paperback

How got: personal buy; @ local Albertsons

First attention getter: the author

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her.

Knowing herself to be too tall, strong, and unconventional to appeal to a man, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. But for the first time in her life, she finds a man who might be her match.

Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel's enemies. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they'd dared imagine...

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

A great way to pass the time, this romantic tale of the Napoleonic wars checkmarks all the boxes of a good romance, not a great one, but a good one. It keeps the readers tuned into the lives of our leads and their relationship, even if we aren’t sucked in completely. I wouldn’t say no to more of this series.

The author gives us a unique setting amongst the horrors of war. The fictional country of San Gabriel is really Andorra with a very slim veil. It’s a perfect, hidden-away setting for a dramatic tale of war, ruffians, and suspense during the Napoleonic Wars, given its out-of-the-way nature. How the author uses that setting to flesh out our leads and romance also pleases the palette.

I liked our leads as individuals. Athena’s a strong woman who knows her own mind, isn’t afraid to pick up a gun in defense of her adopted country, yet vulnerable when it comes to her emotions and position in society. Will, also, stands as an honorable man with a strong mind for strategy and a deep well of emotion in his heart. He’s bound and determined to win her heart and she’s just as determined to give up a love for the ages for his position betterment.

It’s the main relationship where this book falls a bit short. Make no mistake; this is still a romance one can get behind. I loved how Will and Athena played off each other. Their love and emotional attachment are evident for all to see. Yet, there were times when that special spark was missing. Some scenes read flat emotionally, and the whole “Athena is a bastard” stick was used far too often. There was never a time where I stopped rooting for these two. But I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I have been for other relationships.

Great leads, sweet romance, and a detailed setting make this a great read. While it didn’t resonate emotionally with me as much as I would have wished, it might be a different story for someone else. This is the start to another series so things look promising. Give this one a gander!

REVIEW: Between Two Fires by Mark Noce

Between Two Fires
by Mark Noce

Publisher: Thomas Dunne
Page Count: 336
Release Date: August 25, 2016
Format: Kindle ARC

How got: ARC copy from NetGalley

First attention getter: setting

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Saxon barbarians threaten to destroy medieval Wales. Lady Branwen becomes Wales' last hope to unite their divided kingdoms when her father betroths her to a powerful Welsh warlord, the Hammer King. But the fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies from within and without as Branwen becomes the target of assassination attempts and courtly intrigue. A young woman in a world of fierce warriors, she seeks to assert her own authority and preserve Wales against the barbarians. But when she falls for a young hedge knight named Artagan, her world threatens to tear itself apart.

Caught between her duty to her people and her love of a man she cannot have, Branwen must choose whether to preserve her royal marriage or to follow her heart. Somehow she must save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.

Reminiscent of classics like The Mists of Avalon and A Game of Thrones, and newer popular titles like Hild, Branwen's story combines elements of mystery and romance with Noce's gift for storytelling.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3

My attention was first drawn by the setting; Dark Ages Wales stands out as unique. I’ve been reading a large number of historical fictions set in this era, just across the border in Saxon Britain, lately. So a book set in Wales caught my attention. Yet, this one turned out just mediocre with an intriguing story but a lackluster romance and setting attempt.

Fractured Welsh kingdoms against a united Saxon army makes for gripping reading. The politics between the various factions as seen through Branwen’s eyes kept me engaged. The Welsh division into tribes and smaller kingdoms would plague them throughout history in other situations as well, always to their detriment. To see it in the Dark Ages when Rome had left and chaos descended was like a window in an ever going saga of division and strife. I’m not sure if the actual history behind this tale is sound or not, but if so, it’s a fascinating look at a time when Wales was strong as one for once.

I felt Branwen’s character was an interesting choice to view the whole situation through as a woman’s place in the Dark Ages was such a precarious one. It sounds like some hold out of the Celtic respect for women and their roles held over, but the strict patriarchal hold of Christianity was starting to develop.

Yet, Branwen as a person herself, I was lukewarm to. She and Artagan came off as too perfect, a flaw I seem to see on the rise in fiction (at least the titles I’m coming across lately). Their perfect personalities got on my nerves. Their relationship lacked any fire for me, probably because I didn’t care for them as individuals in the slightest. The misunderstanding/assumption trope also reared its ugly head in their relationship. Some simple conversations would have smoothed out some of the drama easily.

I can see where the author strives to incorporate bits of history into his story. Some of the names like one of the Saxon kings mentioned and marriage alliances with the Picts ring true; I’ve actually come across Penda in other books I’ve read this year, taking place in this era. Some of the societal norms ring true as well.

Yet, the author seems to incorporate terminology and phrasing way out of touch with the times. Using terms more comfortable in the Middle Ages rather than the Dark was rattling. There were also turns of phrase or wording more at home in the modern era than Celtic Wales. The setting became very vague, reading medieval than Dark Ages and vice versa.

Flat characterizations and vague historical details drag this book down. The story of a group of nation states coming together to face a common enemy make this book readable, but it’s kept from true stardom. I couldn’t get behind our main heroine or her relationship. All in all, this is a middle of the road book; a good one to kill time with but not one to seek out specifically.

Note: Book received for free from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Above and Beyond by Jessica James

Above and Beyond
by Jessica James

Publisher: Patriot Press
Page Count: 205
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Format: Kindle

How got: personal buy; via Amazon

First attention getter: liked author's previous work

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Another timeless Civil War novel by award-winning historical fiction author Jessica James.

A romantic tale of two people thrown together by war, and torn apart by Destiny.

Confederate spy Sarah Duvall risks all to help cavalry officer Douglas Benton escape from the Yankees. Will his love be enough to bring her back? Or will a promise he made keep them apart forever?

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3

Like this author’s other work I’ve read, she still knows how to tell a dramatic and emotional tale. The reader is sucked in despite the pitfalls and down sides to the book. I zoomed through inside 24 hours, even despite being at work for 9 hours of the day; it was that engrossing.

The author keeps her skills at historical setting and details sharp. The harshness of battle and its effects see thorough exploration, not being softened for her readers. The tension of a territory constantly changing hands during such a harsh war comes through clearly. Sarah’s situation being caught between two sides makes the reader empathize with her and her struggle.

As I mentioned, the emotional draw for this novel doesn’t let up. Despite some other drawbacks interwoven with this aspect of the book, I still found myself crying, smiling, and feeling rage at all the appropriate places. The author has a real talent for drawing her readers into the story and never letting them go. Not every writer can do this. Ms. James has a special talent at it.

Now for those drawbacks… First off are our two main leads. They’re likable enough so that I can relate to them and be invested in their relationship (see emotional draw paragraph above). However, they are far too perfect. Constantly described as such, the reader is hit by a 2x4 in how many times this point is stressed. Brave, strong, gorgeous, pure, dignified, angelic… I mean, really?! Nobody is this perfect. And the point is driven home at least every other page…

I also felt the ending was drawn out far too long. We had the fantastic, suspenseful story going strong, like a runaway train on a downward grade. Climax hits, and the audience holds its breathe in anticipation of a great resolution. Then we get this book’s ending. The book drags its feet in giving us the closing scene, going from scene to scene expounding on how perfect our leads are and how they don’t feel like they deserve each other. It’s enough to make me grind my teeth in exasperation.

The book excels in setting and emotional draw, even despite the character and ending drawbacks. Yet, ending the book on such a note is a big bummer as that’s the closing the reader is left with. I was also glad to see these characters leave my reading experience. I might have loved their romance, but the people themselves would not have been people I’d like to know in real life. Read for the emotions if nothing else, though. Those are powerful and suspenseful enough.

REVIEW: In the Shadow of the Mountains by Rosanne Bittner

In the Shadow of the Mountains
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Fanfare
Page Count: 640
Release Date: June 1, 1991
Format: Mass Market Paperback

How got: personal buy; used bookstore

First attention getter: the author, already loved her!

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

DENVER: CITY OF GOLD--CITY OF DREAMS

In one magnificent family burned the vision that built a great American city. They were the Kirklands: David--the brave, big-hearted mountain dreamer who risked his life to stake a claim to a new life in the rugged Colorado Rockies; Beatrice--the ambitious, strong-willed matriarch who sacrificed her girlish dreams for the perils and hardships of an unknown, untamed wilderness; Irene-the beautiful young woman who shared her father's passion for the land and ached for the one man she was forbidden to love; Elly--the scheming daughter who vowed to possess the family fortune and the man she worshipped above all else; John-the desperate son who struggled to escape his mother's domination and carve out his own life.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAINS

Bold, headstrong, and passionate, the indomitable Kirklands struggled to survive in a treacherous, hostile land. From penniless settlers to wealthy mine owners to Denver's regal first family, together--and separately--they pursued their dazzling dreams of love and glory. From the era of the covered wagon to the rise of the western railroad, from the gold rush years through the golden age of the American West, In the Shadow of the Mountains is the breathtaking saga of a remarkable family who endured tragedy and hardship to build a glorious mountain empire.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 5

Another win from Bittner! After a couple of works that I dropped for various reasons, this book illustrated why I’d fallen in love with her stuff in the first place. She seems to be one of these authors that either writes gold or very mediocre stuff. Like the peaks of Colorado, this one was gold!

The epic family drama and the emergence of Denver as a prominent Western metropolis kept me spell bound. Much along the lines of Outlaw Hearts and Wildest Dreams, this book follows two individuals through very trying circumstances and follows their family build up through to the beginning of the modern age. Each generation builds upon the accomplishments of the past to create the next leg in the saga.

Historical romances are not the usual scene for these type of family dramas; in fact, Bittner is the only one I can think of that incorporates it. I feel it adds so much to a romance as we get to see the fruits of labors and the consequences of decisions in such a grand scale, over decades rather than just a few months or years. The actions of each generation impacts the next, and I loved that.

Surviving fire, flood, crime, war, and riot, Denver rose to become one of the jewels of the West, the Queen City as it was called. The vast history of the West was also explored in gold-rush California and arid New Mexico. I was especially intrigued with the history in this book as I’m going to be able to visit several of the spots discussed on a road trip this fall; so I got all the more excited, reading about them and learning some of their back story. Bittner excelled in this book aspect.

Her characters and romance also shined. Every character felt real to me. Even the nasty personalities like Elly and Chad, I was able to see why they acted the way they did, their motivations and inspirations. There is more than one romantic pairing in this book, giving us a more rounded picture of romance as well. As loyal business partners or passionate lovers or healing friends, seeing the different types and levels of romance made for a more well-rounded romantic tale.

For most of the book, our main pairing wasn’t together, which in another historical romance might have killed the book. Yet, the strength of their love and the trials they go through to ultimately find themselves together keep it in the forefront of the story. Even though they marry others and face tragedy separately, I felt their chemistry together even so.

Even though there were a few flaws here or there, they pale in comparison to the work as a whole. The vibrant history, characters, and romance all make for a gripping historical romance read. This is a solid five in my book; works like this are the reason I love and adore Bittner. I’ll be looking out for more!

REVIEW: The Girl and the Sunbird by Rebecca Stonehille

The Girl and the Sunbird
by Rebecca Stonehill


Publisher: Bookouture
Page Count: 375
Release Date: June 17, 2016
Format: Kindle ARC

How got: ARC copy via NetGalley

First attention getter: forbidden romance

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

A haunting, heartbreaking and unforgettable novel of a woman married to a man she can never love, and drawn to another who will capture her heart forever…

When eighteen year old Iris Johnson is forced to choose between marrying the frightful Lord Sidcup or a faceless stranger,Jeremy Lawrence, in a far-off land, she bravely decides on the latter.

Accompanied by her chaperone, Miss Logan, Iris soon discovers a kindred spirit who shares her thirst for knowledge. As they journey from Cambridgeshire to East Africa, Iris’s eyes are opened to a world she never knew existed beyond the comforts of her family home.

But when Iris meets Jeremy, she realizes in a heartbeat that they will never be compatible. He is cold and cruel, spending long periods of time on hunting expeditions and leaving Iris alone.

Determined to make the best of her new life, Iris begins to adjust to her surroundings; the windswept plains of Nairobi, and the delightful sunbirds that visit her window every day. And when she meets Kamau, a local school teacher, Iris finds her calling, assisting him to teach the local children English.

Kamau is everything Jeremy is not. He is passionate, kind and he occupies Iris’s every thought. She must make a choice, but if she follows her heart, the price she must pay will be devastating.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3.5

Any tale of forbidden romance will always draw me in; this one was no different. The author creates a great relationship and historical story behind it. Yet, she falls a bit short when it comes to some mannerisms and motives of her characters. I felt they were off balance with the times or just off altogether.

The history really blew me away on this one. Of course, history on any region of the world with which I’m unfamiliar will make me squirm in happiness. From a rigid British colony in 1910s to the rumblings of the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s, the reader watches as Kenya develops into the modern nation we know today. Told from the point of view of four individuals (a white British girl, an Indian tailor, an African man, and a mixed race man), the author gives a well-rounded analysis of Kenya’s growth from many perspectives.

Of course, it’s the forbidden romance that initially drew me. A relationship between an African man and white woman during this time, in this locale, definitely is going to raise some eyebrows. As the story proves, it also has dire consequences for the parties involved. Yet, the chemistry and draw between Kamau and Iris makes you root for the couple even knowing that it can’t end well. Their romance is gentle, sweet, and caring; it proves that relationships can develop across cultural barriers given the right personalities.

Now those mannerisms and motives I mentioned… I felt that the author could be a bit skewed or judgmental when it came to her characters. The biggest offender was Jonathan’s and Iris’ arrangement. I can’t see that going as smoothly as it did; Jonathan would have put up more of a fight or demanded more information on why Iris asked it of him if we were going for realism here. I also felt that Mr. Lawrence might have gotten a bit of a harsh rep. Yes, he’s a crude, self-centered, heavy-handed boor who views the world through British colonial glasses. Yes, he was a horrible husband for Iris and her personality. But would I classify him as cruel?? Eh… I wouldn’t. He acted and reacted realistically, if unemphatically, in my eyes.

Kamau and Irish are somewhat of a toss-up. Kamau sometimes came off as a paragon, unrealistically. He’s gentle, passionate, sweet, intelligent, and all Iris could ask for. Iris came off as immature (maybe it was her young age of 18). Given the harsh circumstances she experienced and endured, she grew up a bit. Yet, I found her hard to connect with in the beginning until about the last half of the book. For all that, though, I liked them well enough to get behind their stories and romance. I could empathize with them and their struggles.

For a story that had shadowy character motives and personalities that could read too unrealistic, I still enjoyed this look at a country finding itself, forming into the nation we know today. The main romance kept me engaged with their sweet emotions. So, all in all, this is a pleasant read; I wouldn’t say no to another work by this author.

Note: Book received for free from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: The Deepening Night by Jayne Castel

The Deepening Night
by Jayne Castel

Publisher: self-published
Page Count: 230
Release Date: February 16, 2014
Format: Kindle

How got: personal buy from Amazon

First attention getter: setting and synopsis

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

BRITAIN - 630 A.D.

Saewara, sister to the King of Mercia, has just lost her husband. Finally free of a cruel bully, Saewara wishes to take the veil and retire to a life of peace and solitude.

But, the king destroys her plans when he orders her to remarry – to her people’s enemy.

Saewara will wed Annan of the Wuffingas, the King of the East Angles. Following his kingdom’s humiliating defeat to Mercia six months earlier, Annan must ‘bend the knee’ to his new lord. However, what begins as a forced marriage develops into a slow-burning passion between Annan and Saewara. Two proud individuals, they must come to terms with more than an unwanted marriage.

A woman of quiet, indomitable will, Saewara leaves her past behind and attempts to forge a new life for herself as Queen of the East Angles – but her fragile happiness risks destruction by the ambitions of her ruthless brother.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

I’ve gotta say I was fairly impressed with this work. While most self-published works seem to get some things right while lacking in others, this one impresses in all areas but one. This is a great look at a historical era often ignored in fiction.

Dark Ages Britain doesn’t get much love when it comes to historical fiction, especially the century this one is in, the 600s. We’re talking pre-Viking, pre-Alfred the Great, pre-anything the average person nowadays is aware of. For a self-published author to tackle this seems all the more impressive knowing this. And she does it fantastically well!!

Castel goes the extra length to pull real names from the fogginess of poorly recorded history and fleshes these people with real personalities. Most of the characters and settings that people this work are real individuals and places too, even down to the babes-in-arms and where they were baptized. Towns, protective works, landscape features, and counties are all vibrant settings that could be located on a map today. Obscure, barely legible names on parchment splash their motives, plans, love, and revenge across the page with panache.

All the characters are well-fleshed out, even the antagonistic ones that drive me up a wall. However, I have to give a special shout-out to our lead, Saewara.

She’s a woman with guts, especially given the timeframe she lives in and the special hardships women faced in it. She tries to shape her own life only to fail. She pays the price for her independence striving and goes to a truly dark place emotionally. Yet, she doesn’t let that completely overtake her life; she takes stock of her situation and creates other opportunities and connections to for a new life. As a result, she is able to find a new purpose in life and a beautifully passionate love match that she never saw coming. Where she ultimately ends up in the end is jaw dropping. Badass doesn’t even begin to cover it! The phrase “You go, girl!” echoed through my head more than once.

My only hitch with this book is a specific scenario that happened once Saewara got to her new home. Of course, being who she was and in the locale she found herself, she was bound to get some flack. Yet, it developed into a scenario one would find more in a modern high school than Dark Ages Britain. The exchanges and personalities involved came off as more juvenile teenager exchanges than between female romantic rivals. Saewara faced everything with her calm, strong exterior, but every time she was engaged with these people, I cringed.

Despite that one ding, this book is a solid historical fiction and romance. With strong characters (You go, Saewara girl!! LOL) and fantastic research, this author has proven her skills and chops along with the best of the field. I look forward to diving into more of her works!!

REVIEW: Only Beloved by Mary Balogh

Only Beloved
by Mary Balogh

Publisher: Signet
Page Count: 393
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Format: Mass Market Paperback

How got: personal buy from Amazon

First attention getter: already a fan of the series

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

From the legendary New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss and Only a Promise comes the final book in the rapturous Survivor’s Club series—as the future of one man lies within the heart of a lost but never-forgotten love...

For the first time since the death of his wife, the Duke of Stanbrook is considering remarrying and finally embracing happiness for himself. With that thought comes the treasured image of a woman he met briefly a year ago and never saw again.

Dora Debbins relinquished all hope to marry when a family scandal left her in charge of her younger sister. Earning a modest living as a music teacher, she’s left with only an unfulfilled dream. Then one afternoon, an unexpected visitor makes it come true.

For both George and Dora that brief first encounter was as fleeting as it was unforgettable. Now is the time for a second chance. And while even true love comes with a risk, who are two dreamers to argue with destiny?

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 5

A bit of nostalgia and remembrance colors my review, this being the conclusion to a seven book series. I’ve followed these characters through some tough times, watching them find romance and healing while building families. This book wraps up the series beautifully, giving our last Survivor a romance all his own.

I love that the older generation gets a bit of nookie; our leads are 48 and 39. Both George and Dora have dedicated their lives to family and as caregivers that it’s fantastic to see them build a life for themselves later in life. I love it when we get to see romance in an older generation; goes to show that love can happen at any time in life, no matter an age.

I especially love it that Dora and George get their own happily ever after. George has so much love and caring to give that it boggles the mind. His heart makes the Earth look small, and it wants to give shelter to all the world’s hurt, misplaced, or damaged individuals. After his past is revealed, the ability he has to heal and love all his Survivor club shines ever brighter.

Dora is just as caring and loving. She dedicated her entire life to her younger sister to provide her with a secure home, sacrificing her chance at a Season and family of her own. Even though she had resigned herself to a comfortable spinster future, I adored that she got her second chance at family and love. Her healing ways worked again at bringing George some peace and comfort after his past comes to light.

These two together are gold. Even though the marriage starts out as a comfortable agreement for all parties involved, it’s inevitable that a love match would follow given their personalities. They each provide what the other needs: a family, a future, a second chance, and everlasting love. While that sounds smoopy, it’s true. That’s the kind of emotion this book creates.

A resounding success as a conclusion to this beloved series, the book ties up everything and gives George and Dora their happily ever after that’s so richly deserved. Two individuals with a capacity to love that knows no bounds, the reader can’t help but love them back and root them on as they build a better future. Highly recommended for lovers of the series. Those who haven’t partook of past volumes may be a bit lost when secondary characters are discussed, but I think you’d still be able to appreciate and enjoy George’s and Dora’s story. It’s a romance worth savoring.

REVIEW: Wildest Dreams by Rosanne Bittner

Wildest Dreams
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Page Count: 640
Release Date: January 6, 2016
Format: Kindle

How got: Amazon Kindle Unlimited

First attention getter: love the author

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

A sweeping saga of passion, excitement, and danger...as a beautiful young woman and a rugged ex-soldier struggle against all odds to carve out an empire-and to forge a magnificent love."Lettie McBride knows that joining a wagon train heading West is her chance to begin anew, far from the devastating memories of the night that changed her forever. She doesn't believe she can escape the pain of innocence lost, or feel desire for any man...until she meets Luke Fontaine.

Haunted by his own secrets, Luke would never blame Lettie for what happened in the past. One glance at the pretty redhead is enough to fill the handsome, hard-driving pioneer with a savage hunger.

Against relentless snows, murderous desperadoes, and raiding Sioux, Luke and Lettie will face a heartrending choice: abandon a lawless land before it destroys them, or fight for their Wildest Dreams.


My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 5

Consider me in happy, romantic heaven… This is the best Bittner book I’ve come across, hands down, so far. It has all the plus’ of Outlaw Hearts with the one flaw that book had corrected in this one. If you’re going to read any book by this author, let it be this one!!!

She keeps up the routine of family saga intermixed with a rich, beautiful romance in this one. Again, Bittner tells Lettie’s and Luke’s tale over decades, drawing in their struggle to build a successful ranch, fight off Indians and rustlers, and raise their children in a safe, loving environment. This trademark trait of Bittner’s novels works well again here.

Our two L’s, Luke and Lettie, have an instant connection, providing the partner that each needs to build a life and future in such a hostile and wild place as 1800s Montana. They play off each other realistically, arguing at times and suffering with the tragedies of daily life as well as reveling in the triumphs too. They’re emotionally resonant; I felt every single surge of love or pang of loss.

Bittner also makes both our leads wonderfully human, with all the fragilities and strengths that implies. Courageous and strong in equal measure, I felt a connection with both as soon as I started reading. Bittner improves on the characterization flaws that I experienced in Outlaw Hearts, the other novel of hers I adored. Neither of our “L”’s are perfect; both let grief and circumstances interfere with their relationship at times and both can be stubborn as hell. Their environment plays on their personalities, giving them a realistic feel that I loved.

She also pleases again in the setting and historical details department. Bittner brings Montana to life like few western romance authors can. She gets the remoteness, the craggy mountain beauty, the wide open valleys and plains, and the wind just right. I’ve experienced that blasting wind moaning over the prairie grasses myself and can say that part really resonated with me. I loved how the author showed us how Montana grew from the rugged territory it was into a bustling new state growing economically and politically.

To date, this is my favorite Bittner work hands down. It gets all the things right that my previous favorite had: great setting details and a wonderful romantic connection. Then she goes further and corrects the characterization flaws to give us two leads that are as human as we are. So if you’re going to be reading a Bittner work, definitely go for this one; to me, it’s the best one out there.

REVIEW: Do Not Forsake Me by Rosanne Bittner

Do Not Forsake Me
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Page Count: 480
Release Date: July 5, 2015
Format: Kindle

How got: personal library; bought via Amazon

First attention getter: loved the first book in series

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Experience the epic, sweeping story of Jake and Miranda Harkner from Bittner's beloved Outlaw Hearts, called by New York Times bestseller Heather Graham "a wonderful, absorbing read, with characters to capture the heart and the imagination".

Fate brought them together. His past may tear them apart.

Miranda Hayes' life was changed the day she faced down infamous gunslinger Jake Harkner...and walked away with his heart. Their fates have been intertwined ever since. Hunted by the law, fleeing across a savage land, their desperate love flourished despite countless sorrows. Now, twenty-six years later, their family has finally found some measure of peace...balanced on the knife's edge of danger.

Jake has spent his years as a U.S. Marshal atoning for sins, bringing law to the land he once terrorized. But no matter how hard he fights the demons of his brutal past, the old darkness still threatens to consume him. Only Miranda keeps the shadows at bay. But when outlaws looking for revenge strike a fatal blow, Jake risks losing the one woman who saw past his hard exterior and to the man inside.

He always knew there'd be the devil to pay. He just never realized he might not be the one to bear the ultimate price.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

This sequel to Outlaw Hearts didn’t have the power as the first, but it did add a great chapter in the lives of Jake and Miranda. It’s a worthy addition to Bittner’s collection of historical romance works.

The author chose to go further in a romantic relationship than many do in historical romances nowadays. The leads are in their 50s and 40s, far older than most romantic leads. I loved exploring how their relationship grew and matured as the years and trials went by. The author explored such issues that arose from that kind of relationship like illnesses, grandchildren, and getting older in a rough, tumble world.

Bittner also explores the next generation, Lloyd and Evie, as they get into relationships and start families of their own. This part of the story keeps the epic, family saga aura that the first book had, and I loved that. This book is as much about this family’s struggles to build a life in a very rough area of the world and overcome some truly tragic pasts as it is the romance.

Bittner, again, pays attention to her historical tidbits and world-building. Land-rush Oklahoma is a rough place to be, filled with outlaws, pissed-off Indians (this was supposed to be their territory after all), and squatters who don’t wish to vacate their premises. Jake being roped in as a lawman in such a setting is bound to bring its dose of action, suspense, and shoot outs. Bittner doesn’t hesitate to draw those into her story to build her characters and develop their relationships.

I didn’t like this book as well as the first as at times it seemed to focus away from the relationships and more towards Jake’s struggle as a lawman. Jake’s and Miranda’s relationship is explored enough to rightfully call this book a historical romance; yet, I felt that they didn’t always get the amount of page time together as they did in book one. It’s a subtle difference, but I still liked book one better due to it.

Still, though, this book is a great addition to the Jake/Miranda story if only as we get to see their relationship mature into the silver and golden years. The author stills pays careful attention to the background and family saga elements as she did previously. I read on her website that there will be further works coming out on Jake/Miranda; let it be noted that I’ll be eagerly awaiting those works. Bittner proves once again how great a historical romance writer she is.

REVIEW: Sweet Prairie Passion by Rosanne Bittner

Sweet Prairie Passion
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: DCA, Inc
Page Count: 463
Release Date: September 23, 2012
Format: Kindle

How got: personal library; bought via Amazon

First attention getter: genre

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

This first book in Rosanne Bittner’s popular Savage Destiny series tells the powerful love story of 15-year-old Abigail Trent, who is traveling west with her family; and a very rugged plainsman, Zeke Monroe, the half-Cheyenne guide who wins Abbie’s heart as they journey through an untamed land beset with Indians, outlaws and nature’s harsh challenges. Although Zeke and Abbie come from very different worlds, violence and personal loss bring them together in unexpected ways, including a very poignant situation that involves Abbie’s little brother. By journey’s end, Abbie has changed from an innocent young girl to a strong woman whose courage and determination to survive make her the perfect woman for the sometimes violent Zeke, whose past and upbringing make him a challenge only Abbie’s love and personal faith can overcome. Sweet Prairie Passion is the beginning of many more stories about this unforgettable couple and their life together as they face the perils of settling America’s Old West and learn that love can conquer anything.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3

This is the book that I dropped by Bittner years ago and decided to re-pick up after reading some real bomb shells by her. After finishing it, I can see why I originally dropped it @ 22%. The book has some issues, which only makes sense, I guess, being one of the author’s first works, if not the first. So conclusions after finishing it?? I’m glad I finished as I know it’s the first in an epic 7 volume series that covers this relationship through decades. The book got better the further I went along, but I’m glad as heck that the author’s writing improved with the years.

You definitely have to keep going with this book; it doesn’t really start getting any good until about half way through. Once stuff starts happening to Abigail’s family, then we start to get a glimpse of Abigail maturing and changing with the events portrayed. We also start to see a relationship between and Zeke as a realistic prospect rather than a school girl crush.

I did like the connection between Abigail and Zeke once poop started hitting the proverbial fan. They seemed to draw strength from each other, and their relationship matured the further you went along. There were times where Zeke could get a bit hoity-toity with his beliefs on Indian versus white practices or Abigail could backslide to her tweeny characterization from the first part of the book. Yet, these were only few and far between; overall, their relationship only got better the further into the story we went.

However, it’s in characterization that this book really falls flat. At one point or another, every single character falls prey to a stereotype, even the leads. Most of the secondary characters never leave those stereotypes and the leads backslide into them even towards the end. There’s the self-absorbed older sister, the tweeny heroine (at least in the beginning half), the sly gambler, the slimy preacher, the proud Sioux girl, the Indian haters, the good farmer folk….. Need I go on??? More depth to the people populating her world would have done tons for this title.

And then there’s the world itself. I guess I’ve gotten spoiled by some of the other titles by Bittner I’ve been exposed to so far, as of this writing. In these other works, she pays as much attention to her setting and historical world as much as her romance and it shows. In this volume, the world seems to follow the way of her characters, very stereotypical and flat. The plains of the Oregon Trail and its landmarks fall flat to me; they could be anywhere. The author also throws in terms, places, and things that definitely aren’t historically sound. When it comes to historical romance, this isn’t always a big quibble, yet Bittner does tons better in other novels so I was sad on this point.

So one of Bittner’s best? Heck no. A solid first attempt, first published in 1983. Probably. The relationship and main heroine improves the further you go along. This is also the start to a long epic following the relationship throughout American history. So for that alone, I’ll keep following the series. But shallow characterizations and a poor attempt at historical details keep this from being stellar. Here’s hoping that following volumes approve in these areas…

REVIEW: Outlaw Hearts by Rosanne Bittner

Outlaw Hearts 
by Rosanne Bittner

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Page Count: 576
Release Date: June 2, 2015
Format: Kindle

How got: personal library; bought via Amazon

First attention getter: synopsis and genre

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

A decades long love story of two people, united by chance, that proves love's lasting power and its ability to overcome all oddsMiranda Hayes has lost everything-her family, her husband, her home. Orphaned and then widowed, desperate to find a safe haven, she sets out to cross a savage land alone...until chance brings her face-to-face with notorious gunslinger Jake Harkner.

Hunted by the law and haunted by a brutal past, Jake has spent a lifetime fighting for everything he has. He's never known a moment's kindness...until fate brings him to the one woman willing to reach past his harsh exterior to the man inside. He would die for her. He would kill for her. He will do whatever it takes to keep her his.

Spanning the dazzling West with its blazing deserts and booming gold towns, Jake and Miranda must struggle to endure every hardship that threatens to tear them apart. But the love of an outlaw comes with a price...and even their passion may not burn bright enough to conquer the coming darkness.


My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4.5

I went into this book just expecting a pretty good western historical romance as the description sounded great. What I didn’t expect to find was a western familial EPIC surrounding these two individuals and the family they created. This book became so much more than what I was originally looking for and that was a very pleasant surprise.

First off, no historical romance can do well unless it has leads and a main relationship a reader can get behind. This book has both! Randy and Jake are instantly likeable, drawing me in with tragic pasts, very human ways of dealing with those pasts, and hopes (or lack thereof) for the future. I love that both have been so hurt by their respective situations that their journey to healing and romance is all the more magnetic for readers. As individuals they’re both strong and courageous in their own ways. Together, they’re dynamite!

The one weakness this novel has is actually in this area, though. As much as I love and adore both Randy and Jake to death, they are, at the same time, exasperating and downright irritating at times.

Randy is too perfect: beautiful, courageous, forgiving, loyal, a great mother and lover, trusting, gutsy, plucky….. Need I go on?! Her perfection isn’t so in your face that I grew to hate her; however, I really wanted her to have some moments of doubt, fear, or warts.

And Jake? He’s a lot better but almost in the opposite direction. His constant ruminating on certain parts of his past and his not believing he’s good enough for Randy does get old. Once you learn about his past, you’ll definitely be able to see WHY he has these doubts and he dwells on them. Yet, they’re in your face all the time, never really wavering all the way up to the end. I’ll admit I skipped a few pages here and there just to get away them.

Yet, these two together are something else. They have an instant connection, starting out over the flash of a gun muzzle. Now isn’t that the best introduction in a Western romance you ever heard of?! The author has presented a romance so deep in emotional resonance and heart-stopping sweetness that the aforementioned characterization flaws I talked about seem pale in comparison. It’s beautiful, sweet, heart-wrenching, and soulful all at once. If you read this book for anything, read it for the romance. It succeeds in spades there.

The fact that the author spanned this couple’s relationship for decades makes this book stand out. I’ve never run across this before in a historical romance; it’s what makes this just as much a familial Western saga as it does a romance. We get to follow Randy and Jake as they meet, develop a relationship, get married, have kids, and even on into their later years. We get to see this relationship blossom, grow, mature, and just expand in depth. I loved this aspect!!

I do have to give a special shout-out to the effort the author has evidently put into her research. The Wild West has never been so intense. The author uses places she’s actually been to, real historical figures for background, and pays attention to the little details of daily life. Many western romances I’ve read haven’t put in HALF the effort that Bittner did and it pays off. I could smell the gun smoke and feel the heat of the harsh Western sun.

I’m so glad I gave this author another go. The previous book I started by her years ago I ended up abandoning @ 22%. I have since put it back on my to-read list as I must have missed something here! This author is a queen among western historical romances and it shows. Her characters are beautiful despite some teeth-grinding flaws at times. The relationship FAR makes up for this in its intensity. And her unusual attention to decades of romance development and historical detail are just cream on top. Highly recommended!!

REVIEW: Bitter Spirits by Jean Bennett

Bitter Spirits
by Jean Bennett

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Page Count: 328
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Format: MassMarket Paperback

How got: personal library; bought through Amazon

First attention getter: the whole supernatural thing

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

It’s the roaring twenties, and San Francisco is a hotbed of illegal boozing, raw lust, and black magic. The fog-covered Bay Area can be an intoxicating scene, particularly when you specialize in spirits…
Aida Palmer performs a spirit medium show onstage at Chinatown’s illustrious Gris-Gris speakeasy. However, her ability to summon (and expel) the dead is more than just an act.

Winter Magnusson is a notorious bootlegger who’s more comfortable with guns than ghosts—unfortunately for him, he’s the recent target of a malevolent hex that renders him a magnet for hauntings. After Aida’s supernatural assistance is enlisted to banish the ghosts, her spirit-chilled aura heats up as the charming bootlegger casts a different sort of spell on her.

On the hunt for the curseworker responsible for the hex, Aida and Winter become drunk on passion. And the closer they become, the more they realize they have ghosts of their own to exorcise…

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 4

“A fun romp” describes this book best. Lots of sexy times, fast-paced storytelling, the Rip Roaring ‘20s as a backdrop, and a relationship that sizzles make this a book to go for if you’re looking for a light, fun read.

You definitely don’t have to worry about being bored with this tale! Creepy ghosts, revenge, bootlegging turf wars, shoot-ups, and fires make this a story sure to drag in the readers. I liked how the author drew in so many elements of the roaring time period and setting to create a suspenseful background story for her romance.

I loved all the supernatural stuff. Vengeful ghosts and a lead that can see them are always going to grab my attention; they’re a special weakness of mine. The added bonus of the Chinese mythology and mysticism only made the underlying paranormal tale of turf wars and revenge all the more intriguing.

Now let’s chat about that romance. To me, this is the best part of the whole book. Winter and Aida play off each other so well, even from the very beginning. They click right away, literally seeming to ooze sexual compatibility and emotional resonance. I mean seriously, if a man matching Winter’s description walked in my front door, I’d be oozing pheromones also.

My only wince-worthy item of consideration on the relationship front is the over-usage of the whole miscommunication/assumption trope. Both leads are prone to assuming the other’s thoughts and acting on those assumptions. More than once I wanted to sit them both down in a room and lock the door, only letting them out after they’ve fully communicated all their thoughts. This romance trope is one that irritates me the most, so big ding for me personally against this relationship.

This was a promising beginning to the trilogy. I’ve since gotten and bulldozed my way through books 2 and 3. If the author ever chooses to explore more in the series, sign me up! I love the characters, their relationship, and the background storyline and setting. While it has a big ding on the miscommunication/assumption front, I’d still recommend this book to lovers of historical romance. As I said, it’s a great romp!!

REVIEW: A Gentleman's Surrender by Mariel Grey

A Gentleman's Surrender
by Mariel Grey

Publisher: self-published
Page Count: 245
Release Date: January 1, 2016
Format: Kindle

How got: free copy from author

First attention getter: author's email

Synopsis:

From GoodReads:

Call her a romantic—or a fool, Lady Monique Cathdon is determined to marry for love. After watching her parents tolerate an arranged betrothal, life seems too short to be wasted on keeping up appearances.

After all, what's the point of having a heart if one refuses to follow it?

With a smile the devil himself might be proud of, James Stanton is not what her mother would call a matrimonial prospect. Still, there's something about the young man that sends Lady Monique's heart thumping around her chest, and silences her voice of reason.

Unfortunately for Lady Monique, the stakes are high, and young ladies of the ton make for very poor gamblers. Especially when James Stanton is on the hunt for revenge, and won't let an innocent woman—or his own passionate desires—get in the way of righting past wrongs.

My Thoughts:

Star Rating - 3

Ultimately, this book was about average for the historical romance, Regency subgenre. It had a lot of the cliché’s from the genre: social gatherings, posturing for position on the marriage market, rigorous protocols for propriety, and a Regency plotline I’ve seen done before. Yet for all that, I found this tale enjoyable if not totally immersed by it.

I did like the leads, Monique and James. I felt they had a sufficient chemistry and sweet romance between them to make a successful romantic story. There are enough heated glances and steamy thoughts to make up for the fact that this is a clean romance. I actually find it refreshing to find such in a sea of smutty, smexy heavy Regency novels.

The actual romantic storyline (the whole revenge thing), I’ve seen done before. I felt that the author held onto that whole scenario for too long, all the way to the end of the story. She kept having her hero go back to that motivation again and again. The whole thing with Monique shooting for a peer, also, was held onto for too long. I got tired of their constant usage of those excuses as reasons for actions and for why their relationship took so long to develop.

I also got tired of the constant ballet of social interaction: operas, balls, soiree’s, house visits, and meetings at the park. Again, the book fell victim to the flaw of many Regency’s in that they spend too much time on social exchanges to build their story rather than mixing it up with intimate exchanges or action sequences.

This book had a few of the one-on-one intimate scenes between Monique and James, the kiss being a star of this aspect for the book. However, I felt they were far too few in number for a historical romance. Way too much time was spent on the aforementioned social aspects that it seemed to drown out the romance and relationship between Monique and James at times. Maybe I just got too tired the of the constant attempts to run parallel to Jane Austen and her world.

At the heart of the book though, I did enjoy Monique and James. I liked how human they were and approachable. I could feel both of their dedication to family and familial expectations. Their struggle to break free of those and create a relationship of love between each made the book enjoyable to me. If you read this book for anything, read it for their building relationship. And really, isn’t that why we read historical romances in the first place?

Your average historical romance, the main leads and their budding relationship is the reason to look this title up. Unfortunately, it’s the only reason. Actual plot, scene setting, and even some relationship aspects are your normal romance tropes and clichés. I got bored more than once while following this tale. Still, not a bad historical romance all told.

Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for an honest review.