Je suis Charlie

Je suis Charlie
Showing posts with label Romantik. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantik. Show all posts

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Jane Eyre von Charlotte Brontë, Hörspiel

 

 

 

Jane Eyre

Charlotte Brontë


https://blogger.penguinrandomhouse.de/content/edition/cover/350px/9783844520675.jpg


 
Hörspiel
 
Gelesen von: Sylvester Groth, Sascha Maria Icks, Christian Redl
Laufzeit: 230 Minuten

 

Inhalt

„Ich bin kein Vogel, und kein Netz umgarnt mich, ich bin ein freier Mensch mit einem freien Willen – das werde ich zeigen, indem ich Sie verlasse“, sagt Jane Eyre zu dem Mann, den sie liebt. Christiane Ohaus hat den romantischen Klassiker in ein akustisches Universum verwandelt, mit genialer Leichtigkeit greifen Musik, Geräusche und schauspielerische Gestaltung ineinander. Mit Sascha Icks als Jane Eyre, die sich zwischen ihrer Liebe und ihrer Selbstständigkeit entscheiden muss, mit Christian Redl als mürrisch-liebenswertem Landedelmann und Sylvester Groth als seinem Konkurrenten bleibt auch der kleinste Zwischenton von Charlotte Brontës großem Roman bewahrt.

 Rezension

Ich muss zugeben, dass ich mich mit diesem Hörspiel eines von mir sehr geschätzten Klassikers ein wenig schwer getan habe. Auch wenn die Sprecher gut sind und ich diese Geschichte als solche absolut genial finde und in diversene Variationen schon gelesen und gesehen habe, so schwer tue ich mich doch mit dieser Umsetzung als Hörspiel. 


Die Stimmen, bzw. das Sprechen erinnern mich sehr ans Theater, dabei vermisse ich dann aber doch den visuellen Part. Auch die Musik empfinde ich als eher unangenehm und aufdringlich und nicht unbedingt als gute Untermalung. Nach einiger Zeit gewöhnte ich mich zwar daran, aber so recht konnte der Funke nicht überspringen. Ich muss allerdings dazu sagen, dass ich normalerweise Hörbücher höre und nur sehr selten Hörspiele. Wer damit schon mehr Erfahrung hat, wird es vermutlich anders empfinden. Ich finde es schade, dass so doch einiges vom Sprachfluss und der Erzählweise der Autorin untergeht, da ich Charlotte Brontë als Autorin auch aufgrund ihres Schreibstils sehr schätze.

Lässt man meine Voreingenommenheit gegenüber dem Hörspiel einmal außen vor, ist es insgesamt schon gut umgesetzt, denke ich. Wer also ganz unvoreingenommen hier rangeht, dürfte auch an diese Version große Freude haben, auch wenn es leider nicht unbedingt meinen Geschmack trifft.  

 

☕☕☕

 

 



Monday, 12 February 2018

The Viking's Chosen by Quinn Loftis #TheVikingsChosen

  

Blurb:
His orders are clear: launch a raid against England and bring home the spoils of war. But the prophecy is also clear: General Torben will take a foreign bride—one who is a seer and healer just like his mother. The eldest princess of England is said to be just that…a beautiful, charming, and headstrong woman. But he's a Viking army general and she's an English princess—and one who is already promised to the king of Tara.

Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless.
Alright, I must admit that very often Viking stories and I, well, let's just say that we don't mix well, as they tend to be rather brutal and I might have a problem with that high level of brutality. In this case though, I fell for the cobination of the author, the cover and the blurb and couldn't resist. After pushing it around a bit and starting, not really starting to read it, I finally put on my big girl panties and started. And didn't stop till the end.

There were some minor things that did strike me as not being completely conclusive but on the whole I really really enjoyed reading this book. Strong, feisty women, really bad villains (even though those tend to be mad as well) and strong, protective men who respect their women and don't smother them.
The chemistry between our hero Torben, the Viking and Princess Allete Auvray is convincing and you can feel that they belong together and not just because Cathal, her betrothed is a cruel brute. The villains like Cathal and the Viking King Magnus are defined by their brutality and their cruelty, there's nothing subtile or complex about them, the other characters are more complex though and I really loved all the dynamics. I laughed and chuckled a lot, giggled, was upset and laughed again.

A fast-paced story about love and magic and...love....of course and...a cliffhanger. If you are like me, you might want to wait a bit till at least the next book, The Viking's Captive is out because otherwise you might feel (like me) that November is simply too far away for the story to continue especially considering the circumstances in which we find our friends at the end of this book - but no matter what, read this book, it is definitely worth it!

★★

Monday, 11 September 2017

On the Chase (Rocky Mountain K9 Unit #2) by Katie Ruggle













Blurb:

After witnessing a horrifying crime, Kaylee is forced to flee to a small Colorado mountain town and take on a new identity. There she becomes Grace, a dog kennel worker trying to avoid the dangerously attractive K-9 Officer Hugh Murdoch.

When an accident leaves Hugh and his K-9 partner, Lexi, on desk duty, both are anxious for Hugh to heal. Until then, the highlight of his day is teasing the beautiful but mysterious new kennel employee. Their simmering attraction fuels a passionate kiss—interrupted by a sniper’s bullet. With targets on both of their backs, Grace and Hugh will do whatever it takes to stay alive…not realizing the most dangerous threat of all is hiding right in front of their noses.


 
Oh my goodness, I really really loved this book! First thing I did when I had finished it, was to go online and look for the other books by the author and of course, the first book in this amazing series.

Fast-paced, witty, with a great story line and really amazing characters, this book drew me in from the first page on and I didn't put it down until the end. Since I've read it that first time, I've read the first book and I've reread this book, I have listened to the audio book of the first one and then I was waiting rather impatiently for the audio book of "On the Chase".

Hugh and Grace are a wonderful couple with lots of chemistry and sparks and I was either turning the pages faster and faster because I just needed to know what would happen next or I was laughing out loud because of something Hugh said or did.
And seriously? I just love all those other characters, Jules Jackson and her siblings, Theo Bosco, Otto - they are vivid, very much alive and lovable and, oh, don't forget about Lexi and Viggy, I think, I fell in love with those two as well.

Right now I can't wait till the next book in this series releases - soooo.....just in case, I haven't mentioned it before, I really loved reading this book and I can definitely recommend "On the Chase" as well as the first book "Run to Ground". Both books are part of the series but they can easily be read as standalones, well, apart from the fact that they are highly addictive, of course.


★★
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords #1) by Bronwen Evans



  



Blurb:

A lovestruck lady charms the duke of her dreams during an expedition on the high seas in this sexy, swashbuckling novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans.

Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary’s missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia’s surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow—until he can properly ask the Earl’s blessing.

Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there’s passion in his eyes—and a frisson of desire in the air—whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won’t be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest.



I must admit that I was a bit torn when it came to rating this book. my problem was that it is a book that is really well written and is dealing with some rather difficult topics like abuse, rape and drugs. Not the most romantic stuff, is it? Right, And when people are hurt that way and when they are judged badly for it and when the descriptions are not always  easy to read....well, it is not the easiest or most romantic thing to read. Nevertheless, the effect the story and the events described had on me, convinced me that it is not the book's fault that it is too intense and too hard for me, at least sometimes but it is too well written and, well, I guess that explains the four stars, doesn't it?

I had to put the book away for a while when I read it but I can honestly say that it is not just a well written book with an interesting and gripping story but that I also liked the hero and the heroine a lot. The passion between them is palpable and I must admit that I was furious when Alexander talked to Hestia's father about his feelings for her. Hestia is sweet and determined, brave and loyal and Alexander - honorable, brave and constantly battling his demons. Life hasn't been kind to him and his experiences have left him vulnerable and torn but when Hestia needs him, he faces his worst nightmares again....
A well written book with characters that are both strong and vulnerable and a gripping story - I liked it.

★★★★


Tuesday, 6 June 2017

The Alabaster Hip (The Regency Romp Trilogy #3) by Maggie Fenton










Blurb: 

The long-anticipated—and hilarious—final installment in The Regency Romp Trilogy…

After the Viscount Marlowe’s latest misadventure gets Miss Minerva Jones sacked from her teaching post, he hires her as a governess for his twins. Marlowe finds himself falling for the feisty bookworm—an alarming development for a man who was nearly broken by his disastrous marriage. Can he risk his heart without falling apart again?

Minerva would rather be employed by anyone other than the walking disaster that is the Viscount Marlowe, but she finds a home in Lord Marlowe’s eccentric household, and loses her heart to not only the twins but also their impossible father. Will she take a chance on the viscount?

Just when their happy ending is in sight, however, Minerva discovers Marlowe’s most closely guarded secret, with disastrous results. Can she ever forgive him for his deception?

(Also includes an evil duke, meddlesome friends, a randy Greek God, and a pack of rabid Misstophers.)


Okay, this book is nothing for you, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy but if you are looking for a book set in the Regency era and don't mind somewhat eccentric characters and a great story with many twists and turns, well, stop right now - your search is over! 
This book has, let's say, very interesting characters that may not always fit in with everything else that I have read about this era but they ft in with this story. Funny and witty, this book made me laugh out loud and groan in frustration and even though there were really horrible characters that I wholeheartedly despised  there were many others that were so sweet and nice that I fell for them. Oh, I wouldn't want to leave a razor lying around after having angered those sweet little angels but, really, I'm sure that they are completely harmless now. Perhaps. 

What I loved about those characters were the many layers to their character. They are interesting and charming and it never gets boring. Do you love limericks? No, well, that might change - or not. Even the most persistent Misstopher can be cured, obviously so who knows, perhaps you'll start spouting limericks after all. You don't know what a Misstopher is? You have never heard of Lady Hedonist? You don't know Christopher Essex? No? Well, I think that you should really really read this book, it will help you understand what I'm talking about - and it is definitely worth it. 
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and has a slightly chaotic but charming and thrilling story. The fact that it kept me glued to my reader and made me laugh out loud - yup. I can recommend this book.



★★★

Sunday, 30 April 2017

Live Out Loud - Marie Meyer












Blurb:

I thought I'd live in silence forever . . . and then I met him.



I loved this book! I loved to see how Harper and Thorin connect despite everything that might stand between them. Thor's willingness to communicate with Harper, to learn how to sign made such a big difference and I just loved him for it. Oh, don't forget her friend Chloe, she is amazing as well. Even though Thor's willingness to learn how to sign meant even more to me as he is a musician, he is someone whose life revolves around music, around sound - the one thing that Harper will never be able share with him. She can feel music but she can't hear. And she doesn't speak.
The whole story is about living in silence and living with sound. Thor sometimes needs silence to settle down, to be able to create music and Harper's life is silent. Even her relationship with Harper's former boyfriend was defined by the difference between coming from a Deaf family and a hearing family.
It is amazing to read how Thor tries to overcome all those obstacles and how much of a diffrence that makes for Harper. How can you NOT fall for a guy like him? Well, that's what Harper thinks - right until the moment when it is not enough any more. Or is she not enough? Or...?
There were moments when my heart broke, right then and there, I was so upset and I just hoped that, well, you know, all this happily ever after? That's what I wanted for those two and for a while I was really worried...

A wonderful book that left me thinking about opening up to someone, about connecting with people, learning other languages (and checking out options to learn how to sign as "Signing for Dummies" that Thor uses is not available for the German sign language and did you know that there are even different sign for the UK and the States?) and so much more. I loved the story and I loved the characters - a lot.
My first book by Marie Meyer but definitely not the last.

★★★★

Wednesday, 12 April 2017

Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy







 Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy 

 
Blurb:

As a nurse and single mom, Darla Battle hides her loneliness behind a smile. But when she discovers that the new cute doctor everyone is talking about is her daughter’s father, she knows she needs to keep her distance from the man who abandoned her and their child, Stella.

When Theo Edwards returns to Nashville to finish his medical training, he never expects to run into Darla, a girl he spent one night with seven years ago. For reasons he can’t fathom, her attitude toward him is frosty, but he still hopes to ignite the spark they once felt.

Once Darla realizes Theo doesn’t know he’s Stella’s father, she has no idea how to tell him the truth. And the longer she waits, the more difficult it becomes. When the situation spins out of control, can the two come together for the sake of their daughter? Or is forgiveness out of reach?
 



Ohhhh, I loved this book! All those wonderful and meddling Edwards' and all their friends, all those people who help and support Theo and especially Darla and - well, I must say that I was so happy when I found that the reason why, was not the obvious one but just one of those things, you know. One of those stupid things that just happen.
As I said there are so many really wonderful characters in this book, I really loved them.

Alright, that doesn't mean that I like Theo's girlfriend, like, at all, but the rest of the people around them, well, I like them, a lot. And Stella - who wouldn't love someone like Stella? She is amazing and so sweet and I was so very very upset when things got rough and I might have cried a bit (or more) and I might have turned the pages faster and faster because I just had to know.... You know. Oh, No, you don't know. Well, perhaps you should read this book, then you'll know!

Well written, gripping and sweet and with many many amazing characters - I can definitely recommend this book!


★★★★


Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Whatever You Need (The Haneys #2) by Barbara Longley









Blurb: 
  
In the second novel in award-winning author Barbara Longley’s sweet and sexy Haneys series, an introverted electrician rewires a young widow’s apartment—and attempts to mend her heart.
Painfully shy electrician Wyatt Haney is a pro at complex wiring jobs, but when it comes to women, he just can’t seem to make a lasting connection. If he had even half the courage of the superhero he penned for his comic book series, he’d finally be able to talk to his beautiful neighbor, Kayla—and stop hiding behind a hoodie. When an electrical fire breaks out in Kayla’s apartment, Wyatt comes to the rescue, sparking an attraction neither of them expected.
Kayla Malone has had enough surprises. First an unplanned pregnancy at eighteen, then losing her husband in war, and now a fire in her apartment. Thank God her hot neighbor has the skills to help. As Wyatt repairs Kayla’s apartment and forges a relationship with her son, he also makes inroads to her heart. It’s clear that Wyatt has fallen for Kayla, but is she willing to risk another heartbreak—or will she ignore the electricity between them and miss her happy ending?



Seriously, is there any guy sweeter than Wyatt? He is so caring and sweet and this shyness? Well, I loved it see him overcome it and see him connect with other people  - and his hood? That had to go and I loved to see it happen.

When Wyatt hears the fire alarm go off in Kayla's kitchen, he doesn't know that this fire will change his life for ever. Getting to know Kayla and falling in love with her, well, that was something he had hoped for but due to his extreme shyness it wasn't something he would have thought possible. But - things change and so do people. And when the reward is worth it, well, sometimes people can surpass themselves and Kayla definitely is worth it.

Kayla's life hasn't been easy up to now, not everyone is a widow and single mum at the ripe old age of 24, right? And that her husband wasn't too pleased to have been forced to marry her because of their son Brady, well, let's just say that her marriage wasn't one of the best. So one could say that she is a bit gun-shy when it comes to men and love. But Wyatt's caring and friendly way, his love for her son and last but not least, his talent when it comes to drawing marvelous comics - it's not easy to stay hard, when someone like him comes along.

When everything threatens to fall apart, it's Wyatt again who fights to keep everything together. Will it be enough? And will it be enough to convince a certain young lady that she should trust him with her heart as well?

I loved Wyatt and Kayla and their families and I loved all those lovingly painted minor characters. The story is really nice and well plotted, it captivated me from the start. A very enjoyable read and a book that I can definitely recommend.
 

★★

Wednesday, 5 April 2017

Embracing Love (Once broken #1) by Alison Mello










 Blurb:

McKenzie McCormick moved back home for one reason only, and falling for a soldier isn’t it…
Fort Stewart is only a few miles away, which means her hometown has its fair share of soldiers. But Kenzie chooses to steer clear of them, as she still struggles to cope with the grief of losing her father to war. All she wants to do is help her aunt take care of her ill grandmother—until a gorgeous green-eyed Army Captain moves back into town.
The last thing Captain Remington Bennett expects to find is a pretty brunette while out on his morning run…
Intrigued by the woman he passes almost every morning, Remy is determined to get to know the brown-eyed beauty. Kenzie is reluctant to get too close, but his persistence in pursuing her slowly breaks down her defenses, turning what started out as nothing more than a nod and a shy smile into something neither of them could have predicted.
War has already taken too much from her, and Kenzie can’t afford to lose her heart to a soldier…
Even though the mutual attraction becomes too strong to ignore, Kenzie keeps fighting her feelings for the handsome Captain. But when Remy is called out on a mission and she’s faced with the possibility he might not come back, Kenzie realizes she may have let her only chance at love slip through her fingers.
Now that Kenzie is finally ready to embrace love with the kind of man she has spent her entire life avoiding, it might just be too late…



This book was one of those books that you just open to take a peek, then run around the whole day with your reader in hand because you just have to know... 

Do you know that kind of book? It's the kind where everything just adds up and results in a wonderful book with amazing and complex characters and an intriguing story. The writing is thrilling and gripping and you just feel with your hero and your heroine and you cry and you laugh and you have this silly, goofy smile on your face when they are just so sweet and of course sometimes you just want to kick them and tell them what to do, because, seriously, how can they fail to understand how deeply they care for each other and...  In short - that kind of book that takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and won't let you get out till you reach the end.


I loved it and it is definitely one of those book that I will read again and even though it was the first book by this author that I've read, it won't be the last.


★★★★★


Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Royally Roma by Teri Wilson








 Blurb:

In this charming, modern retelling of the classic Audrey Hepburn film Roman Holiday, a royal prince tries to escape his hectic and rigid life and ends up leading a young graduate student on a chase through the Eternal City.

Julia Costa is too busy trying to complete her PhD while also holding down a full-time job as a private tour guide in Rome to keep up with celebrity gossip. So when she crosses paths with a real, actual prince, she mistakes him for a client and takes him on a daylong tour of the city.

Intrigued by the idea of spending time with someone who obviously has no idea who he is, and delighted at the prospect of a day free of royal obligations, Niccolo La Torre, Crown Prince of Lazaretto, acts on impulse and assumes the role of Julia’s client. He swears to himself that he’ll return to his royal duties after only half a day…but he’s having the time of his life.

Until Julia presents him with the bill. Since he snuck out of the hotel without so much as a dime, he tries to escape, only to discover that she won’t let him out of her sight until he can pay her back. She’s determined to get her money…and perhaps more from the handsome stranger she’s fallen for.
 




Somehow, despite the fact that this is a really nice story, it didn't really enthrall me. It was a nice read and it was sweet (and sometimes a bit frustrating) to read how those two explore Rome and get to know each other. Nevertheless, after having read half the book, I put it aside and forgot about it for a while. So - nice but obviously not the kind of book that keeps me glued to my reader.

Somehow Niccolo's Attempts at fleeing his responsibilities (and his bodyguards) were not really convincing and he himself and his actions did sometimes appear a bit, well, not really pathetic but a bit weak.

Oh, Niccolo? Right. Niccolo and Julia are our main characters. Juluia who just works and tries to get by while finishing her studies and Niccolo La Torre, Crown Prince of Lazaretto.
When Niccolo or "His Royal Hotness" as the newspapers hve christened him, grasps at the opportunity of being someone else, just a simple tourist, for a day, his life is changed forever. Or maybe it is the kidnapping that changes him?
As far as Julia is concerned, well, it's not every day that a girl has to reasort to kidnapping, so , yes, talk about a life chainging incident taking place. And when her plain tourist, actually her plain, kidnapped tourist, turns out to be a real prince, well, that's got "trouble" written all over it -  in capital letters! So far so....not really good. Right?

At the end of the book I was a bit frustrated because it felt as if everything was a bit rushed and somehow, miraculously, all those very obvious and insurmountable problems vanish in thin air.
Sooooo....I enjoyed reading this book on the whole but I won't reread very often.


★★
 
 

Tuesday, 28 March 2017

The Highland Duke - Amy Jarecki











Blurb:

 She'll put her life on the line for him . . .

When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.

Yet she can never learn his true identity.

Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .



Waking up on the battlefield in the aftermath of the desastrous  Battle of Hoord Moor, Geordie or rather George Gordon, the first Duke of Gordon does not only have to deal with a musket ball in his tigh but also with the fact that he mustn't be found by the redcoats as his lands would be forfeit if he was discovered. When Akira Ayres, the nearby village's healer finds him, he gets her to help him. When they are discovered by the redcoats, a wild ride begins and a flight that'll take them high up into the highlands. This trip will change their life forever ...

Akira's life hasn't been easy up to now and she isn't very happy when circumstances force her to flee with Geordie - and with a bunch of redcoats at their heels. A bunch of very determined redcoats at that.
Akira and Geordie not only have to try to stay ahead of their pursuers but Akira also has to try to keep the severely wounded Geordie alive. Fighting together and getting to know each other, the two of them form a bond. Could there be a future for a duke and a gypsy's daughter? And, even more pressing, will they be able to stay ahead of the redcoats and thwart all their plans to capture them?

I loved the chemistry between the two main characters and I loved that Geordie is very straight forward when it comes to his feelings and that even though he is a man and acts like one, he doesn't want to take advantage of Akira but wants to do everything for her that he can do. Well, the bad part is, that sometimes that is not enough. Sometimes all the feelings and all the good intentions are not enough no matter how much it hurts to realize that.

Akira's family - well, I guess everybody needs an Uncle Bruno, right? Someone who will protect you no matter what, someone who shows you how to survive and someone to watch out for you. Alright, I loved the story and I loved that the good ones win and the bad ones, well, they don't. And it felt so good to see them lose!

This book is sweet and wonderful, romantic, funny and gripping. I really enjoyed reading it!


★★★★



The Duke of Desire - Darcy Burke







 Blurb:

Ten years ago Ivy Breckenridge’s life was ruined. She had to reinvent herself, and now, after painstakingly making her own way in the world, she’s nearly forgotten the dreams of home and family she’d once nurtured. Until one man peers into her soul and awakens every one of her hidden desires. But no matter how good he makes her feel, she can’t trust him—alone by choice is better than alone by necessity.

With a notorious reputation for training married women in the art of passion, Sebastian Westgate, Duke of Clare, is reviled by some and celebrated by others. He doesn’t allow anyone close enough to see past his charming exterior. When Ivy uncovers the man beneath, the seducer is suddenly the seduced. Enraptured by her mind and spirit, he wants more but revealing his darkest secrets is a price he won’t pay.



"The Duke of Desire" is the forth book in the series  - and I loved it just as much as I loved the other books!

Well, I was a bit miffed at our hero, the Duke of Desi...,pardon, Duke of Clare's in the beginning because he was very insistent and very seductive and, well, let's face that fact once more, right: seduction was fine in those times - if you didn't happen to be a woman, then it just meant that you were completely and utterly ruined.

Unfortunately Ivy Breckenridge is a woman - and one who has suffered enough already. So no matter how well meaning and how whatever our Duke's efforts were, I was not very happy with him. So wasn't Ivy, actually, at least, well. Persistence and perseverance can change a lot, can't they? And slowly, very slowly, Ivy dared to dream of something more than just going on with her life as it was.

The Duke of Desire and I got along much better when he finally realized that there was much more to Ivy and that she meant much more to him than he thought possible. I loved to see their attraction grow, to see him fall for her - and when her past catched up to her ...let's just say that he really really won me over.

Well written with an interesting plot, very complex and likeable characters, especially an extraordinarily strong heroine - I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm already looking forward to the next book by the author!

 ★★★★


Sunday, 26 March 2017

To Tempt a Viscount (Entangled Nobility, #1) by Naomi Boom










Blurb:

Lady Laura Rosing knows two things: first, she will marry for love, and second, she detests rakes. When she meets Lord Gavin Farris, she understands immediately that he fails both her criteria, and worse yet, he is an absolute cad who refuses to leave her be.

Lord Farris has always appreciated women and cannot understand why Lady Laura is so resistant to his charms. While pretty, she is not his usual type, but something about her intrigues him. Much to his chagrin, he finds himself desperately in love with her, but he may be too late. His adamant refusal to marry just might have planted her firmly in the arms of another.



I enjoyed reading this book and will probably read it again. It is a nice and charming story about oh-so-very-pretty-but-beastly stepsisters, insecurities, indifferent fathers and a couple of misunderstandings. A rake who turns out to be a wonderful person thus making him the love of our heroine's life but this rake doesn't wish to wed. Unfortunately a young lady has to marry - sooner rather than later.

Torn between his wish to stay independent (and unmarried) and his love for Lady Laura, Lord Farris is running out of time, especially as other men start to court Lady Laura. Laura is being pushed into a marriage of convenience by her despicable cousin and Lord Farris risks losing her.
Will he realize soon enough how he really feels about her or will he lose her? And will Laura be able to trust him and believe in his honorable intentions?

There was a lot in this book but it was rather predictable despite some twists and turns and some decisions didn't really convince me. I liked the chemistry between the hero and the heroine but, well, let's say that I thought that it was a bit strange that some actions of Lord Farris' when Lady Laura was ill, didn't lead to scandal (and a proposal), especially as he wasn't very subtle about it.  There were several of those inconsistencies and I was bit annoyed how long it took him to realize the depth of his feelings.

Nevertheless I really enjoyed reading this book and I will also look for other books by this author.

★★


Thursday, 23 March 2017

For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove











Blurb:

 Single dad, Beckley Bridges, is sexy as hell.
No, really, he’s the hottest thing since the sun was created.
Honest to God, crack an egg on him and the thing will sizzle.
So what’s the problem?
He’s also a gigantic jerk.
I hate the bastard.
I try to avoid him at all costs.
But for some reason, everywhere I go he seems to show up.

Only the real issue is his daughter, English.
She’s an adorable quirky first-grader who’s the sweetest thing since iced tea.
And she’s one of my students but also the love of his life.
So I have to deal with him on a professional level.
It’s not easy.
On a scale of easy to hard, dealing with Beckley Bridges is like nails screeching across a blackboard.

But when English’s mother tries to gain custody after abandoning her on Beckley’s doorstep as an infant, he’ll do anything possible to keep English under his roof.

That’s how he ends up propositioning me.

And crazy as it sounds?
I find myself considering it.



Do you know this kind of story that leaves you with an aching face because you've been grinning all the time? Well, not all the time, there were times when I was really shocked and when I feared the worst, reading on and on while barely breathing, there were times when I was so furious and just couldn't believe what happened and, of course, there was a time when I felt crushed. I was devastated and just couldn't believe what had happened...

The story is nice but not that unusual but the wonderful, very very loveable characters make this book special. You definitely have to get used to Beck but his devotion to his daughter and the easy acceptance of his situation as a single father and of course, the loving way how he raises English, make it easy to warm up to him, despite his, well, let's say -  his grumpyness - at the beginning.

Sheridan is sweet and loving and English, well, I'd take her, like, right now. Sweet, loving, charming, smart and just the right amount of wild and tomboyish...perfect. And don't forget Beck's parents, they are amazing as well!
The characters are not very complex but in this case it doesn't matter as the story and the characters just fit. I loved this book and will definitely read it again - and other books by the author as well.

Oh, just a little warning - this book contains explicit scenes so if you prefer clean books, this might not be the right one for you. 

★★★★

 

Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Convict Heart by Lena Dowling










Blurb:
  
An Australian historical romance about a woman with a past who is fighting with everything she has for her future.

All of Sydney knows she was a convict and a prostitute, but Nellie Malone is now the manager of the ‘Tullamore’ Inn, a respectable businesswoman who makes her living on her brains and hard work – no longer on her back.

But when gentleman Harry Chester, fresh to the colonies, shows up at the Tullamore with papers of ownership and plans to collect rent, Nellie’s carefully controlled world is sent into a tailspin. She has barely enough money to keep her doors open, let alone pay an owner the rent he is demanding. 



The Tullamore is Nellie’s home, her hope, and her freedom all tied up into one, and she will do anything to save it. Now, she has to decide what she is willing to sacrifice to hold on to the dreams for a future she’s only just beginning to realise. 

 
My heart went out to Nellie, our heroine, and very often I was so furious when I read what had happened to her that I had to stop reading. Harry tries very hard to do the right thing but alas, he is a man at a time when few men considered a woman their equal in any way and he is also limited by the expectations of a society he shuns but to which he has to bow to nontheless. Not the best combination when it comes to doing bussiness with a woman, especially a former prostitute. He tries but ...well.

I really enjoyed this story, even though some parts of it were rather hard to read due to the circumstances in which our heroine and our hero find themselves. Apart from the well developed characters and the well plotted story, I was really impressed by the picture drawn of the country. Knowing that Australia was used as a place where criminals  were brought to is one thing, another thing is, when you realize what that meant for the society and the people living there.

Of course I also knew that not everybody who was deported, really was guilty of the crime he or she was accused of but to read about it? To read about people who suffered due to such machinations, such injustice - that is something else. Their life was torn apart, they were shipped of to some foreign country and had no chance to ever see their families and loved ones again. Sometimes mistakes were made, sometimes somebody accused them falsely and they seldom had a chance to prove their innocence.

Nellie and Harry are a wonderful team, working hard to make their dreams come true but will that be enough? And is there a chance for Nellie to become really happy at last? Or will their enemies win?

★★★★


Tuesday, 14 March 2017

Love In An English Garden by Victoria Connelly









Blurb:
 



When I started to think about this review, I realized that the variety of people and of peoples' stories is one of the things that make this book very unique. Like in real life, nobody is an island and their lives overlap, they fight, they love, they ignore each other. It starts with my problem to identify the hero and the heroine because there are several of them. The main characters are Vanessa and Jonathan and Tilda and Laurence - I think. Jassy, Marcus, Dolly and Jenna are also very strong and loveable characters. All of their lives are interwoven, the actions of one of them influences the lives of the others. Different generations, different backgrounds but when it comes to love, being loved and, well, I think you could say - at being "seen" , they are all the same.

This is something very important, I think. Love is not something just for young people and life isn't over when the one you loved dies. Life and love go on, there is always a chance for a second chance if you're  just willing to take a risk. Sometimes your own strength might not be enough but there are others there who will help and support you.
The characters in "Love in an English Garden" get those second chances, they have to learn to take risks, they learn to accept help and I loved reading about them and their fight for something "more".

When Vanessa and her daughter Tilda decided to sell a part of the old manor house that has been in the Jacob's family for generations, they know that Dolly, the mother of VAnessa's late husband and Tilda's grandmother would not accept this decision no matter how much they need the money. What they didn't know was how much their lives would change for the better when Laurence and his father Marcus move into the North Wing. Second chances, new friendships, new love and a much better understanding for those around them will soon follow.

I loved this book and its complex story where one wonderful old manor house and its inhabitants touch so many lives and change them. Each of them has his or her dreams and somehow they help each other to achieve them. A wonderful book that made me think and that stayed with me even longer than the last page.


★★★★


Tuesday, 7 March 2017

Trusting Miss Trentham (Baleful Godmother #3) by Emily Larkin










Blurb:


Five macaroons and a piece of plum cake....

...or how to bully someone back to life - and (perhaps) to love!
When Letty, or rather - Miss Letitia Trentham, heiress and a faerie's goddaughter with her own special kind of magic, meets Icarus Reid at the Hammond's ball, she doesn't know that his quest for the truth, his quest for justice will change her life forever.

And Icarus? Well, let's just say that he definitely underestimated the power of a woman bent on saving someone despite himself. Not just any woman but Letty Trentham, strong, generous, compassionate  - and extraordinarily stubborn. And macaroon per macaroon, nightmare per nightmare, Letty, a vial of valerian and of course Herodotus bully Icarus back to life.
Always at their side - Houghton, Green and Eliza.

I loved that even the minor characters are well developed and very very likeable.
I felt with Icarus and Letty, I loved to see how they found their way to each other, I loved their big hearts, their compassionate nature and their loyalty.

The whole story is unique and romantic and emotional and simply amazing. I loved "Unmasking Miss Appleby" by Emily Larkin and I loved every other of her books of the Baleful Godmother Series as well. It's just the right mix of Regency paired with the little bit of magic that makes them special. The gripping story and the wonderful characters just topped it off and kept me glued to my reader.


★★★★★


Monday, 27 February 2017

BLOG TOUR "A Lady's Code of Misconduct" by Meredith Duran



I don't know if you remember Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran?

Her latest book will be out tomorrow!





A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL...
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.

...NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for...


Interested?

 You'll find my review here on March 3rd but you might want to check out the other posts as well!

Blog Tour:

Bookaholics Romance Book Club INTERVIEW WITH MEREDITH DURAN

Sunday, February 26th

Monday, February 27th

Tuesday, February 28th

Wednesday, March 1st

Thursday, March 2nd
Dirty Girl Romance - Spotlight
Bookhounds – Q&A

Friday, March 3rd
Night Owl Reviews – Author Guest Post

Saturday, March 4th

Sunday, March 5th

Monday, March 6th
Reading Frenzy – Spotlight
Bookish - Giveaway

Tuesday, March 7th
Bookworm2bookworm – Spotlight, Excerpt, and Review

Wednesday, March 8th
Fresh Fiction - Spotlight

Thursday, March 9th

Friday, March 10th




 See you on the 3rd!