Darth Bane: Rule of Two

Title: Darth Bane: Rule of Two
Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Copyright: 2008 (Del Rey); 320 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-345-47749-1
Series: Star Wars Expanded Universe
Sensuality: None
Genre: Science Fiction
ERA: Sith/Republic – 1,020 years before the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars: A New Hope)

Spoilers for Darth Bane: Path of Destruction

Rule of Two picks up where Path of Destruction left off. The Brotherhood of Darkness is no more, completely destroyed by a thought bomb. The Army of Light has suffered huge losses, including its general, Jedi Master Lord Hoth. They are under the impression that no Sith survived. However, there is a lone survivor, Darth Bane, and he wants the Jedi to keep believing the Sith are extinct.

The book started off slow for me. Bane and Zannah, his newly acquired apprentice, spend much of the first nine chapters still on Ruusan, or trying to get off it. To be fair, the author had to set both Johun Othone — Hoth’s former padawan — and Tomcat — Rain’s cousin — on their respective paths before the main story could move forward. Johun is convinced that at least one Sith survived. He wants to pursue this, but the new leader of the Jedi — Jedi Master Farfalla — finds no credible evidence to suggest there were survivors. Instead, he gives Johun a different mission. As for Tomcat, having failed both as a Jedi and a Sith, he has no idea what to do with himself. He survives a run-in with Zannah and Bane and is left to make his own way on Ruusan. Both young men will encounter the Sith years later, with tragic results.

The story jumps ahead ten years. Bane has Zannah carrying out missions while he works on creating a Sith Holocron. On his orders, Zannah infiltrates separatist groups and convince them to strike out against the Republic before they are ready, thereby ensuring that they fail, but still draw the attention of the Senate and the Jedi. Zannah’s current mission is on Serenno, a planet known for its radical separatist groups. Though she carries out her tasks, Zannah questions the logic behind them. Bane has assured her that the time isn’t right:

“The Republic keeps the Jedi in check. It maintains control and imposes order across thousands of worlds. But if the Republic falls, a score of new interstellar governments and galactic organizations will rise. It is far easier to manipulate and control a single enemy than twenty.

That is why we must seek out radical separatist groups, identify the ones that have the potential to become true threats, then encourage them to strike before they are ready. We must exploit them, playing them off against the Republic. We must let our enemies weaken one another while we stay hidden and grow strong.

“One day the Republic will fall and the Jedi will be wiped out,” he assured her. “But it will not happen until we are ready to seize that power for ourselves.”

Even so, Zannah is still concerned. Ten years ago, when Bane first set out to learn the mysteries of the Sith Holocron, he became infested with a parasite. The orbalisk, as they are called, seemed to be a boon initially, giving Bane enhanced healing abilities and strength, and a body armor that blocks even lightsabers. But Zannah feels that the long exposure to them is taking its toll on Bane’s judgment. He’s failed several times to create a Holocron and he’s gone into destructive rages. Bane has much yet to teach her, and if dies before she’s reach her full potential, the Sith may truly be lost. Eventually, Bane agrees with her and Zannah’s new mission is to find a way to remove the parasites without killing the host.

I really enjoyed the story once it made the ten-year jump; it really pick up for me. Zannah is smart, but not overconfident as her future “descendants” (Maul, Dooku, Anakin). In fact, it was kind of refreshing to read about a Sith apprentice that knows she has a lot to learn, isn’t arrogant to the point of stupidity, and is patient. She can think on her feet — a couple of times she finds herself in less-than-ideal situations that she has to turn to her advantage and hope that Bane doesn’t think she’s betraying him. Her final dealings with her cousin are chilling. Even so, I actually liked her — but not as much as I liked Bane in the first book.

Started: 25 March 2010
Finished: 10 April 2010

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride

Title: Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride
Author: Lynna Banning
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 271 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29514-2
Series: Harlequin Historical #914
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance — Medieval

The Lady: Leonor de Balenguer y Hassam of Granada. The 27 year-old daughter of the vizier has dreams of becoming a female troubadour, traveling France, singing, and playing her harp. Though well-educated, Leonor knows nothing of the world outside the emir’s court and her father’s house. She has managed to remain unmarried this long because she refuses to marry a man she cannot love.

The Knight: Reynaud. The Templar knight is all too familiar with the realities of the world. A bastard, he was raised by Hassam’s brother in Granada, making him the best candidate to carry a secret message from the Templar Grand Master to the emir’s adviser. Hassam will deliver his message to the emir, if Reynaud promises to escort Leonor to family in Moyanne.

Their history: Leonor hasn’t seen Reynaud in twenty years, since he left to seek his way in the world. She is surprised to see him, having feared that he had died in the Holy Land. Leonor has adored Reynaud since they were children, but the man she sees now is almost a stranger to her: stern and joyless. For his part, Reynaud remembers the clever, impossible girl — but it’s the woman that will haunt him the rest of his life.

Unrequited: Reynaud is a Templar, a warrior monk. He’s made a vow of celibacy. The knighthood is the only thing he knows, and being a bastard means he has nothing to offer Leonor anyway. And if that wasn’t enough, he is still on a dangerous mission for his Grand Master, and he may die. As for Leonor, she is confused at first by his standoffish and stern behavior. She thinks that he does not like her very much, but it doesn’t take long for her to learn the truth of his feelings. Though it breaks her heart, she acknowledges the fact she loves a man who can never return that love.

What I liked about it: I liked that, though Reynaud falls in love at first sight, it takes Leonor a little longer to realize her true feelings. And once they are known, both exercise restraint. Both accept the fact that they can never be together unless Reynaud is willing to break his vows or leave the Order forever. Though Leonor is naive in some ways, she’s not stupid and doesn’t blunder foolishly about. Reynaud does walk away from the Templars only after he is ordered to do something that he cannot do in good conscience — and getting to marry Leonor is just an added bonus. The author has notes, both in the beginning and at the end of the book, about the warrior monks and troubadours that were interesting.

What I didn’t like: Medievals aren’t my preferred era, but nothing stood out as a turn-off.

Recommended to: Fans of medieval romances, looking for a short read.

Started: 27 January 2010
Finished: 24 February 2010
(I was house hunting in February — some days, only could squeeze in half a page.)

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Hellhound King

Title: The Hellhound King
Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 280 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61829-3
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #82; Unbound #5
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Spoilers for the 4th Book!

Her: Marina Adal. Elfin princess – and a witch. Tired of being a political pawn of the royals in Alfheim, she fled to Gunngar. Her reign of terror there was nothing more than an act to keep the elf lords – a different group of elves than the royals – believing that she is on their side. Raf was the first, and only, person who made her feel she was wanted for herself, and not who she was or what she could do for him.

Him: Raf Dolg. Hellhound. Marina’s former lover. His need to avenge his family brought him to Gunngar and to the employ of the elf lords. Raf needs something they possess and all he is asked to do is spy on Marina. The last thing he expected was to start caring about her.

Elfin Politics 101: Alfheim was once ruled by royals. Marina is, it seems, the heir presumptive. However, the elf lords took power after her parents were killed. The elf lords are tech savvy and have introduced technology to Alfheim. Don’t be surprised when you see a car or a computer. Since no elf lord can claim the throne – it will only accept the true heir – they are willing to be the power behind it and they want Marina on their side. The royals, naturally, are traditionalist and want things returned to the old ways. In the power struggle to control the elfin princess, Marina’s uncle Geir has the advantage. He uses Marina’s younger sister, Ky, as leverage to keep her from fleeing Alfheim again.

What to do, what to do? Raf still needs what the elf lords have and that means he’s got to convince Marina that she’d be better off with them. However, it doesn’t take long for Raf to realize that Marina wouldn’t be any better off with the elf lords. If he turns his back on his chance for vengeance, and Marina abandons her sister again, they could leave Alfheim and start a new life together. But Raf can’t walk away and neither can Marina.

Forbidden: The elves have little tolerance for other beings, so it no big surprise that a hellhound has no business consorting with the princess. Right from the prologue, it’s established that Marina’s never met one before and that she’s fallen for Raf, big time. It breaks her heart to learn he was spying on her and she has him imprisoned. Raf is the typical hellhound — though it takes him a bit to realize that he’s in love, once he’s acknowledge it, he’ll doing anything to keep her at his side.

What I liked: Raf. I still love Ms. Devoti’s hellhounds (and garms). Like the last book, this one is also set in another world, though it does start off in our world. The dragon, the same one from Dark Crusade, makes an appearance, and if I’m not mistaken, the 6th book will feature him.

What I didn’t like: Marina. It was hard for me to reconcile the fact that this was the same character from Dark Crusade. In Dark Crusade, she’s a strong character — and the antagonist. In this book, she a helpless prisoner. If you read the two books back-to-back, you might feel disoriented. Other than that, I had no other real issue with the character. She is in a difficult position and she can no longer see a way out without help.

Recommended to: Fans of her previous books and fans of shape-shifters.

Started: 20 January 2010
Finished: 26 January 2010

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Wallflower

Title: The Wallflower
Author: Jan Freed
Copyright: 1999 (Harlequin); 296 pgs.
ISBN: 0-373-70790-8
Series: Harlequin Superromance #790
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Sarah Davidson and Jack Morgan
Where: Houston, Texas

From the back: Sarah Davidson is the lone witness to a brutal murder. After the killer makes an attempt on her life, she’s put under police protection. But one of the cops turns on her, she’s forced to hide in a place no one would ever think to look. Sarah’s solution? Roosevelt High. She’ll masquerade as a high school senior and try to blend in. But no one can ignore the “cool girl from California”. Especially not Jack Morgan, her English teacher. Under ordinary circumstances, he would be the perfect man for her. But he’ll never look at her as a woman unless she reveals her true identity — and if she does that she just might end up dead. What’s a girl to do?

Comments: The best way to describe this book is that it is a cross between Hiding Out and Never Been Kissed. The title refers to Sarah when she originally went through high school. She’d been overweight and shy. Her college roommate, Donna Kaiser, helped her overcome her problems and Sarah is now an image consultant in a public relations firm. Donna is an assistant principle and it is her idea to hide Sarah as a high school senior in her school.

Sarina Davis, as Sarah is now known as, is nothing like the eighteen-year-old, Sarah. Used to speaking her mind and being taking seriously by adults, “Sarina” gets off on the wrong foot with Jack Morgan, her English teacher. He’s strict and Sarah thinks he’s uptight. However, she’s a hit with many of the students, especially the misfits. Sarah decides to befriend and help several of these students as much as she can while waiting for the trial.

One of the students she befriends happens to be Jack’s much younger sister, Kate. Their father died while Jack was still in high school, leaving behind a pregnant wife. Jack stayed with his mother instead of going off to USC — Jack’s dream is to be a screenwriter. He went to night school and became a teacher. Every chance he gets, he works on his screenplays. He likes teaching, but lately, he’s been unhappy with his life. His sister is at a difficult stage (she’s fifteen) and their mother is always critical of Kate, comparing her to Jack, and not being an effective parent. He’s also waiting to hear from his agent about a script he submitted. And if that wasn’t maddening enough, the new female student is having an alarming effect on him.

At first, Sarah isn’t that interested in him. She calls him Moses (he has a set of personal ten commandments on his class room wall) and  is critical of his boring clothing and his aftershave. She’s more than happy to let Donna have him; she’s been interested in him for years. However, the more Sarah gets to know him, her feelings begin to change. She’s forced to reveal her true identity to him.

I really enjoyed this book. There wasn’t instant attraction, and I’m glad the author chose that route. Instead, Sarah feels guilty about her growing feelings for Jack, due to Donna’s long-standing interest in him. Jack fights against it first, because of the inappropriateness of the situation, and later because of his potential career change. I also liked that Jack discusses with Sarah whether leaving Texas for Hollywood (without his sister and mother) is the right thing to do, and Sarah — heart hurting — tells him that he’d eventually regret it and come to resent those who mean the most to him.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author. And like the previous one, there are secondary romances going on in the background. Kate gets her very own knight in shining armor, and even Donna isn’t left heartbroken.

Started: 18 August 2009
Finished: 31 August 2009

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Eye of the Storm

Title: Eye of the Storm
Author: Dee Davis
Copyright: 2006 (HQN); 379 pgs.
ISBN: 0-373-77163-0
Series: N/A
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Simone Cooper Sheridan and Reece Sheridan
Where: cross-country; South America

Two years ago, I read Dee Davis’s Last Chance, Inc trilogy and liked her storytelling enough to snatch up her other romantic suspense books.

Simone Cooper Sheridan is a former covert operative, part of a group attached to the CIA. After the group was disbanded, Simone adjusted to the normal life and eventually met Reece Sheridan. They fell in love and married. Reece and his brother offered Simone something she never had: a family.

Reece’s parents had died in an accident while he was serving in the Army. He gave up his military career and became a lawyer to better raise his much younger brother, Martin. They welcomed Simone into their lives and everything seemed to be going along smoothly. However, Simone’s reluctance to talk about her past causes a rift when he learns that a story — supposedly about her past — turns out to be just that, a story from a magazine. Fed up with her secrecy, he files for divorce.

You don’t come across too many romance stories were the heroine has the black ops past. It was interesting to see the roles reversed. Simone was easy to relate to because she wasn’t a super-spy. She could handle herself in any tough situation, but she still human and imperfect. She loves Reece but she can’t tell him the truth. She’s reluctant to sign the divorce, and only does so when she receives a message from her former mentor, summoning her. The children of a man Simone’s team failed to extract from South America are looking to avenge their father. Somehow, they’ve learned who the surviving members are and where to find them. Simone doesn’t want to endanger Martin or Reece. The best way to ensure their safety is to sign the papers and get out of town quickly.

Reece doesn’t want to be divorced either, but as a lawyer, he’s big on the truth. His frustration is understandable. His marriage, he feels, was based on a lie. He doesn’t really know the women he married. Even when he learns the truth about her past, it doesn’t immediately fix their problem. They are on the run from an unidentified killer who has already wounded Martin. Not the best situation to discuss relationship issues. However, the danger to Simone makes Reece realize that he does love her, regardless, and is willing to start again if they all get out of the situation alive.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. You do have to suspend belief at times, but no more than you would for an action movie of the same genre.

Started: 20 July 2009
Finished: 5 Aug 2009

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

What Others Have Said:
Dear Author

Hidden

Title: Hidden
Author: Eve Kenin
Copyright: 2008 (Shomi); 309 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-505-52761-5
Series: sequel
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Tatiana and Tristan

From the back: Tatiana has honed her genetic gifts to perfection. She can withstand the subzero temperatures of the Northern Waste, read somebody’s mind with the briefest touch, and slice through bone with her bare hands. Which makes her one bad-ass chick, all right. Nothing gets to her. Until she meets Tristan. Villain or ally, she can’t be sure. But one thing she does know: he has gifts too — including the ability to ramp up her heart rate to dangerous levels. But before they can start some chemistry of their own, they have to survive being trapped in an underground lab, hunted by a madman, and exposed to a plague that could destroy mankind.

Comments: I chose this book because I liked Eve Kenin’s previous book, Driven. Hidden is set in the same world and features new characters. The book picks up shortly after the events in Driven, and though it is not necessary, I would strongly recommend reading that book first to get a better understanding of Tatiana and the world Ms. Kenin created.

Genetically engineered, born in a lab, and raised by computers along with her two siblings, Tatiana isn’t very good with human interactions. She’s a mixture of a cool competent woman and a confused, uncertain one. The only people she’s ever cared for are dead — or so she thinks. Since she’s escaped Dr. Ward, her encounters with people in general have been awkward and her experimentation in the arena of intimacy has left her feeling that she wasn’t really bred for those type of interactions. Until she sees Tristan. She can’t take her eyes off him and she’s attracted him right from the first. It something she’s never experienced before and it’s both exhilarating and alarming.

Tristan is trying to find redemption for his past by righting a major wrong. He’s intrigued with Tatiana from the moment he first sees her in the general store. Women on the Waste fall into one of two categories: wife or whore. She’s neither, and her obvious military training — unheard of in a woman — makes her all the more interesting to him. He admires and respects her ability to take care of herself, even when his own instincts and training tell him to be the protector.

Tatiana and Tristan are both on a mission to stop Dr. Gavin Ward and his mutating plague. Neither realize this the first time they meet. Tatiana has been hired to find a stolen object and thinks Tristan is just a settler, looking for supplies. However, Tristan is a also trying to track down stolen goods. It’s ironic that both of them are looking for the same truckers. When their paths cross again, they are both surprised, never expecting to see each other again and neither has forgotten about the other. But now Tristan thinks Tatiana has been exposed to the plague and her only hope of survival, be believes, is with him. Fortunately, he knows she’s hunting for a man named Tolliver, and he can give her the answers she wants — if she’ll follow him into his underground lab.

I really liked the characters, which is a good thing as much of the book they are alone, with no one else to interact with. I didn’t think this book moved was as fast moving as others in the Shomi line, but the likable characters kept it from being boring. I don’t know if there was ever a plan for a third book featuring Yuriko (or anyone else for that matter). I really enjoyed this book.

The author also writes as Eve Silver.

Started: 2 July 2009
Finished: 9 July 2009

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

What Others Have Said:
Darque Reviews
Popin’s Lair
The Good, the Bad, the Unread – Caroline Linden’s
The Good, the Bad, the Unread – Shannon C.’s
Renee Reads Romance
All About Romance
Janicu
Dear Author
Tez Says

Books in the Series:

Driven

Addendum:
This is a re-post, due to technical difficulties. Comments, if any, were lost. I apologize for the inconvenience. (Aug 09)

Wanted: White Wedding

Title: Wanted – White Wedding
Author: Natasha Oakley
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 182 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-17515-4
Series: Harlequin Romance #4025
Sensuality: Kisses

Who: Freya Anthony and Daniel Ramsey
Where: England

Twelve years ago, Freya Anthony dropped out of school and ran away from home. She made a success of her life in London and has returned to Fellingham to help her grandmother Margaret. Margaret is in the process of moving to a smaller place and she has plans hire a local auctioneer to sell the items she won’t be taking with her to her new place. Freya is concerned that the business might not be very reputable and her grandmother will get cheated. But Margaret speaks of Daniel Ramsey,the owner, as if he was the most wonderful man on the planet.

That doesn’t reassure Freya at all, and she is determined to find out for herself whether or not Mr. Ramsey is trustworthy. After seeing the cluttered, disorganized, and empty office — no receptionist to answer the ringing phone or deal with the unexpected visitor — Freya’s opinion of the man and his business isn’t very high. Then Freya meets him and finds that Daniel Ramsey isn’t anything like she imagined him to be. She is surprised by her instant attraction to him, but notices his wedding ring and is immediately on her guard. No matter how attractive she finds him, Freya doesn’t dangle after married men. Before she can properly introduce herself, Daniel is already under the assumption that Freya is his new receptionist. He is easy-going and friendly to her, explaining what the job entails. However, Freya knows that will change once he knows her name. Though he’s not a native to Fellingham, Freya is certain Daniel has heard the gossip about her that has been buzzing around the village since the day she arrived.

Daniel Ramsey is, truthfully, as nice as Margaret makes him out to be. However, he has his hands full running his own business and being a single father coping with a rebellious teenage daughter. He’s not taking care of some aspects of his business — particularly finding a qualified office manager — and he is at his wit’s end dealing with his daughter Mia. He even goes off on Freya, when Mia skipped out of school, and ends up having to apologize to her. Daniel is doing the best he can for his daughter, but he doesn’t know how to relate to her.

Freya can’t help but get drawn into their lives. She has excellent business skills and assists Daniel while they get Margaret’s things ready for sale. But more importantly, she knows what it’s like to be a confused teenage girl who feels adrift. Though Freya had both parents, they were self-centered and their marriage was sham. She felt unloved by them. She can relate to Mia, get her to trust her, but that can be disastrous, too. Freya has no long-term plans for stay in Fellingham, and Daniel continues to wear his wedding ring, apparently not over his dead wife.

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and I really liked it. Freya and Daniel were likable and their romance was realistic. Mia was also realistic without being bratty. It was a nice change of pace to see the heroine being the successful, only-in-town-to-help-my-relative character and the hero being the struggling single parent.

Started: 23 March 2009
Finished: 26 March 2009

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

What Others Have Said:
Merrimon Book Reviews

Addendum:
This is a re-post, due to technical difficulties. Comments, if any, were lost. I apologize for the inconvenience. (Aug 09)

KMont, 2009-07-01: This one does sound pretty good! I’m like you the idea of the woman being the successful one and the dad having to struggle a bit as a parent feels like a good change up.

Me, 2009-07-01:   It was! It was a quick read. I need something short to read just before MAGIC STRIKES was released. I didn’t want to start a longer book, just in case I didn’t finish it before MS arrived on my door step.

Brie, 2009-07-03: Hi Christina, this book sounds like a Category that I would enjoy. Thanks for the review.

Me, 2009-07-03:  You’re welcome.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

This is a re-post, due to data loss. (Oct 09)

Being behind on reviews has had an unexpected plus side.

By having that gap between finishing the book and when I actually sit down to put my thoughts on paper, I have a better take on which books stay with me.  Since I have to refresh my memory on some points, I usually have to do a little re-reading.  If I really love the book, I tend to keep reading after I found whatever it was that prompted me to refer to the book.  That’s a bit annoying, since I should be writing, not reading.  The harder it is for me to put aside the book, the more likely the book is going to be a 5-star book, flaws and all.

With that in mind, I’m going to go ahead and give ratings to the books I’ve already posted.  I’ll eventually update the individual review posts.  Reminder: anything I give a 3-Star or above is a guarantee that I will try other books from the author.

Five Stars:  LOVED!

• Dawnkeepers (Jessica Andersen)
• Bedded for Diamonds (a.k.a. Priceless) (Kelly Hunter)
• Ravenous (Sharon Ashwood)
• Dark Crusade (Lori Devoti)

Four Stars: Liked a lot!

• Driven (Eve Kenin)
• An Unladylike Offer (Christine Merrill)
• Ace is Wild (Penny McCall)

Three Stars: Enjoyable Read

• Slave to Sensation (Nalini Singh)
• Cousin Kate (Georgette Heyer)
• Shadow Game (Christine Feehan)

Shadow Game

Author: Christine Feehan
Copyright: 2003 (Jove); pgs. 323
ISBN: 0-515-13596-8
Series: 1st in the GhostWalkers series
Sensuality: Hot

Who: Dr. Lily Whitney and Captain Ryland Miller

Dr. Lily Whitney’s father, Dr. Peter Whitney, has asked her to consult on one of his classified experiments. The project’s goal is to enhance psychic abilities in a select group of men, all volunteers, to be used as a military weapon. With their extraordinary metal powers, these men could infiltrate enemy territory undetected and carry a variety of covert activities. But something has gone wrong with the experiment. Men are dying in training accidents.

Captain Ryland Miller, the senior ranking “GhostWalker”, falls for Lily the moment he sees her. Her presences is soothing, her own psychic gifts toning down the sensory onslaught. Ryland feels he and his men have been betrayed by Dr. Peter Whitney and Colonel Higgens, the military liaison to the project. He and his men are kept separated from each other and caged like lab rats. The team’s mental abilities have been enhanced to such a point that they can’t turn them off and, without sufficient mental barriers, they can barely function outside a controlled environment. The doctor has tried to reverse the process, but has yet to find a way. Colonel Higgens has made no secret that he wants the enhancement process perfected, not reversed, and views the deaths as acceptable losses.

Lily, too, also feels the instant attraction though she’s at a loss on how to deal with it, having never formed any type of meaningful attachment to a man before. She wants to help him and his men. However, her father did not give her much information about the project prior to asking her to stop by. Shortly after Lily agrees to join the project, her father is murdered, leaving Lily with a lot of unanswered questions and the fate of the project — and the GhostWalkers themselves — in her hands. Since her father didn’t trust Higgens any more than Ryland did, he kept his notes in code and hid them for her to find. Searching for the answers to helping Ryland, Lily uncovers things about her own past.

This is the first book I’ve read by Christine Feehan. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the character relationships. Not just the romantic relationship, but also the friendships and the sense of family between Lily and her household staff, the relationships between the GhostWalkers, etc. I really liked Ryland right from the start. All the normal traits you’d expect to find in the hero — leader, protector — but he isn’t closed off. He readily voices his fears and insecurities to Lily. It took me longer to warm up to Lily — a super-smart heroine who comes across a little too naive gets on nerves.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I have books from the author’s other series (Drake sisters and the Leopards), plus I plan to continue with this series.

Started: 28 February 2009
Finished: 10 March 2009

Rating:
TBA

Cousin Kate

Author: Georgette Heyer
Copyright: 1968 (original)’ 2000 (Harlequin); 396 pgs.
ISBN: 0-373-83446-2
Series: NA
Sensuality: Kisses

Who: Kate Melvern and Philip Broome
Where & When: England, 1817/1818

As author Teresa Medeiros states in the Forward, this book is a departure — more Gothic suspense than high comedy — yet it is not as dark as other Gothics, because it still contains Heyer’s trademark secondary characters and humor.

The lovely orphaned and penniless Kate Melvern is at the end of her rope, so to speak. Released from her governess position for being too young, too pretty, and not accomplished enough, Kate has returned to her own nurse, Sarah Nidd and is seriously considering hiring herself out as a lady’s maid or seamstress. Sarah won’t hear of it and she writes to Lady Broome, half-sister of Kate’s father. Estranged, Kate has never met her Aunt Minerva and only knows what her father has told her of her ambitious relative. Kate has serious doubts that Lady Broome will help to her, so she is doubly shocked when her aunt comes in person to invite her to Staplewood.

Staplewood is the ancestral home of the Broome’s. The current baronet, Sir Timothy, is many years older than Aunt Minerva — who is his second wife — and his health is in decline. Their only child, Torquil, is a bit of an oddity. He has never been sent away to school and he has no friends. Prone to mood swings and severe headaches, his health is considered delicate and the young man is hardly ever out of the sight of his doctor or some member of the household.

Though Lady Broome is very kind and generous, Kate begins to feel crushed by such generosity and wonders how she will be able to ever repay her aunt. Though Kate has begged her aunt to allow her to be useful, Lady Broome has reassured her that Kate spending time with Torquil is ample repayment. Kate is bored with the idle lifestyle. There are no balls or other house parties — except the one dinner party attended by only Sir Timothy’s friends — to break up the monotony, and Torquil’s behavior makes him a poor companion.

The arrival of Mr. Philip Broome, Sir Timothy’s beloved nephew, adds some excitement and change to the household. Philip and Lady Broome do not like each other. She resents the influence Philip has with Sir Timothy and the high regard Sir Timothy has for Philip. Torquil is alternately happy to see him and convinced that Philip is out to get him. For his part, Philip is leery of Kate and believes her to be a fortune hunter with an eye on Torquil. After a couple of uninterrupted conversations with her, he soon realizes that he’s mistaken in regards to her character, and that she is unaware of the real situation at Staplewood.

I really enjoyed this book. Kate is one of the more level-headed, practical, Heyer heroines. Philip is strong, but not unduly arrogant and can admit that he may be wrong about what’s going on at Staplewood. Of course, they are perfectly suited for each other and the scene in which Philip proposes to Kate is the highlight of the book.

And one final note: Torquil? Seriously??

Started: 25 January 2009
Finished: 2 February 2009

Rating:
TBA