Heiress in Love (Christina Brooke)

Title: Heiress in Love
Author: Christina Brooke
Copyright: 2011 (St. Martin’s); 352 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-312-53412-7
Series: Ministry of Marriage #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance

The Widow: Jane, Lady Roxdale. Her marriage was arrange by her guardian, the Duke of Montford. Now that Frederick has passed, Jane hopes that Montford will not expect her to enter into another one. Frederick has left her financially well-off, but he has left the care of his young ward to that of his disreputable cousin and heir. Jane loves the boy like he was her own. She’d give up the fortune, if that’s what it took, to keep Luke with her. She’d even contemplate marrying the new Lord Roxdale.

The Black Sheep: Constantine Black. The estate, title, and young ward are his, but Frederick left the money to Jane. Without it, Constantine has no hope of maintaining the estate. His personal fortune is not enough and selling his family’s property out from under his younger brother is something he rather not do. He’d been hoping that inheriting Lazenby would be his fresh start. He wants to do right by those who rely on him, but Frederick’s inexplicable decision has set him up for failure before he’s even begun. His only other course of action is to marry an heiress. Like Jane.

Comments: I chose this book because of the mostly positive reviews and I thought I might enjoy it. The idea of a group of wealthy, titled individuals arranging various marriages may seem like a bit of a stretch, but the more I thought about it, the more it sounded plausible. These men and women were doing their best to strengthen their family fortunes and political positions.

I liked Jane. She made the best of her marriage, though deeply hurt knowing it wasn’t the love match she thought it would be when Frederick first started paying his addresses to her. Frederick wasn’t an abusive husband, just a selfish one. I can understand why she’d find it hard to trust Constantine, what with his reputation and the rumors.

Constantine is a man who is still paying for the stupid mistakes of his wild youth and his own pride. I love a tortured hero and Constantine fits the bill. Not too broody. He’s a honorable person, though society doesn’t see that. Jane is the first person who’s opinion of him mattered to him, and she’s also the first woman in a very long time that he’s allowed himself to fall in love with.

I liked the author’s voice. I particularly liked the Ministry’s minutes, at the start of Chapter 14. They me chuckle. I look forward to reading the next book.

Started: 17 August 2011
Finished: 20 August 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Lord & the Wayward Lady (Louise Allen)

Title: The Lord and the Wayward Lady
Author: Louise Allen
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 283 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29596-8
Series: Harlequin Historical #996; Regency Silk & Scandal #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance

The Lord and the Wayward Lady is the first book in a multi-authored, Regency series from Harlequin. Two of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors, Louise Allen and Christine Merrill, wrote books for this series. The over-arching plot deals with uncovering the truth behind the murder of a nobleman, and whether or not the man hanged for the crime was actually guilty — and who was the true murderer if he was innocent.

The long-buried scandal comes to forefront again when Nell Latham delivers a package meant for the Earl of Narborough. The earl was a friend to both the victim and the man who was accused. Since the murder took place in his garden, and he saw one friend standing over the body of the other, the earl’s testimony helped seal his fate. Even so, he has had to live with the possibility that he may have sent an innocent man to the gallows.

Nell had no idea what was in the package, nor did she know the identity of the earl. More precisely, she didn’t know the family name. Her mother had long taught her to hate the name of Carlow. Marcus Carlow, Viscount Stanegate, blames Nell for his father’s turn of health. He knows she’s hiding something, even if she’s as innocent as she claims to be. Nell can’t tell him the truth because he’ll never believe she was an unwitting pawn in the intrigue.

Comments:
A good start to the series. Ms. Allen sets the stage with Marcus and Nell. Because of the number of players and story lines this series will have, if you plan to it, it would be a good a idea to keep track of who’s who and how they’re related.

Though Ms. Allen is one of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors, I haven’t read one of her books since 2007. I’ve liked her heroines because she usually writes strong, rational females. Nell is no exception. She’s a survivor, in a sense. Both her parents are dead, the family disgraced and what money they had ran out. Nell has no idea what happened to her brother and sister — Nathan disappeared and they lost with Rosalind. Nell has to make her way as best she can. She has no illusions that she’ll have to work for a living for the rest of her life.

Marcus was a little frustrating. Wants her to trust him, but wont give her the same courtesy. Plus, he’s a bit of a bully at first– used to getting his own way and refused nothing. He gets along well with his younger siblings, cares deeply for his parents, and has a friendly relationship with his sisters’ companion, Diana Price — his ally when it comes to the management of Lady Honoria and Lady Verity. His declaration of love to Nell is reminiscent of Darcy’s initial confession to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice — and goes just as badly.

I want to comment on the series North American covers: I love what Harlequin has done with this mini-series. I really like how Nell’s yellow gown stands out against the purple background.

Start: 25 January 2011
Finished: 30 January 2011

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Painted Lady (Barbara Metzger)

Title: The Painted Lady
Author: Barbara Metzger
Copyright: 2001 (Signet); 217 pgs.
ISBN: 0-451-20368-2
Series: NA
Sensuality: Kisses
Genre: Historical Romance

Him: Kennard Wyndgate Cartland — K.C, or Kasey, to a select few. He’s a talented painter. Very few people actually know that Kasey paints. He’s the Duke of Caswell, and dukes don’t paint. To avoid becoming the laughingstock of the Beau Monde, Kasey maintains a private residence in Town. For a man of his rank, that’s not an unusual thing. After all, the Duke of Caswell could hardly entertain his mistresses in the family home where his maiden aunts and younger brother live. But the house serves another purpose. Once Kasey sends his latest paramour home for the night — they never stay — he immediately heads for the attic studio to paint her portrait from memory. If it means he’s up all hours until he’s satisfied with his work, then so be it. Painting is his greatest love, and it’s very possible Kasey would have allowed things to continue on as they were, if it weren’t for the fact that his latest project spoke to him. Literally. The woman in the painting tells him that he has no passion outside his art. That he is heartless libertine, willing to take mistress after mistress without actually ever falling in love. That even the woman he’s considering making his duchess, someday or other, won’t hold his interest past the honeymoon. Kasey thinks he’s gone mad, and eventually leaves London, seeking a cure.

Her: Lilyanne Bannister is a gentleman’s daughter. Had she and her younger sister Lisbet not been orphaned, Lilyanne would have been enjoying many of the pursuits of her class: parties, dances, a London season. Instead, she works for her uncle Sir Osgood Bannister, a physician. Sir Osgood, unfortunately, isn’t the type of physician one goes to when one has a cold or needs a broken bone set. He’s more interested in the mind and believes he can cure mental illness by a strict routine of fresh air, healthy diet, and quiet reflection. There is no excitement, color, or liveliness in the house. She hates it, and stays only because Sir Osgood pays for Lisbet’s education, something her sister will need in order to find a suitable position as a governess or lady’s companion. Once Lisabet’s future is secure, Lilyanne has every intention of seeking employment elsewhere. Marriage, she feels, is no longer an option for her.

What I liked: I liked both Kasey and Lilyanne. Kasey doesn’t have a dark past, nor has he been betrayed by a lover who’s action has set him against all other females. His mistresses have been the muses for his painting. He hasn’t found a woman that was both suitable to be his duchess and accepting of his art. Lilyanne sees his work and believes, duke or not, that Kasey ought to put his paintings on display, even if it’s just in a private areas of his home.

What I didn’t like:  The way the talking painting was depicted.  Not that I didn’t like the slight fantastical element to the story — I had no problem with suspending my belief.  She wasn’t depicted like one of the moving pictures from Harry Potter, which helped.  It was the characterization.  She sounded too modern and she used a lot of alliteration — “jug-bitten jackanapes”, “mutton-headed Michelangelo”, etc.  She used it so much, I thought it was jarring.  Fortunately, the scenes aren’t long and there aren’t many.

Final Thoughts: Though this isn’t my favorite Metzger, I still enjoyed the story. It had it’s cute moments and some fun characters. There’s a bit of a mystery, requiring Kasey to deal with a practical Bow Street Runner. I would recommend it to others who enjoy the category historicals and don’t mind a bit of fantasy in them. As they say, your mileage may vary when it comes to the characterization of the painting.

Start: 5 January 2011
Finished: 10 January 2011

Favorite Quote:
“Your Grace, there are dresses in my room.”
“Yes, that’s where they’ll be most convenient. I could have them moved to the butler’s pantry, but I doubt old Henesley will appreciate them.”
— Lilyanne, Kasey

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

A Wicked Liaison (UK)

Title: A Wicked Liaison
Author: Christine Merrill
UK Copyright: 2007 (Mills & Boon)
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-86237-9
US Copyright: 2009 (Harlequin); pgs. 276
Series: Harlequin Historical #953
US ISBN: 978-0-373-29553-1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance — Regency

Constance Townley, the young Dowager Duchess of Wellford, is in a bind. The small allowance the new duke, Freddy, gives her isn’t enough to maintain her London residence. Freddy would prefer that she retire to the dower house on his estate. Constance, only thirty, hopes to remarry and that requires her to remain in London. Her late husband had the deed to the residence, and all of the furnishings, put in Constance’s name. Unfortunately, Freddy also has the deed and he’s avoiding her. If she could sell her townhouse and find a smaller, more economical residence, Constance could live comfortably until she receives a suitable marriage proposal. Unfortunately, the men who call on her lately are only offering “carte blanche”, to keep her as a mistress. After twelve years of marriage and no children to show for it, it is believed that Constance is barren. Men of the nobility need sons to ensure the family name continues. A woman like Constance is more attractive as a mistress than a wife.

Very few people know how desperate Constance has become.  Unfortunately, one of the few is Lord John “Jack” Barton. He’s unscrupulous and cold. He views Constance as an object, an ornament, to be collected and looked at. He’ll do anything to manipulate her into doing what he wants He’s slowly backing Constance into a corner until she has no other choice than to give into him. Constance has no one to turn to for help. However, unbeknown to her, someone is about to come to her rescue. Someone who’s known and loved her for years.

Anthony de Portnay Smythe is professional thief. In the past, his skills kept his two widowed sisters-in-law, nephews, and niece from the poor house. Thanks to careful investing and the marriage of the ladies, Tony’s talents are no longer required and he’s feeling a little unneeded in that department. However, since making the acquaintance of St John Radwell, Earl of Stanton, Tony’s talents have been called upon for the good of the nation. Stanton has a job for him. A Treasury official has settled a large gaming debt by being blackmailed into handing over engraving plates for the ten-pound note.

Stanton needs Tony to steal them back, if at all possible, before the counterfeiter has the chance put the money in circulation. It has to be done discreetly, too, so as to not destabilize the markets and cause panic. He advise Tony to also search the house of the man’s supposed mistress, just to be sure he hasn’t hidden them there. The would-be counterfeiter: Lord Barton; his supposed mistress: Constance Townley

Comments: I really loved this book. Ms. Merrill, as I’ve said before, is one of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors (I think she might even be the favorite).

My favorite character was Patrick, Tony’s valet. Patrick was a thief once, and he is the person who taught Tony. He’s also Tony’s confidant, knows all about his unrequited love for the duchess, and the one who tells Tony when he’s making a mistake by not revealing his true identity to Connie sooner rather than later. I enjoyed reading their scenes together because they’re usually where Tony is explaining why he hasn’t said anything to Connie and Patrick pointing out the flaws to his reasoning. There is even a face-palm moment for Patrick during one such conversation.

Though he’s a thief, Tony is otherwise a true gentleman — he is the third son of an earl. He’s caring, polite, well-mannered. He’s also funny, witty, and confident when it comes to his “profession”. When it comes to Connie, he’s afraid to tell her the truth of his identity, that he’s someone she’s known since they were children, because he’s afraid of the rejection. I liked him a lot, and I could understand why it was important for him that Connie recognize him without being told. And I love how she figures it out.

I liked Connie very much. I thought she was true to her time. Raised to make the best marriage possible — she did that. When her older husband died, she expected to be provided for (and she really was, if Freddy hadn’t been an idiot) so she wouldn’t have to worry about where her next meal came from. She wanted to remarry, so she played by the rules, remained respectable and keep an eye out for the best possible offer — just like she’d be raised. It’s not her fault that the men only see her as a potential mistress. She does the best she can and she does make mistakes. I like that she tries to stand up to Barton — usually only to fail, but she does try — and that she eventually gets the better of him.

Favorite Quote:
“Did you find the deed?”
“What? No ‘Hello, Tony. So good to see you. Lovely dancing this evening. . .’ No preamble. Small talk? Chit-chat?”
– Constance, Tony

Started: 21 April 2010
Finished: 3 May 2010

Rating:

LOVED 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.

__________________________________________________________________

Recently, I was perusing my category tags, both on-line and off.  Since I label even contemporary-set paranormals and urban fantasy as “contemporary”, it looks like I’ve read more contemporary books than historical.

My original thought behind labeling them as such was to distinguish them from historical-set fantasy and paranormal, on the off chance I read one — Mary Jo Putney’s “The Marriage Spell” — and futuristics — most of  Colby Hodge’s “Twist” is set in the future.

I’m beginning to think that this is misleading.   Readers looking for straight contemporaries might be unhappy to learn that the main female character in “Ace is Wild” is a psychic — though nowhere near the level of Feehan’s GhostWalkers or Singh’s Psy.  Fans of those series might take exception to “Ace is Wild” being labeled as paranormal.

So my question is, is it misleading?

On a slightly related note. . .

In Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (urban fantasy set in an alternate-reality Atlanta), we learn one of the characters is a big fan of paranormal romances (not Kate — her favorite book is “The Princess Bride”).  Later, we learn that several books (or all of them) by the character’s favorite author features. . .pirates.

This got me thinking.  In Kate’s world there are shape-shifters, vampires, magic.  What would these characters consider “paranormal”?  Your average Harlequin Superromance? Chick-lit? Ye Olde  Bodice-rippers of the 80′s?

And would a comtemporary be a story about a hunk of a werehyhena romantically pursuing a heavily armed Knight of the Order?

Anyone else pondered this?

There’s a poll in my sidebar regarding the labeling .  Please take a moment to vote.  Thanks.