Showing posts with label Julia Quinn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julia Quinn. Show all posts

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Book Arrivals


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For Review:

 Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery :: Dr. Barbara Sinor
(April 2010 - Loving Healing Press)

Whether addicted or not, we all have stories to tell

The stories of tragedy and redemption found within Tales of Addiction are not about the well known celebrities you find in the usual tabloids. Rather, these stories are true-grit tales told by people you will never meet but whose words will haunt you for months, years maybe. The author collected the stories for over two years through a "call for stories" she put in journals, workshops and lectures. Interwoven throughout, Barbara and her son share their own story of pain and struggle. In this book, you'll learn:

  • How an addict's life begins
  • Understand the difficulties in taking initial steps to uncover denial
  • Intimate details of how many stay straight and sober
  • Gain a new perspective about our national addiction population
  • Learn why that Something More means so much to so many
  • What happens when the addict or alcoholic loses their battle
  • How you can help

The Dead Boys :: Royce Buckingham
(September 2010 - Putnam Juvenile)

In the desert town of Richland, Washington, there stands a giant sycamore tree. Horribly mutated by nuclear waste, it feeds on the life energy of boys that it snags with its living roots. And when Teddy Matthews moves to town, the tree trains its sights on its next victim.

From the start, Teddy knows something is very wrong with Richland- every kid he meets disappears before his eyes. A trip to the cemetery confirms that these boys are actually dead and trying to lure him to the tree. But that knowledge is no help when Teddy is swept into the tree's world, a dark version of Richland from which there is no escape . . .


 In Dreams Begin :: Skyler White
(December 2010 - Berkley Trade)

“Close your eyes tightly—tightly—and keep them closed . . .”

From a Victorian Ireland of magic, poetry and rebellion, Ida Jameson, an amateur occultist, reaches out for power, but captures Laura Armstrong, a modern-day graphic artist instead. Now, for the man or demon she loves, each woman must span a bridge through Hell and across history . . . or destroy it.

“Every passionate man is linked with another age, historical or imaginary, where alone he finds images that rouse his energy.” W. B. Yeats

Anchored in fact on both sides of history, Laura and Ida, modern rationalist and fin de siècle occultist, are linked from the moment Ida channels Laura into the body of celebrated beauty and Irish freedom-fighter Maud Gonne. When Laura falls—from an ocean and a hundred years away—passionately, Victorianly in love with the young poet W. B. Yeats, their love affair entwines with Irish history and weaves through Yeats’s poetry until Ida discovers something she wants more than magic in the subterranean spaces in between.

With her Irish past threatening her orderly present and the man she loves in it, Laura and Yeats—the practical materialist and the poet magus—must find a way to make love last over time, in changing bodies, through modern damnation, and into the mythic past to link their pilgrim souls . . . or lose them forever.

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From Paperbackswap:

To Sir Phillip, With Love :: Julia Quinn
(July 2003 - Avon)

Sir Phillip knew from his correspondence with his dead wife's distant cousin that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her...
Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking... and wondering... and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except... he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered. And he certainly should have mentioned that he had two young - and decidedly unruly - children, as much in need of a mother as Phillip is in need of a wife.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book four

Release Date: July 2002

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 370

Author Site: http://www.juliaquinn.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis:

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same -- especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat -- or his promise of a happy ending?
 
Review:

Ever since Colin Bridgerton first entered a scene in the Brigderton series I just HAD to know how his story would be. When I found out that he was paired with Penelope Featherington I nearly had a giddy fan-girl moment. He's charmingly funny and she's a shy wallflower that I knew had some spunk buried somewhere inside - a recipe for an excellent read! So with that all said I have to say I didn't quite enjoy it as much as I thought I would. That might be a personal thing though because I read the book the same month I had my daughter. I definitely think I'll be re-reading it in the future. But for right now I still liked it.

Colin is the third Bridgerton out of a total of eight and has come to be one of my favorites. He always has something cute or charming to say. However in this installment Colin is tired of being known as the charmer and nothing else. Just ask Lady Whistledown, who refuses to exclude him from almost every publication of her column. His older brothers have all made a place for themselves in the world with their respective talents and Colin feels lost. Not only is this a love story for him but also one of self-discovery.

And who better to help Colin figure out who he is than Miss Penelope Featherington. Penelope who has been in love with Colin since childhood. Penelope who has endured years of bittersweet torture by having Eloise Bridgerton as a best friend, which then grants her so many occasions to be around Colin. She is a great character that I know many readers can relate to. A girl with a subtle spark that sits on the sidelines while the world of the ton twirls around her. I've always liked her in the previous novels. This is her story just as much as Colin's. She was never a weak woman; even when she was an awkward, somewhat overweight, young girl first becoming available for marriage proposals. There was always something about her that spoke volumes of a character I wanted to get to know. And her story didn't let me down in that department. Completely witty and charming in her own right, Penelope is a character to love...and it only takes Colin a little over half the book to realize that =)

The huge secret revealed in the novel is one I can't comment on without spoiling it for those who are not familar with the series or who have yet to read the third book. However, just a forewarning, I will most likely discuss said secret with the fourth book's review...Let's just say it involves the one and only Lady Whistledown and the commotion her and her column's always seem to bring the ton. Okay, so I commented on it...whoops.

ROMANCING MISTER BRIDGERTON is filled with humor as Lady Danbury tries, and almost succeeds, to steal the show from the main characters on more than one occasion. She has quickly claimed a piece of my heart as she helps Penelope stand up for herself and not be ashamed of who she is. She does this all oh so cleverly with not-so-subtle hints that made me laugh out loud and that warmed my heart at the same time. And of course the novel would be nothing without the rest of the Bridgerton gang.

I'm SO ready for the next installment - TO SIR PHILLIP, WITH LOVE. Eloise has certainly made me curious on how things will turn out for her. And I'm sure I will be getting attached to yet another Bridgerton with the completion of her story.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Review: An Offer From a Gentleman

An Offer From a Gentleman
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book three

Release Date: July 2001

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 362

Author Site: http://www.juliaquinn.com/

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis:

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Review:

I simply can't get enough of the Bridgertons! AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN has a "Cinderella" vibe and features the second-oldest Bridgerton son: Benedict. He was hardly featured in the previous two books and I was very anxious to see what kind of person he was and how his happily-ever-after would pan out. I must admit that I wasn't in the least bit disappointed and this installment of the Bridgerton series is definitely one of my faves.

Sophie Beckett is the heroine of AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN. The bastard daughter of the Earl of Penwood, Sophie has been accepted as his ward and has been tolerated to live in the Penwood home since she was first dropped off at the doorstep. But when the Earl marries Sophie's life slowly takes a turn for the worse. Lady Penwood despises Sophie and makes sure that her two daughters treat Sophie with the same disrespect and disgust that she feels for her. Shortly after the Earl dies, Sophie is forced into a servant role that she endures for years.

But Sophie's life changes forever when the servants of the home all help her attend a masquerade ball. And at that same ball is Benedict Bridgerton. The second son of the famous Bridgerton family, he has struggled to break the mold set upon him by the ton. He's tired of being known as only the "Second" and wishes for nothing more than to find himself among his beloved family members. Upon seeing a masked and alluring lady in silver, Benedict falls completely in love with her. But when the clock strikes midnight, the lady in silver flees and disappears out of Benedict's life.

He spends years after the ball searching for his lady in silver. She fills his dreams and thoughts daily and it's not until four years later when he happens upon a maid in an unfortunate situation that his heart seems to start beating again. After fleeing the Penwood estate four years ago, Sophie finds herself getting ready to leave another job after being constantly pursued by the son of the house. And it's on this very night that her Prince Charming comes back into her life once again...

I enjoyed the somewhat darker-toned writing in this book. It still had great dialogue and lots of laughs but was also filled with heart-breaking emotion that made me keep flipping the pages. Benedict was definitely a gentleman in the story with a sweet and lovable side to him. But he also had a pushy and insistant side that bothered me a little. He was relentless in his insisting that Sophie become his mistress. I get that he didn't know the entire story of her past but "no" does mean "no" and I think if he loved her as much as he said he did he would rather marry her and tell the ton to shove it! But of course things have a way of working out...

Sophie was so strong-willed. She was courageous and still had such a brightness to her. I very much enjoyed having her as the heroine of the story. I also wanted to comment on Violet Bridgerton (the famous mother of the Bridgerton clan)...In one word she's basically AWESOME! I pretty much love her =) A kind-hearted mother and human being in general, she's also fierce and loyal! And the story wouldn't be a Brigerton story without mentioning Lady Whistledown... She didn't seem as much into Benedict and Sophie's business as she usually is but she certainly brings that extra something to each of Julia Quinn's books.

Book four is patiently waiting to be read on my shelf and I'm super excited about it. It features the next brother-in-line Colin and Penelope Featherington: definitely a story that I can't wait to dive into! I hope you'll give this series a try if you haven't already. The books so far have been laugh out loud funny, filled with swoon worthy scenes, and is still written with a depth of emotion that I've come to really look forward to.


Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Teaser Tuesday [46]


Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:







-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
-Please avoid spoilers!



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"I think I have to kiss you," he said, looking as if he couldn't quite believe his own words. "It's rather like breathing. One doesn't have much choice in the matter." (170)


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Book Arrivals




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From Contests/Misc:


Queen of Soul and Songs :: C.L. Wilson
(Book four in the Tairen Soul series)
(Won in a giveaway hosted by Anna's Book Blog - Thanks so  much Anna!)

As the Fey King and his bride finally complete their truemate bond, they defeat their most powerful enemy and discover hidden truths about their world.

The Reapers are the Angels :: Alden Bell
(ARC Received for review)

Zombies have infested a fallen America. A young girl named Temple is on the run. Haunted by her past and pursued by a killer, Temple is surrounded by death and danger, hoping to be set free.
For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks.


Something Like Fate :: Susane Colasanti
(Won from a giveaway hosted by Book Lover-Carol - Thanks Carol!)

Lani and Erin are bonded for life. One thing that connects them is their fascination of fate. Lani wonders how much of our lives has already been decided and how much we can actually influence. Since the Unknown can unexpectedly change our lives forever, how much can we really control?

From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can't deny the intense connection they share. It feels like she's known him forever. She's not sure if he feels it, too. But it doesn't matter. Because Jason is Erin's boyfriend. Lani is determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than risk hurting her best friend. How long can Lani keep running from the boy who might be her destiny?



The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno :: Ellen Bryson
(ARC Recieved for review)

Bartholomew Fortuno, the World's Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P. T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum—a modern marvel of macabre displays, breathtaking theatrical performances, and live shows by Barnum's cast of freaks and oddities—Fortuno has reached the pinnacle of his career. But after a decade of constant work, he finds his sense of self, and his contentment within the walls of the museum, flagging. When a carriage pulls up outside the museum in the dead of night, bearing Barnum and a mysterious veiled woman—rumored to be a new performer—Fortuno's curiosity is piqued. And when Barnum asks Fortuno to follow her and report back on her whereabouts, his world is turned upside down. Why is Barnum so obsessed with this woman? Who is she, really? And why has she taken such a hold on the hearts of those around her?

Set in the New York of 1865, a time when carriages rattled down cobblestone streets, raucous bordellos near the docks thrived, and the country was mourning the death of President Lincoln, The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is a moving novel about human appetites and longings. With pitch-perfect prose, Ellen Bryson explores what it means to be profoundly unique—and how the power of love can transcend even the greatest divisions.

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From Paperbackswap.com:

Romancing Mister Bridgerton :: Julia Quinn

(Book four in the Bridgerton series)

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.
 
Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same -- especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat -- or his promise of a happy ending?



The Way of Shadows :: Brent Weeks
(Book one in the Night Angel trilogy)

For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art-and he is the city's most accomplished artist.
 

For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he's grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly - and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint.

But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins' world of dangerous politics and strange magics - and cultivate a flair for death.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Viscount Who Loved Me

The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book two

Release Date: June 2006 (Mass Market)

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 384

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Purchased
Synopsis

1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, This Author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in all truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better... --Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry--he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield--the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate's the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands--and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate's determined to protect her sister--but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

Review:

I simply adored this book! I really enjoyed THE DUKE AND I which is the first book in the Bridgerton series. But THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME won me over just a little bit more. And I totally love the Bridgertons – or at least the ones that I’ve come to know so far in the series. For those of you new to the series there are 8 Bridgerton children (4 girls & 4 boys) that are named alphabetically which is pretty neat and actually better for me to remember =) Anthony is the oldest and is the featured Bridgerton of THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME. The rest of the children are as follows: Benedict, Colin, Daphne (featured in the DUKE AND I), Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. To see the family tree on Julia’s website click here.

So this is Anthony’s story… One of London’s most notorious rakes, he has finally decided to get married. To whom it doesn’t quite matter although he’d like to be somewhat attracted to her and have someone with a brain but he’s not that picky. His only requirement is that his bride-to-be has to be someone he could never possibly fall in love with. Anthony believes that he will die at a young age just like his beloved father. So he has no need for love, just a wife he can have children with and live with until it’s his time to go.

His intended is Emily Sheffield, the ton’s most popular lady this season. She’s extremely beautiful, polite, and smart. However, Anthony feels no spark or desire between them. He could definitely live with her and have her as the mother of his children and he wouldn’t have to worry about falling in love with her. His only obstacle would be Emily’s older sister Kate. Kate is fiercely loyal, honest, and will stop at nothing to protect her sister from Anthony. So there is a lot of animosity between the two at the beginning and throughout much of the book. Pretty much every interaction between the two consists of snarky comments and just gets better and better each time the two meet. But feelings also start to form between them as they slowly start to fall in love with each other. It doesn’t matter that Kate is the most insufferable woman Anthony has ever met and it doesn’t matter that he is the most wicked “reformed” rake Kate has ever known. The budding romance is oh so sweet and I just fell in love with them both myself.

Both Anthony and Kate are hilarious. The dialogue and actions between the two are so enjoyable that I hated to see the book end. I loved the fact that the reader knew both character’s feelings despite what they were showing on the outside. I also really appreciated the beginning part of the book. Julia Quinn goes into some detail about the father of the Bridgerton clan. It’s always nice to have some background information and since he’s no longer around it was great to know how loving he was and how important he was to the family. And I can’t say enough how much I love the Bridgerton family. Violet, the mother, has so much courage and love for her family. And Colin has a lot of light shown on him in this installment and he is beyond funny! I can’t wait to read his story =)

And there is always the elusive Lady Whistledown. She writes the juiciest column in London and honestly seems to know everything about everyone. The clues to her identity are there but it’s just so frustrating to not know who she is. She’s an essential part of the Bridgerton series and definitely a great addition! So I love this series so far and I highly recommend the first two books.


Book Arrivals



----------

From Paperbackswap.com:

An Offer From a Gentleman :: Julia Quinn
(Book three in the Bridgerton series)

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball—or that "Prince Charming" would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid's garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

----------


From Contests/Giveaways & Misc:

Saving Max :: Antoinette van Heugten
(Recieved ARC for review)

What would a loving mother not do for her child?
Lawyer Danielle Parkman is at her wits' end. Her son Max, a whip-smart teen with high-functioning autism, has always been a handful. But lately he's shutting down, using drugs and lashing out - violently.

Desperate, Danielle brings Max to a top-flight psychiatric facility for a full assessment. But rather than reassurance, Danielle receives an agonizing diagnosis describing a deeply damaged, dangerous boy - one she's never met.

Then Danielle finds Max unconscious and bloodied at the feet of a patient who has been brutally stabbed to death. A fiercely protective mother instinct rears its head - and Danielle is arrested as an accessory to the heinous crime.

In a baffling netherworld of doubt and fear, barred from contacting her son, Danielle clings to the thought of Max's innocence. But has she, too, lost touch with reality? Is her baby boy really a killer?

With the justice system bearing down on them both, Danielle steels herself to discover the truth - no matter how horrifying. It's a path well on the wrong side of the law. But only finding the true killer will absolve her from having to choose between her son and her soul.

Lumby on the Air :: Gail Fraser
(Book five in the Lumby series)
(Received uncorrected proof for review)

Fifth in the acclaimed series set in the enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby. Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

Never Let You Go :: Erin Healy
(Recieved for review)

Losing everything has made Lexi hold those she loves tightly. Hell is determined to loosen her grip.

Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant's choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything-work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially-just to see Molly smile.


When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter's life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi's doorstep, demanding payment of Grant's old debts.


But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

Spirit :: Andrew Feder
(Recieved for review)

Randall Lender was a Wanted Man. He was wanted by the Clergy of the Major Organized Religions, the Governments and the New World Order, but that was the least of his problems. After going out of body (astral projection) Randall Lender suddenly found himself in such a paradox where the surrealism meets dilemma. Within this phenomenon of Looking Through the Hour Glass he unfortunately after leaving his physical body ended up into another's. This was his paradox. This was his dilemma. This was his surrealism. And regrettably for Lender this was the real quantum problem. Randall Lender found himself on an unexpected journey with its twists and turns until he realizes that he must die to live for his return to his former body. And now the elixir of questions remains: What? How? And Why? Then you'll ask why me? Why him? And What If?

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Day 136 - The Duke and I

The Duke and I
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book one


Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry-though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that is seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, she soon forgets that their courtship is a complete sham. And now she has to do the impossible and keep herself from losing her heart and soul completely to the handsome hell-raiser who has sworn off marriage forever!

Review:

I have recently become interested in starting some historical romances and I'm happy to report that my first experience has been a most excellent one. I really really enjoyed The Duke and I.

The first character to meet is Simon Basset (who really has a much longer name than should be legal - Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset, talk about a mouthful). Some background information about him is provided as the prologue talks about how hard it was for him at birth and his early childhood with his father who, at the time, is the Duke of Hastings. Wanting an utterly perfect son, the Duke is very hard to please and totally unforgiving. Simon spent his first 4 years of life not speaking, and after the Duke realizes Simon has a stutter he totally rejects him.

Simon grows up hating his father and to further smite him Simon refuses to get married. He never wants to fall in love! He never wants to get married! And he has absolutey no plans on having any children so the family line of Dukes will end with his death. Shouldn't be a problem, right? ... Well, not exactly. The mothers in this time are on brutal missions to marry off their daughters to well-to-do eligible men. And Simon is pretty high on that list since he is now the Duke.

This is where Daphne Bridgerton and her family comes in. The Bridgerton family consists of eight children which isn't too terribly unique. The fun part is the way Violet has named her children: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. (I'm curious as to how to correctly pronounce the youngest girl's name) I love the ABC naming style. So anywho, Violet is on her own mission to marry off her oldest son and oldest daughter. She's even made lists of eligible people for both children, which definitely made me giggle.

After meeting Daphne, Simon comes up with a brilliant plan to keep away the persistant mothers and their trailing daughters: fake a courtship! This idea could even help Daphne in gaining more suitors since many haven't had an interest in her of late. Not that there is anything wrong with Daphne. She's quite pretty and extremely nice. It's just that most men think of her as a good "friend" and nothing more. But that does change after Simon's fake interest in her. But to make this pretend courtship even more complicated, it turns out Simon is Anthony's best friend. And ever since the father of the Bridgerton children died, Anthony has been the man of the house, looking after his mother and siblings. So of course he's furious at the idea of Simon and Daphne together at all!

As you probaly guessed by reading the blurb, Simon and Daphne end up falling for each other. And while they do get married (not really a spoiler, I promise), they don't quite do it for the right reasons. Their story is filled with humor, hardships, trust, and of course love in the most unexpected places. I thought it was such a great story and I really enjoyed it. The characters were great and I adored the chemistry between Dapne and Simon. I had no trouble with Julia Quinn's writing style. I must admit, I was always afraid I wouldn't like historical romances because of the "old" feeling to writing of certain time periods. But this was nothing like I imagined.

One character I just have to point out is the ficticious Lady Whistledown. She writes a gossip column that everyone absolutely hates and yet always finds the time to read (sound familar?). There are passages included in the beginning of every chapter and I'm dieing to find out who it is. I'll definitley be reading on in this series to see if she is ever revealed and to follow the rest of the Bridgerton family.


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