Blog Tour: The Tearings by V.C. Repetto

Genre: Young Adult Dysopian

Publisher: Evernight Teen

The Tearings

From the moment the black vans appear to take the sick away, Maya knows there is something wrong. She seems to be the only one to question the sudden disappearances at school and the masks everyone is forced to wear to keep from catching the new disease spreading through the entire United States. Even when word of the new “healing centers” reaches the public, no one dares to ask what is happening.

But when Maya catches the disease, the one they call The Tearings, and is taken to one of these centers along with her mother, the truth becomes all too clear. She is separated from her family and forced to work, becoming one of the more fortunate ones who is not sent to the testing wings. Bullied by the guards to the point of death, she meets David Summers, the enigmatic young Captain who appears to loathe his position of power in the camp and who seems as drawn to Maya as she is to him.

When Maya suddenly becomes the disease’s only survivor, she must put her trust on David to find a way to escape the camp and get the truth, and the cure coursing through her veins, out to the world.

Check it out at Amazon | Evernight Teen | Goodreads

V.C. Repetto

When not planning how to survive the next plague and/or apocalypse, V.C. Repetto likes to submerge herself in as many Victorian Gothic novels as she can find. It is quite a fun place, her head, between all the moldy lace and gas masks. She is an avid quilter and cross-stitcher, who longs one day to buy a weaving loom. V.C. Repetto lives in house much too small for all her pets.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

And now, check out my review! :)

Finished Reading: 28 November 2013

My Rating

My Review

The Tearings was a very good book. The setup was good, the characters interesting and the plot captivating. As I was reading the book and realizing it was about to end, I was just begging that the book wouldn’t end soon. I really enjoyed it, you see. I wanted to learn more, unravel the mystery together with Maya.

From the start, the book captivated me. I liked the confusion that I felt as I was thrown into the book. I desperately wanted to know what was going on

I really enjoyed the character development. I loved seeing how Maya grew from a rather average teenage girl to a girl who never stopped fighting for her life and never gave up regardless of the odds. I did find her response to the deaths around her a little unreal, but I don’t have any experience with that, so who am I to judge? Still, I thought there would be a little bit more heartbreak.

And yes, there was very little real romance between David and Maya. Yet I think they’re so cute together. I totally love the whole forbidden love thing. Its actually the main reason I requested to review this book. I wish there was more tension but I suppose that what was experienced between the characters was very real to the situation. When you’re in a life-threatening situation, I don’t think you’re gonna care about romantic love so much.

I loved the side characters too. I felt that they were a very good fit for the book and I do hope that the future books will have them too. The pace of the book was really good, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed or bored at any point of time. It was simply put, excellent writing where as a reader, I’m presented with enough information to keep me interested and at the same time, just a bit lacking that I need to read more.

While I felt the romance happened too late in the book and a little bit too short for my liking, I must say I did kinda enjoy it. I do hope that in future books, the romance gets fleshed out a little more and that there is a clearer plot. While this book was excellent in character development and introducing us into the whole plot, I do recognize that not much has actually happened. I would really love to see more of the romance but also, more of a fleshed out plot.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I simply cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I also look forward to reading other books by the author in the future. The Tearings is a great start to this series and I do recommend it for anyone who likes an easy, yet interesting and captivating read.

Note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed here are my own.

So yep, that's about it for today! Go here to check out the other tour stops! You'll find loads of awesome stuff on the other tour sites too! :D

Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer

Hey guys! Welcome to today's review blitz! Wow, first review I've posted in a long time! And I wanted to apologise for the late post, I kinda just finished the review, so yeah! It took a while to get it up, I'm having major writer's block now, can't think:/

First Published: 28 August 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 368
Format: Ebook/Paperback
Finished Date: 18 August 2012

Synopsis

Marcia gets schooled…

Of the three Brady sisters, Lady Marcia has always seemed the girl most likely to lead a perfectly charmed life. But after a handsome cad breaks her heart, she swears off love and devotes her life to teaching girls at a private school. In spite of her family’s wish for a London debut, Marcia is happy where she is—until terrible news sends her back to the Brady clan…and into the arms of an unexpected suitor.

On the subject of love

A dark and dashing earl who knows Marcia’s past, Duncan Lattimore is surprised by what a fascinating and independent woman she’s become. Marcia, too, is surprised—by the fiery attraction she feels for Duncan. But why—why—must he be the brother of the scoundrel who broke her heart? Why must Marcia’s rival at school forbid her from seeing him? How can this lady possibly resist this fellow—when they know that it’s much more than a hunch…?

Kieran Kramer

Double Rita®-finalist and USA Today bestseller Kieran Kramer is the author of the lighthearted Regency historical romance series, The Impossible Bachelors, published by St. Martin’s Press. She has a new six-book contract with St. Martin’s for another
Regency series called The House of Brady, premiering in August 2012 with LOVING
LADY MARCIA. A former CIA employee, journalist, and English teacher, Kieran’s also
a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. Without doubt her
greatest adventure, which she’s taken hand-in-hand with her husband of 23 years, a
commander in the US Navy Reserves, has been mothering their three children.

Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Street Team | Group Blog of Writer's Mums | Free Droid App | Free Iphone App

My Rating

My Review

Loving Lady Marcia was a good read. I really enjoyed it. The plot was simple and rather straightforward but it kept me hooked from start to finish. I literally could not put the book down. The characters were entertaining and I really liked reading about them. The pace was also great for the book, not too fast but neither was it too slow!

Alright, shall we talk about the characters? I loved Duncan. He wasn’t what I expected at all. He wasn’t as jaded as I expected but he was so damn sweet to Joe. You can’t help but love a hero that is so nice to children. Furthermore, I loved how he continued to chase after Marcia. Everything he did showed his love for her.

As for Marcia, I felt that she was a very interesting heroine. While she tried to be practical and all, there was always a little part of her that wanted to let go of everything and just fall in love. Most importantly, she was real and that made her all the more likable to me. I liked the fact that she had a mind of her own and yes, that she was stubborn. It gave her more character and I do enjoy that about a person. I loved how she is so strong, and how she managed to stand up even after what had happened all those years ago.

Plot wise, I really did enjoy it. It was the perfect pace and the tone was good too. I enjoyed meeting the characters and while I didn’t exactly have the personal connection to them, I could relate to them and that’s usually good enough!

However, I felt that the book didn’t make much of an impact on me. Sure, it was great reading it. But now, a couple weeks later, as I’m writing this review, I realise that I don’t remember much of the story. Then again, this could be just me. There were some parts that were really sweet!

Also, I didn’t really enjoy the last few bits of the book. I felt that it didn’t give a proper ending to the book. I’m a stickler for such things, given that it’s my final impression of the book. The final plot twist was also a little awkward to me. I didn’t really see the point in putting it in there. Some plot turns didn’t really make sense either, it felt forced. For example, meeting the duke. It could have been a little better conceived, I felt.

All in all though, I really did enjoy this book. Though there were parts that I didn’t really enjoy, the rest of the book certainly did make up for it. And I want to apologise for this review. I don’t know why, but the words aren’t flowing, I know I’m certainly not giving a very good review, or at least, it isn’t up to my usual standard!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

Giveaway 40 Super Swag packs
• 1 Loving Lady Marcia mini book wine charm
• 1 pink Loving Lady Marcia pen (
• Romance Trading Cards (Loving Lady Marcia and Impossible Bachelors)
• 1 Kieran Kramer post-it notes
• 1 signed bookplate
• 1 Impossible Bachelors bookmark
• 1 Loving Lady Marcia bookmark

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Invitation to Ruin by Bronwen Evans

First Published: 8 Feb 2011
Publisher: Brava
Pages: 327
Format: Paperback
Finished Date: 9 June 2012

Synopsis

One Good Lady Is About to Go Bad. . .

The only thing Miss Melissa Goodly has ever wanted out of a marriage is love. But any hope of that dissolves one wild night, when she loses herself in the arms of the most irresistible--and unobtainable--man in all of England. For when they are discovered in a position as compromising as it is pleasurable, she has no choice but to accept his proposal.

Avowed bachelor Anthony Craven, Earl of Wickham, never meant to seduce an innocent like Melissa. Yet now that the damage is done, it does seem like she'd make a very convenient wife. After all, she is so naive he won't have to worry about ever being tempted. Or so he thinks, until the vows are spoken and they are left alone--and his new bride reveals a streak just as brazen and unrestrained as his own. . .

My Rating

My Review

Invitation to Ruin was an amazing book. When I first started it, I thought it was just alright, nothing really special. But halfway through the book, when I saw the love shared by the characters, all I can say is wow.

The hero was everything I adored and the heroine? Simply amazing. I admire her so damn much. Its not always I like the heroine more than the hero, but for this book, the heroine is simply perfect. Of course, it having a great storyline was something that added to its appeal too! :)

So. Let’s begin, shall we? Plot first. Invitation to Ruin had the usual historical romance plot. Rake with a tortured soul who doesn’t believe in love meets a sweet girl who completely believes in love. And then without knowing it, rake falls in love with girl and they have their HEA after some conflict. Well, this book wasn’t really any different. However, it was the way the story was written that really did it justice. Though there were some flaws, which I will talk about later, it was a really enjoyable read.

Anthony is a rake of the worst order. He has no care and concern about society’s demands and just does what he wants to do. Of course, there’s a reason for this. Growing up with the kind of father he had, torn away from a mother’s love, Anthony very quickly saw the horrors of real life. I won’t say what his father did to him or what he was made to do but just note that it was horrible. Very horrible. So essentially, Anthony is a rake with a tortured soul who doesn’t believe in love anymore. My favorite kind of hero. I know I know, cliché yes, but sometimes its this simple cliché things that really make the love beautiful.

As for Melissa, she’s a good and kind girl. Not much is known about her background, but she did grow up in a good family. However, she is being forced to marry due to her brother needing money urgently. And her brother is just the meanest person. Imagine practically selling your flesh and blood just to get money. Horrible. But. What I want to say about Melissa is that she’s the strongest heroine I’ve read about. She is truly amazing. Never has any heroine had me clapping so much in admiration. Even when Anthony was so damn horrible to her, she never gave up, she just kept trying and trying. That spirit of hers was never truly broken no matter how much Anthony rejected her.

I’ll try to say this without any spoilers. Essentially what happens is that Anthony is forced to marry Melissa, but wants it to be a white marriage to prevent any children. He doesn’t want children cos he fears they’ll turn out bad. In what sense bad, I’ll leave it to you to read and find out! However, Melissa doesn’t know anything of this. She just thinks that Anthony doesn’t want her. However, she has always wanted a marriage with love, and after what his brother and mother has told her, she is determined to be the woman that Anthony falls in love with, the woman that can heal his tortured soul.

Of course, she succeeds. But reading about how she succeeded was beautiful. I have never admired any heroine more. Her strength of will to keep trying was simply applaudable. She loved him almost from the start and no matter what he did to try and discourage that love, she never gave in. She wanted to be the woman to change him, and she tried so hard. But she did succeed. Guess it just shows hard work pays off yeah? :)

There was one part I particularly enjoyed. I won’t say what it is, just suffice to say I was really happy when it happened. Essentially, Anthony though that Melissa had done something wrong. He went to confront her, having already decided that she was guilty. But when he reached her, he still gave her a chance to explain herself and when she did, trusted her immediately. I like that sense of communication the 2 characters had.

But my favorite part by far was when Anthony realised he loved Melissa. Those were the most beautiful words I’ve read in a long, long time. I’m not gonna say what it is, cos I don’t wanna spoil it for those who haven’t read the book yet. But the second I read those words, I started crying. Not the few drops of tears kind. The really full out tears rolling down your cheeks kind. I just went back and read those few sentences again and again (and cried again and again), because that was just how beautiful it was. I guess it was because you realise how much Anthony loved Melissa and I don’t know, it just completely tugged on my heartstrings when I read it.

So yes, Invitation to Ruin was a really good read. I will definitely be looking forward to many more of Bronwen Evan’s books! :)

Note: I received this review copy from the author, Bronwen Evans, free of charge, in exchange for a honest review. I received no other compensation whatsoever.

Keeper of My Heart by Darcy Flynn

First Published: 8 February 2012
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Format: Ebook
Finished Date: 12 February 2012

Synopsis

Katie McCullough doesn’t know it, but Max Sawyer, the over confident, irritatingly handsome hotel developer who outbid her for the lighthouse property, is none other, than her mystery lighthouse sailor. The one man who captured her heart five years earlier, the one man who has since been the plum line for every other unsuspecting male who has crossed her path. Unfortunately for Max, he doesn’t measure up either.

Still reeling from losing the property she’d planned to call home, sparks fly when Katie assumes Max is turning her beloved lighthouse compound into one of his ‘Serenity Spa Resorts.” Outraged, Katie sets out on a mission to dismantle the property…and his plans.

Except Max’s plans have absolutely nothing to do with hotels and everything to do with winning Katie’s heart.

My Rating

My Review

I really enjoyed Keeper of My Heart. It was a really sweet romance. Nothing heavy, just a light, simple read that left me smiling at the end of it. The plot was good and the characters in the book were mostly likable and really enhanced the storyline.

Katie was a very strong character. Though everything seemed to be going wrong for her, she somehow managed to keep living on and didn’t give up through it all. She’s really ingenious heh. Her ideas throughout the book especially the stealing part left me laughing and totally in awe of her. Not about the act, but about her thought processes.

As for Max, he was a great character too. However, I felt myself unable to completely like him. It seemed as if I was waiting for him to do something but that never happened. I found him very high-handed. Though it isn’t that bad on its own, I just feel that he was extremely proud and kept looking down on Katie. Sure, she wasn’t the most sensible of people. I guess I just didn’t like the way he treated her and the way he felt. I was hoping that he would really get hit by his conscience but he never did. Alright, he did, but it wasn’t really emphasized.

The plot of the whole book was good. I remember that when I first saw the blurb a month ago, I just knew I had to read it. And when I finally did, I can only say that I have no regrets. The book is impossible to dislike because of the way it was written. So sweet and simple, but yet, it had so much meaning. The whole plot fell together really nicely and was well thought out. I felt that the pace of the book was perfect and the events flowed really smoothly.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guess the only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars was because it lacked that spark in it. A spark of passion. Sure, it was talked about, but I never felt it. That was what was lacking. However, I still really enjoyed the book. The dialogues the characters had were rather witty and I found myself smiling along with them at different intervals in the book.

Now, there really isn’t much that I can say about this book. Firstly, its really short. Secondly, about everything was fine with the book. There were no real problems, but at the same time, there wasn’t any part that really stood out. Thirdly, I’m so tired I can’t think. Oh wait. I do remember some things that I enjoyed. I really liked it when Max finally got struck by his conscience. I was really annoyed with him throughout quite a bit of the book. He just expected Katie to fall into his arms and obey his every command right from the start. I couldn’t stand that, and hence, I was secretly delighted when he was put in his place. Everytime he discovered how much he had hurt Katie, I was just right there laughing at him.

Hmm, what else is there to say? Alright, just a short bit about the storyline. I found it rather interesting most of the time. I mean, I was addicted to it; I couldn’t put the book down. I guess it really did appeal to me and all I wanted was to see Katie and Max get their HEA. Though both had their own share of problems, especially Katie in the beginning, I’m glad to say that most of the problems were worked through and resolved. The character development in this book is really good. Though there wasn’t much space, Darcy managed to show how the characters matured over the course of the book. In the end, they both finally did grow up.

I really liked this book. Though there isn’t anything really special about it, I guess its unique in the sense that it’s a sweet, clean romance. I don’t read many of these type of genre and I must say, I’m glad that I read this book. Not because I have to read it for the blog tour, but because I really enjoyed it. Definitely a recommended read.

When Passion Rules by Johanna Lindsey

First Published: 14 June 2011
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 388
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Finished Date: 19 January 2012

Blurb from Goodreads

Forced to flee Napoleon’s rampaging army on the continent, orphaned Alana Farmer and her eccentric guardian make a new home for themselves in London. There, Alana enjoys every privilege a daughter of the nobility could hope for, plus an education fit for a queen. Now, on the eve of her debut into London Society, she learns the shocking secret of her birthright. Can it be true? Is she really the lost princess of the European kingdom of Lubinia? Persuaded by her guardian to return to their homeland to quell a bloody revolt, Alana finds herself in an isolated, mountainous country whose customs strike her as medieval!

With controversy and intrigue brewing around the beautiful newcomer, Christoph Becker, the captain of the palace guards, arrests Alana on suspicion that she is either a wily imposter or a seductive spy working for the shadowy figures determined to depose the king. No stranger himself to seduction, Christoph uses every means at his disposal to draw the truth from his alluring prisoner, even if he must lay his own life on the line to protect her from harm. Now, as a fiery passion flares between Alana and the man who has wrongly imprisoned her, the fate of a nation rests in their hands and on their hearts.

My Rating

My Review

This review is also posted on Always a Booklover.

I loved this book. The characters, the setting and the plot, it all came together really well to create a story that I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Having said that, I am reluctant to give this book 5 stars. Yes, the book was really good to read. But I cannot overlook a few things in the plot that sadly causes the book to drop to a 4 star rating.

But let’s start with the good points first, shall we? Right from the start, I loved Christoph. He had that charm, that charisma that was very appealing and made him a very likable man. Of course, the way he handled Nadia at the beginning made me like him instantly. As for Alana, I really do admire her. She’s a very good female protagonist and I really enjoyed reading about her. Even when she was being interrogated, she kept her cool.

I loved the whole plot of the story. It reminded me of a book the Ms. Lindsey wrote in the past, Once a Princess. The plots aren’t similar but the princess part is. I loved how the author kept a great secret from the readers, which was only revealed towards the end. I must admit, I really believed that a certain thing was true. That’s how convincing the writing was.

One of my favorite parts came at the beginning. I found it really humbling that a killer with no conscience could be brought down with just a baby’s smile. That sweet innocence in a smile, who could even think of harming a baby? Another part I liked was the proposal. It was seriously funny. And pretty sweet too.

As for the romance in this book, I felt that it was rather subtle. I mean, they just fell in love. For once, I cannot tell how or why it happened. All I know is that they suddenly did. The romance isn’t really obvious in the book, which is rather surprising. As in, the main part of the book focused on who Alana really was. And a lot of sexual tension.

One thing I could not relate to at all was her reaction after they made love. I was totally like, huh? I don’t want to say what, I just was totally confused by her reaction! Definitely not the way I expected her to act after it due to the way all women were brought up during that time.

I do wish she could have put to use her fighting skills though. She only threw one knife. Some parts were very abrupt. After I read it, all I could think was huh? Did that just happen? For example, the wedding. It took place so quickly, I was left reeling after it. It just didn’t seem possible. It’s quite a sad thing too. The whole story was really well elaborated, except that part, which left me wondering at such an abrupt ending.

Some of the reactions the characters had were not very realistic either. For example, when the king heard that they might be in love he straightaway decided to let Alana marry Christoph. It just struck me as weird. I mean, she’s a princess. He’s just a normal noble. Without a second thought, you just betroth them?

I’m so glad I finally read this book. I’ve wanted to read it ever since it came out last year, but never had the opportunity or the time to! This was a very enjoyable read and I could barely put down the book! Even when I was helping my mum to mop the floor, I was still reading, that’s how engrossed I was. So yes, I would certainly recommend you to pick up this book to read! It’s definitely worth your time.

Betrayal's Shadow by KH LeMoyne (The Guardians of Eden #1)

First Published: 14 April 2011
Publisher: Digital Crystal Press
Pages: 309
Format: Ebook
Finished Date: 18 January 2012

Blurb from Goodreads

What would you do to save your people from extinction?
What if your race held the key to mankind’s future?
One Guardian will risk hell to change the future.

Descended from the race of Guardians, Turen’s people have survived the last two hundred years, quarantined and isolated. Living in secrecy with no mates and no offspring, they fail to deliver on their ability to replenish and heal human souls through the birth of their Guardian children. Risking his life, Turen chooses capture at the hands of a comrade-turned-enemy to seek answers to change the future.

Mia Bowman has no knowledge of the secret Guardian race. Yet, her uncontrollable, nocturnal summons to Turen’s prison cell and her strong sense of justice leave her with little choice but to help him. She can heed his warning and stay clear of his people’s problems or she can ferret out the lies and unravel an ancient tale of murder and deceit. It will take an ultimate sacrifice to stop the unexpected evil and reverse a fatal ending to the Guardian line.

THE GUARDIANS OF EDEN:
A race of beings created in a Sanctum at the far edge of Eden. Co-existing with mankind, they safeguarded human souls and the promise of eternity—until a virus killed all over the age of eighteen. The surviving children fled to the Sanctum for protection, children raising children without the full legacy of their history and knowledge. Two hundred years of solitude have produced a race of semi-immortals fortified with powers and intellect but lacking the mates who will make them whole and allow them to fulfill their covenant with mankind

My Rating

My Review

Betrayal’s Shadow was an amazing read. Action-packed + sweet romance = great book. I loved reading the book, and I was hooked almost right from the start. When I started reading the book, I didn’t expect much, given that I’m not that big a fan of paranormal romance. But when I read this, I was pleasantly surprised.

Turen is a Guardian. Guardians have special powers and were made to do something related to souls. I have no idea what because it wasn’t discussed in the book, merely brushed over with a few sentences here and there. Basically, they have only one mate where they can reproduce and really fall in love with. Unfortunately, hardly any of them in this age have found their mate. Make that only one. Of course, because this is a romance, Turen and Mia, the female protagonist, are mates, even though the fact is not discovered till later.

Turen and Mia meet in prison. Turen is imprisoned while Mia can somehow travel through time to reach him. Why, it will be explained in the book, albeit in a rather roundabout method. I won’t say more and spoil it for those who haven’t read the book.

The romance in the book was rather sweet. Neither of them ever thought they would end up with each other, especially not in the circumstances that brought them together. However, when they did fall in love, it was so great and so so strong that I really loved it. To be honest, it almost brought tears to my eyes the first time he admitted he couldn’t live without her. That it didn’t matter that she wasn’t her mate (he didn’t know yet). I especially loved the part when he said something along the lines of all the love that he had to give was given to her. You know, it’s just these little things that really make the romance sweet.

I enjoyed the action in the book. It wasn’t too much or too little. All of the fight scenes were shown fully in detail and that I was something I really liked. The pace was good too. However, at times I felt that the book suddenly jumped forward without enough warning and that left me a little surprised at times. But its really nothing much.

The character development and how the characters were depicted was something I really liked. Not once did the characters do things out of the norm. There was good character development and I really liked how Mia grew as a person. At first, she was rather shy, timid and even a little weak. But at the end, she really impressed me with her bravery and strength.

Another thing that I liked was that the book wasn’t too predictable. Sure, I could guess some of the more obvious plot lines. But most of the time, things would happen that I would never have expected. It got a little too much though. Sometimes, I wasn’t sure exactly why that particular plot was introduced at that point.

Though I really liked this book, I’m hesitant to give it a full 5 star rating. Several reasons. The description of the creatures and places in the book left me a bit confused. But then again, it could just be me not being very adept in visualizing from description. Especially paranormal things. I think that took away a bit of the appreciation that I had for the book. This was because I like to be able to see the scenes in my head while reading. And actually I could, its just when the creatures came, that it left me a bit puzzled. But as I said, this could be just me. Another thing I didn’t really like was the resolution. I found it a bit too abrupt. It happened too quickly for my liking. Sure, everything was resolved, but I just found it too fast. And as I mentioned earlier, the souls part was a little confusing. Even after the whole book, I have no idea the real use of Guardians other than them having to take care of souls or something like that. To me, I felt that it really should have been explained, because it is their main duty and why they were created in the first place.

All in all, I found this to be a great book. It had a good plot, and I felt the book was set well for a series. I look forward to reading more of this author’s books. Definitely a read worth taking the time for. I was really addicted by it, and could not put the book down despite having rather pressing things to do. I read it in about 1-2 sittings. Definitely a recommended read, especially to those who enjoy paranormal romance with a lot of action in it.

P.S. If there is any grammar/spelling/typo errors, forgive me. I’m typing this without my specs on and its almost 5, I don’t have full mental capacity now! :P

Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn (Splendid Trilogy #2)

First Published: 1 December 1995
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 375
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Finished Date: 8 January 2012

Blurb from Goodreads

Lady Arabella Blydon can sense the secrets smoldering behind the dark, penetrating gaze of Lord John Blackwood. Still she desires his handsome, mysterious stranger who stirs her passions like no other man--even as he warns her to stay away.

War scarred Lord John's body and soul. But this brazen, intoxicating, infuriating bluestocking poses an even greater threat: she is forcing him to care again. For Belle is a woman of bold, independent spirit, equally unconcerned about society's petty restrictions and love's hidden perils. And the beautiful, determined schemer will not rest until she returns joy and light to the damaged lord's life...and wins a place in his shuttered heart forever.

My Rating

My Review

Dancing at Midnight was a very enjoyable read for me. It was very light-hearted and I found myself chuckling aloud at various points. It was very entertaining and I really loved the romance between the characters.

John and Belle are two completely opposite people. One is so sunny, nothing ever fazes her, the other is just tortured and tormented. But somehow, they fall in love. Then again, opposites do attract, don’t they?

At times I couldn’t stand John. He is so affected by the event in his past, then it affects his self-confidence, to the point where it affects his identity. It gets really annoying when he lets that stand in the way of him loving Belle. If Belle hadn’t loved him that much, he would have lost her. By his own hands. Because he was stupid enough to think that he wasn’t good enough for Belle, because of what he experienced in the past. He took an angry woman’s words as fact and it affected him so badly.

Belle is her usual sunny self. She is a very interesting character to read about and I really loved her. She just brings joy to the book, I feel. In the beginning, she desperately wanted John to like her, so much that she kept visiting him. Though people may feel its rather shallow, that she wants to be liked so much, I don’t really feel that way. I mean, Belle has always been loved by everyone around her, for someone to take an active dislike towards her is something she has never experienced and of course, she would want to rectify that.

There are several things I loved about the book. The dialogues were always interesting and witty. I found myself laughing out loud many times during the course of reading. I think the thing that really stands out is when John tries to recite poetry to Belle. Belle wants him to write his own poem for her, but he refuses to, saying he can’t. Instead, he tries to pass off other poets writing as his own. As in, he recites them to Belle, hoping that she’ll believe its his own. And Belle tries to circumvent him in that by reading tons and tons of books of poetry. It was really funny actually! I enjoyed the plot too. Though I hated John’s first reason of letting Belle go, I could totally understand why he wanted to avoid Belle when he found out someone was trying to kill him. It was interesting, though I had more or less figured out his would-be killer for quite a long time. And when it was all resolved, Persephone is shown to be amazingly smart and brave. That woman should get her own story. A pity she’s kind of old. But then again, who said age had to matter when it comes to affairs of the heart?

I also loved the characters in the book. Belle’s character is developed a lot more here, and we even see Alex and Emma (from Splendid) here. Their love never fails to touch my heart. I still love it when I read about Alex giving Emma tender looks and being so protective of her! It’s just so sweet and it really truly screams true love. Alright, that’s not really pertinent to the plot, but I just had to say it. John was a pretty interesting character and it was fun reading about him. Even though he was a very tortured person inside, it’s really amazing when you see how love changes all that. For a man who hardly ever smiled, to be able to laugh so freely around the woman he loves just shows me how amazing love is. The pace of the book was alright, not too fast and not too slow. But I do have several complaints.

I found the part before they went to London to be a little repetitive. I mean, it was kind of the same thing over and over again. Its not that it wasn’t interesting, it was. But I felt that a lot of unnecessary time was spent there because about the same events were repeated. Like them bumping into each other almost everyday. It was only when they were both in London and he really started courting her that the pace picked up. From there, it was an amazing read.

Oh yes, I also felt that they defeated John’s enemy, not saying who, a little too easily. I mean, he was quite a big part of the book and it was because of him that a lot of events happened. But the conflict was rather short, and thus a little disappointing. I did love Persephone’s part in that though. It was amazing. She fazed every single person in that room, even the men. Just for that, I love her. You wouldn’t expect it of her, thinking she’s a pretty shallow person. But let me tell you, that woman has a devious brain.

Alright, I just wanted to talk about my favorite parts for a while. As I mentioned earlier, I really enjoyed the poetry part. And the poem he finally composed at the end? I thought it was the best out of everything he had recited. I mean, that was from the heart. Another of my favorite parts was when John climbed into her bedroom. That marriage proposal was so so sweet. My mouth just dropped when I read it. Sigh, that was just so perfect.

Though there were several parts that were quite slow in the book, all in all, I really loved reading it. This was a very fun read and I really vividly remember myself smiling to myself every now and then while reading the book. No, it isn’t worth 5 stars, but definitely 4 stars. Now, I may be rather lenient when it comes to ratings, but well, I get very emotional easily, so a lot of books are great to me! I really enjoyed reading this book!

Splendid by Julia Quinn (Splendid Trilogy #1)

First Published: 1 May 1995
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 396
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Finished Date: 4 January 2012

Blurb from Goodreads

There are two things everyone knows about Alexander Ridgely. One, he's the Duke of Ashbourne. And two, he has no plans to marry anytime soon...

That is until a redheaded American throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephew's life. She's everything Alex never thought a woman could be—smart and funny, principled and brave. But she's a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke—unless, perhaps, she's not quite what she seems...

American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen, but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one—even if she has agreed to participate in one London Season. When she slipped out of her cousins' home, dressed as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed she'd find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke... or that he'd be quite so upset when he discovered her true identity. But true love tends to blossom just when one least expects it, and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts.

My Rating

My Review

I really enjoyed Splendid, it was a very light-hearted and easy read, yet not too simple that the plot is practically non-existent. The characters in the book, Alex and Emma were just so perfect for each other, you couldn’t help but root for them from the start. Sure, Alex is a bit too high-handed at times. Make that way too high-handed. He is essentially a male chauvinist. But well. I kinda do like guys like that. Sometimes it annoys me like crazy, but other times, I just love them. They’re just… irresistible to me. Heh, any feminist would be screaming at me to wake up! So, let’s started with the summary, shall we?

Emma is from the USA. She has a great head for business, beautiful, all that. She’s also really stubborn, and would do things without second-guessing herself if she thinks its right. No matter how impossible it is. She’s just that sort of person. As for Alex, he’s a person that doesn’t trust women. He’s a duke. Does that explain it all? Alright let me elaborate. Generally, dukes are very highly sought. Not just for their title, but also for their wealth, land and such. And heroes in romance are hot. Duke + hot = irresistible. That also means every single girl is gonna come throw himself at him for his money. And of course, Alex hates these kinds of shallow women. And so, he becomes very cynical, very jaded and has vowed not to marry until he has to. But of course as expected, Emma is the one woman who can change his mind.

NOTE. THE FOLLOWING BRIEF SUMMARY MAY CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS. But then again, this is a romance, it’s possible to guess the summary!

Ok, you know I’m not really in the mood to write a summary so it won’t seem really interesting. Basically, Emma goes out, dressed as a maid. She saves a little boy on the way home, and he’s the nephew of the Duke of Ashbourne, Alex. Along the way, she injures herself by hitting the ground hard. Nothing serious, just a bump on the head. So as expected, there is an instant attraction and he kissed her. That same night, he goes to a ball. Why? To find her of course. He believes she is working there and convinces himself that he needs to check up on her. In reality, he just can’t wait to see her again and have his own wicked way with her… Yep, so basically at the party, he finds out she isn’t a maid. Basically over the next few months they become friends, even though the sexual tension between them is like whoa. Then they go to the country house where he does stuff to her, I don’t want to say it, but I think you can guess! She’s technically still a virgin. Yeah. Moving on. He wanted to propose, planned out everything alr, but… She proposed. He found out what he thought was the reason she wanted to marry him and being a stupid fool, broke up with her? Of course they reconcile. Now this part is the unique thing to every romance. So I won’t say anything, suffice to say it was interesting and believable. Totally what you would expect from her and from him!

Alright, that’s about it for the summary.

So Emma was a very likable character. Beautiful, but witty. And so very stubborn. She’s really funny and a very enjoyable character to read about. I absolutely love how she doesn’t ever give in to Alex. Their arguments are really funny to read. Don’t get me wrong, they aren’t argumentative people but they certainly like having their own way. Besides, it’s more of a friendly argument, or as Emma puts it, a discussion. She’s a very real person and I’ll talk more about that later.

As for Alex, as I’ve mentioned earlier, he’s very high-handed and in a way, thinks he’s king. But, he’s an extremely filial guy and is super nice to his family. Now that just makes him a great man in my opinion. He comes from a great family, with women so sweet and nice. It doesn’t make any sense that he’s so cynical and jaded. But Emma was a refreshing presence for him. Through her, he learnt to trust a woman not from his family. It was difficult, and the first test he had, he did fail. But one thing he did well was loving Emma. He truly truly loved her. And can I just say how cute he is? He sometimes acts like a little kid around her and he is just so adorable! And it just shows me the depth of his love for her. That he can actually let go of himself enough and trust her, something which he has never done for a woman outside his family.

I felt that the part where she felt really guilty after engaging in, how shall I put it, illicit activities with Alex was very realistic. I mean, she’s spent her whole life being told that what she did was wrong. I find that in a lot of other books, the girls just somehow manage to put aside their morals because it was so pleasurable. And the part where they had a misunderstanding over the proposal? I was screaming at him when he just threw her out of his house. Seriously, what an ass right? How could he even think that way of her? That being said, I think she reacted really well when Alex apologized. I loved it when she said she forgave him but was not able to forget. It’s all this little things that really make her real to the reader. Emma isn’t portrayed as the perfect heroine, but rather a heroine with human faults. I think that makes her as a heroine really interesting to read about. You just can’t help rooting for her, and hoping she’ll put Alex in his place.

Now, the love between both characters are so sweet and so touching. You just can’t help but root for them from the beginning. From the start, all I wanted was for Emma to heal Alex’s distrust of the female sex. And she did. The love between them was so obvious and so so sweet. I especially loved it when Alex finally realised he was in love with her. He was just rationalizing so much and it was just so funny! I couldn’t help but grin like the Cheshire Cat when they finally confessed their love to each other. The life they had after marriage was just so sweet too, exactly the kind I hope to have. That even though the husband is busy at work, he always makes time for the wife. Hmm, one part that sticks out in memory was when Emma left him for a week, or at least she wanted to. His expression, or at least, what I imagine of his expression was the cutest thing ever.

And of course, the ending was pretty climatic. Ok fine, not that much, but it was enough. The kidnapping, trying to escape, all those were pretty interesting and it really gave a good ending to certain parts of the plot. It wasn’t boring and even though it seemed a little extraneous, it did round up some of what happened towards the end really well.

All in all, I really did like reading this book. It was a very easy read but it never got boring. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and the love between them was so sweet, it just made the book even more convincing. The pace of the book wasn’t too fast too. It was really just right. The first book written by Julia Quinn, yet already so good. One can only wonder how much better her books have gotten! But to be honest, I liked this more than the Bridgertons series, which is reputed to be really good. I dunno, maybe its just me! I think one thing I love about this book and Julia Quinn is that its really humorous. It doesn’t have to be explicitly made a joke, but through the conversations that the characters have, I can almost always find something there to be amused at. And I don’t mean the bad kind of amusement! It really did add to my reading experience! I really do recommend people to read this book. I’ve read the rest of the books in the series and I really feel it hasn’t deteriorated.

A Wedding Blunder in the Black Hills by Kim O'Brien

First Published: 01 September 2011
Number of Pages: 320
Finished Date: 11 November 2011

Blurb from Goodreads

David and Millie both have big problems. A widowed dentist with an almost-teen son, he’s being stalked by an amorous patient. Millie’s mom keeps sending her on blind dates, even though the café owner has trust issues. So when a lost filling lands Millie in David’s office, the two of them find a solution—a faux relationship. No one gets hurt and no one gets nagged. It’s a great plan—until they really start to care. Now what will they do?

My Rating

My Review

Wow, I actually really liked this book. When I first started reading it, I expected it to be a rather slow and boring book. It just shows you really can't judge a book by its cover. Not only was the book not slow-moving, the characters and the entire story plot was very interesting.

This book made me laugh several times. I was in the bus reading today, and I nearly burst out in laughter after reading several scenes. The beginning was a little slow but as time passed, the book picked up speed and became better and better.

The main characters in the book, namely, David and Millie were pretty interesting characters. At the beginning, I really liked Millie and I liked her attitude. But somehow, towards the end of the book, I felt that she got more and more insecure about little things. Like her father being in prison showed that there was something wrong with her. But I'm happy that she kinda changed at the end. I especially liked seeing how she started to trust in God once more. That really touched my heart.

David was just so funny and really a typical dad who simply does not know how to handle his kid. Every time he spoke to his kid, forgot his name, sorry!, I could just sense that father's desperation to connect with his kid, yet at the same time knowing that he was losing him. He was definitely a very believable character and I really adored him. The way he treated Millie was so sweet and through his actions, I could really tell that he had fallen in love with her. Heh its just so cute to think about it! When they were both young, he asked her out and she turned him down. But now, after all these years, they finally got together! And their love for each other is so sweet and the type of love that you know lasts forever.

So the plot WAS very interesting. They were pretending to date in order to get people off their backs! For Millie, it was her mum. And for David, it was Cynthia. I tell you, that woman is a joke! Gosh, she stalks him everywhere! Heh, its really funny to read how David tries to avoid her but yet she tracks him down every time, like she has the senses of a bloodhound! From their first pretend date, the attraction between them was sizzling. They were both attracted to each other from the start, and when they found that out it was so cute haha!

Ok I realise my review is pretty random. I apologise, its almost 2 here and I'm dead tired! Back to topic!

I loved their pretend dates, they were always so funny! Both of them were trying to pretend they didn't like each other but it was so obvious! OH, I loved their pretend date in the forest! It was so funny haha:) Some animal was going to attack them and haha they ran to hide in the toilet! It was kinda hot actually, I was hoping their mutual attraction would boil over and they would just kiss each other! Sadly, it didn't happen:)

But when it did, it was really sweet. As I said earlier, Millie got to be more unlikable as the book went on while David got more likable. Overall, the plot was very good and it certainly captured my attention. Characters were funny and easy to like. I especially the way Millie managed to open her heart and trust God again. Earlier, I was kinda getting pissed with her for thinking that she was bad, that God wouldn’t love her and basically all the self-pity she was doing.

I really enjoyed their love story and it was really a very sweet ending. Its this kind of love that you know will just last forever. It isn’t crazy passion, a lot of lust for each other, though its certainly there, but rather a love that was true, that was really from the heart. The book did touch me and that was something I certainly was not expecting.

I did find some parts of the book a little slow and not important enough to be so elaborated. Like, the building of the sled. I kinda didn’t really need to know all the things they were doing for the sled! Um, this isn’t a book that would fire your passion or anything. Rather, it’s a book that is just so sweet, one that you just want to savor and really see their love story.

All in all, I loved the book. It was definitely not something I was expecting and I was dreading to read it at first. But once I did, I had no regrets. I wouldn’t say it was amazing and all that, but it was a good book. However, its definitely not for people who enjoy fast-paced books or romances with hot, steamy sex scenes. This had none, and it was actually a very good thing in my opinion! I would recommend this book to people who can appreciate love stories and don’t mind sitting through boring scenes. Because there were boring scenes. And the book was slow-paced, but I still loved it, I dunno why.

Well, that’s just about all I have to say for this book! I really did enjoy this book. Though I may never re-read it again, I will have fond memories of this book. I laughed, I sighed, I hoped. This book did take me through a range of emotions. Its been a long time since I read a truly sweet book and though this isn’t the type of book I usually read, I really did enjoy the experience.

This ebook was given to me by Netgalley:)

P.S. Sorry this review is so... disjointed. I have no idea what I'm doing! If you can be high on sleep deprivation, then that's what was happening to me as I wrote this!

The Ultimate Risk by Chantelle Shaw

Published: June 21st 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Presents
Pages: 192
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Finished: 06 November 2011

Blurb from Goodreads

For better…or for worse?
When she sees Lanzo di Cosimo again after ten years, Gina Bailey's pulse races at the memories of their heady affair—a time when life seemed perfect.

Now she is far from being the carefree innocent she was before. Since married and abused by her ex-husband, and with her dreams of a family dashed, she's built up barriers around her heart.

But Lanzo's sweet caress implies that he wants Gina for the long term. Can she afford to surrender in the hope that he might protect her, cherish her, for better or worse…?

My Rating

My Review

The reading of this book was an enjoyable experience for me. Though I wouldn’t say it was amazing, this book did bring me through several ranges of emotions and I loved it.

Now, pardon me if this review isn’t written well (as usual), I read this book quite a while back and I’m not sure whether I can remember all the intricacies. But from some notes that I scribbled down before that and whatever remnants of the book left in my memory, I will attempt to write the best review that I can do!

So, Gina and Lanzo the main characters of this book actually have a history. They met each other 10 years ago, when Gina was 18. They had a brief affair then all of a sudden, he called it off. Of course, she was hurt because she did love him. And even before I read towards the end, I knew that he was falling in love with her during that period. But after he left, they both got on with their lives. Finally, they met again, at a party I believe.

The sexual tension between them was impalpable right from the moment they laid eyes on each other. He couldn’t exactly place her, but she recognized him immediately. Of course, its revealed later that Gina changed a lot, and hence he couldn’t remember. So basically, she was in need of a job. He offered her a temp job as his PA was away on maternal leave. Having no choice, she accepted. I think you can see where this is leading.

Heh, without a doubt, they became attached and everything. She loved him deeply, but he refused to admit he loved her. For this simple reason. He believed he couldn’t ever love again, or rather, he stopped believing in love all together. But from his every action, I could tell that he did love her, he just refused to admit it.

Later she became pregnant. She told him, he got pissed, she left, he got worried, blah blah blah. I really liked it that she had the courage to leave him even when she was so in love with him! It couldn’t have been easy. Oh yes, since we’re on the topic of Gina, I would like to say I absolutely agree with her view on life. That even if one person ruined quite a lot of your life, there was still hope for a better future. In her own words, she said “I believe that just because something didn’t go the way you planned it once, it’s no reason not to try again.” And “Of course there’s a risk that that could happen, but what is the alternative? To never allow myself to get close to anyone ever again? Never know the joy of loving someone for fear that it could end up in tears? My heart might stay safe, but it wouldn’t be much of a life.” Those words that she said just made me completely admire her. Really, her take on life is very inspiring. And yes, very true. Even if things go wrong, it doesn’t mean we give up and stop trying! After she said that, I began to see her in a completely new light.

Gina is also a very courageous woman. She dared to tell Lanzo all those things about him even though she knew he would be extremely angry. But she did it because she loved him. She is an extremely strong woman. When you put together all the pieces of her past, you’ll see that no ordinary person could have lived through all those things and still say what she said earlier about life.

As I was reading the book, I remember hoping that he would be able to let go of the past. Because for as long as he held on to the past, he would never be able to move forward. He would always be trapped in the past. But the time he started to let go was when she gave birth. Let me tell you, that scene was the most beautiful scene ever. It showed how a cold, hard man could be softened so much by the sweet, innocent gaze of the baby and how love truly healed. I remember crying as I read that scene. It was the start of him starting to actually admit he loved her.

At the same time, I didn’t like it. I mean, its like without the baby, he probably wouldn’t have been able to let go, or be able to finally admit he loves her. I kinda dislike it when that happens as it makes the baby so crucial to the whole story, and I really rather focus on how the love between a couple can heal all wounds, be it big or small, past or new.

All in all, I really liked the book. It did show how love healed. Not only was the love between a couple a balm to the tortured soul, but the most innocent love of a baby could heal an emotionally injured man. I can’t say I loved it, why, I don’t really know. Its just a feeling I get, perhaps overall, the book just didn’t do it for me. Oh, and I loved how he confessed to her! It was so sweet! :) heh, I did enjoy the experience of reading this book and I liked how love was portrayed here.