Review ~ The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

TITLE: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
AUTHOR: Jennifer Ashley
COPYRIGHT: 2009
TYPE: historical romance
PAGES: 320
SERIES: Yes the first one in the Highland Pleasures series

REASON FOR READING: It’s been on the TBR shelf forever and had excellent reviews. I finally decided I had to know what it was about.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.


The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.


Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.


And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Okay first and foremost I love a hero with a disability. It can be he’s blind, stupid, limp, or just bitter I love it. And Ian has one I personally thought it was a form of autism (the highest functioning form) but I’ve heard other theories. No matter what it is he had a hard life from a child on. I also love a spirited female who is okay with what she has and doesn’t need more and Beth is that woman. These two characters are explosive from page one and interesting. They made me laugh, they made me sad, they may me happy and they made me laugh. Throw in all the brothers and their S.O’s and I was hooked.

The mystery was there enough that I could figure it out but couldn’t. I loved all the twist and turns of Ian’s life and what happened to him. I enjoyed learning about Beth and her life and even when she did some stupid things I actually excused it b/c hey it’s Beth and she was doing it for Ian.

This book has mystery, love, action, and well meddling brothers. It also has ming bowls from China which will make since when you read the book and it has history. All in all I didn’t find much that I didn’t like the only quip I have is the dreaded baby issue that ALWAYS occurs and well annoys the crap out of me. That being said I can’t wait to read the next one!

Are you keeping it or passing it on? For sure keeping it

Would you recommend this book? Yes I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romance


Don't be alarmed there is a new cover. I Personally prefer the old but what can you do?

Challenges:
Out do yourself challenge
TBR challenge

Reviewing Next:
The Survivors by Amanda Harvard

Review ~ The Heir by Grace Burrowes

Sorry guys I was sick over the weekend and I am finally back to work which mean access to a computer YAY. So here is that long awaited review!!!

TITLE: The Heir

AUTHOR: Grace Burrowes

COPYRIGHT: 12/7/2010

TYPE: Historical Romance

PAGES: 384

SERIES: yes

From Grace herself: Devlin's story, "The Soldier," will come out in June 2011, Val's story, "The Virtuoso," will come out in October 2011, and we start with their five sisters with, "Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish."

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook sent me an ARC to review

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In The Heir, the first in the series, the Earl of Wyndham, weighed down by responsibilities and determined to avoid the rounds of country houses of and matchmaking mamas, decides to summer in London. There he discovers a potentially perfect duchess in his lovely, mysterious housekeeper...

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I really enjoyed reading this book it took me back to the days when I first discovered romance and why I fell in love with this genre. The characters are done in such a way you can't help but fall in love with them. This includes the siblings. Usually when siblings are involved I know there is going to be a series and with this book I can't help but be glad for that (this is usually far from the case.) I have to admit I am very curious about the sisters to learn more about them.
THINGS I LIKED:
well to simplify here's a list of 10 reason I love this book

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I have to admit if there was a flaw in this book at all it was the current Duke. He is constantly meddling in his son's life making Gayle miserable. I absolutely hated that he convinced Gayle's mistress to get with child by another man, thinking that this would convince him to marry her, and claim the other man's baby as his own thinking that he had done this and take responsibility. Thank God Val warned him and let me be honest it really bugged me that a father would do this even though I understood that he wanted Gayle to get marry and have heirs you can't trick or lie to your son to make it happen and expect you won't fight about it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Um yeah in fact I think I have recommended it a bit much LOL!

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Historical Romance
Romance Reading Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Eventually I need to review my HP books and I am thinking I might do that when I review the movie.

Review ~ Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine

TITLE: Lady of Hay
AUTHOR: Barbara Erskine
COPYRIGHT: Republished in October 2010
TYPE: Historical Fiction
PAGES: 576
SERIES: No

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook asked if I would be interested in reviewing this ARC and I said yes. It sounded fantastic.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
So well researched and so well written that it is almost impossible to put down. The novel has everything that readers of racy fiction could ask for: beautiful characters, exotic settings, passion...and situations and characters that are so completely convincing that they come to life.

With a mesmerizing, wrenching story set both in the present day and the 12th century, Lady of Hay explores how Joanna, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay—who lived 800 years earlier. As she learns of Matilda’s unhappy marriage, her love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she receives from King John, it seems that Jo’s past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again—and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Joanna AKA Jo is a journalist who wants to right a story about hypnosis and regression through time. However, Jo soon discovers

THINGS I LIKED:
- I enjoyed learning about Matilda and her life. Learning how she lived in the past and what life was like for a lady back then. I didn’t enjoy the violence but I took it into account that this was the norm back then. Matilda was a wonderfully drawn out character and I found I enjoyed reading about her parts in the book the most.
- Jo was an interesting woman who seem to go back and forth. One moment she was a hard journalist the next she was a woman and strangely enough I really appreciated that from. I also liked that she did freak out about things that would freak anyone out.

THINGS I DIDN'T CARE FOR:
- There are some violent scenes in this book. Oh and heads up a possible rape scene and an actual rape scene do occur in this book. I don’t handle the rape scenes well and hate reading about them. I did keep in mind that this was the time period but I hated it when Sam was being manipulative towards Jo and I don’t care what you say that was attempted rape.
- I hated the constant back and forth with Nick. COME ON seriously either leave him or stay with him.

Would you recommend this book? I would recommend this book if you want an in-depth historical fiction novel with a hint of forbidden love. However, be warned the time period being wrote about women are objects and Matilda is treated as such.

Review ~ The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

TITLE: The Lost Duke of Wyndham
AUTHOR: Julia Quinn
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Historical Romance
PAGES; 371
SERIES: Yeah first in a 2 book series

REASON FOR READING: Was in the TBR pile and I needed a historical for a challenge

SUMMARY: {From Goodreads}
Jack Audley has been a highwayman.
A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.
Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this book was less fluff then I actually thought it would be. For some reason these two characters were very interesting to read and I enjoyed watching their romance come to fruitation. I didn't like the grandmother but that was something that no one was suppose to like. Plus Ms. Quinn did an excellent job at setting up the 2nd book so that you want to know what happens to the other man and woman that were introduced LOL.

Things I enjoyed:
Again I really liked Jack I thought he was a well rounded character that had both a serious side and fun side. I also really liked that once he made up his mind about Grace (which by the way didn't take very long unlike some heroes) he didn't change it and he didn't let her talk him out of it. Once he knew she was the one nothing she said would change his mind.

I also liked Grace which was different for me. She knew her place and while she dreamed of love she didn't wish to step above she wasn't out to make better for herself.

Things I didn't care for:
To be honest and I know a lot of people here are not going to like this but I didn't like the "extra" secret Jack had and hid until the very end. I didn't understand how that really mattered to much in the story and it really felt like a filler. I did like he had a fault but this just seemed pointless.
Also I'm not a fan of the Epilogue (sp?) I don't care for them never had and really it kind of irks me to have that in the first book of a series b/c even though you know where the second book will end up and no it didn't give anything away I still felt like it was again pointless.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? I am actually going to pass on it. While I thought it was a quick fun read it isn't going to be one I would re-read.

Review ~ Broken Wing by Judith James

TITLE: Broken Wing

AUTHOR: Judith James

COPYRIGHT: 2008

TYPE: Historical Romance

PAGES; 350

SERIES: No I don’t believe it is a series I might be wrong though

REASON FOR READING: Kristie kept talking about it and I didn’t want to be out of the loop

Summary : {From Goodreads}
Set during the chaotic beginnings of Napoleon's rule, this saga tells the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a street survivor searching for a place to belong. Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, he has never known friendship or affection. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy's family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.


Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother's disappearance. When he's located, safe and unharmed despite where he has been living, Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own. Becoming a mercenary, pirate, and professional gambler, he travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey and the greatest gamble of all is within the darkest reaches of his own heart

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this book shocked me. Not something I would have normally picked up but I'm glad Kristie talked me into it. The budding love was fantastic. I was upset at how Gabe acted but I understood his actions and still loved him for it. Very, very good romance.

Things I enjoyed:
-The characters were strong in their own right. They both had a lot to work through and yet Sarah didn’t let it stop her from being a caring person. And even though it took more time for Gabe it still didn’t stop him from loving Sarah
-How strong Gabe was just to survive. And yet he still managed to let another person into his heart. Yes it took a while but that is what made the romance so sweet.
-OMG the romance was fantastic how they fell for each other and the struggles they had to overcome in order to be with each was a nice touch.
- The teaching him how to kiss scene priceless

Things I didn’t care for
- Okay I’m probably the only one who didn’t like the scenes where Gabe was a way killing to survive. Yes it was important to character growth but at the same time I just ended up skimming over those scenes. It did nothing to help me grasp the situation nor did it matter at the end to me.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Passing on it for now will end up buying though.

SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything Else: At first this book turned me off b/c its not my normal read but once I started reading it I fell in love with it.

Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson

TITLE: Annie’s Song
AUTHOR: Catherine Anderson
COPYRIGHT: 1996
TYPE: historical romance
PAGES; 410
SERIES: no

REASON FOR READING: Everyone kept talking about how wonderful this book was so I had to read it!

SUMMARY: {From goodreads}
Annie Trimble lives in a solitary world that no one enters or understands. As delicate and beautiful as the tender blossoms of the Oregon spring, she is shunned by a town that misinterprets her affliction. But cruelty cannot destroy the love Annie holds in her heart.

Alex Montgomery is horrified to learn his wild younger brother forced himself on a helpless "idiot girl." Tormented by guilt, Alex agrees to marry her and raise the babe she carries as his own. But he never dreams he will grow to cherish his lovely, mute, misjudged Annie--her childlike innocence, her womanly charms and the wondrous way she views her world. And he becomes determined to break through the wall of silence surrounding her--to heal...and to healed by Annie's sweet song of love.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
This was a fantastic heart warming story. I enjoyed reading about Annie and how she grew under the love of Alex. And I really enjoyed watching Alex grow as a person who came to love Annie for herself.

Things I enjoyed:
Alex and Annie’s story I loved watching Alex grow to understand that she wasn’t stupid or dumb but really she was deaf. Once he realized that it all began to make sense. And his love grew as he understood her world and what it had to be like for her. Their love was so endearing I loved watching it grow and shape to become something wonderful.
I loved that Alex took Annie on even though he didn’t want and of course he had bad intentions at the beginning but the important part is he fought for her and did everything he could to make her life happy.

My favorite part was him explaining that Annie wasn’t going to lay an egg when she had the baby. That was freaking funny as all get out.

Things I didn’t care for:
There wasn’t much I didn’t care for. I didn’t like that Douglas got away clean and easy after what he did to Annie. I really didn’t like her parents but they fit with the story. The only other thing I didn’t care for was Alex pushing Annie to be physical with him. I understand the thought behind it but no one had ever explained to Annie what physical meant and add to it she had been raped so she was really confused and yet he kept pushing.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping

SCORE: 8 out of 10

Anything Else: This is an excellent book very heart warming and I enjoyed it.

Review ~ The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

TITLE: The Other Queen
AUTHOR: Philippa Gregory
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: historical fiction
PAGES: 438 (in ebook format)
SERIES: Not that I’m aware of

REASON FOR READING: This was a free Sony book when I rec’d my e-reader and I have always enjoyed her works

SUMMARY: [from Goodreads ]
Two women competing for a man's heart. Two queens fighting to the death for dominance. The untold story of Mary, Queen of Scots. This dazzling novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory presents a new and unique view of one of history's most intriguing, romantic, and maddening heroines. Biographers often neglect the captive years of Mary, Queen of Scots, who trusted Queen Elizabeth's promise of sanctuary when she fled from rebels in Scotland and then found herself imprisoned as the "guest" of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, and his indomitable wife, Bess of Hardwick.
The newly married couple welcome the doomed queen into their home, certain that serving as her hosts and jailers will bring them an advantage in the cutthroat world of the Elizabethan court. To their horror, they find that the task will bankrupt them, and as their home becomes the epicenter of intrigue and rebellion against Elizabeth, their loyalty to each other and to their sovereign comes into question. If Mary succeeds in seducing the earl into her own web of treachery and treason, or if the great spymaster William Cecil links them to the growing conspiracy to free Mary from her illegal imprisonment, they will all face the
headsman.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Um yeah this one just didn’t hold a candle to her previous works. The book was too long, it repeated too much and just didn’t do anything for me. Its about Mary Queen of Scots and I believe it was meant to make the readers feel for Mary and her unfair treatment. However, all it did for me was make me roll my eyes and think that Mary deserved everything she got.

Things I enjoyed:
There wasn’t much. I did enjoy see Queen Elizabeth from different perspectives and I realize that she probably wasn’t as liked as many believe. I do believe that she was a fantastic leader and I honestly think she was an excellent queen but after reading this I can see how others might not view it the same.
I also enjoyed watching the conflict between the two Queens and seeing how Mary thought that Elizabeth moved to slow while the whole time Elizabeth knew if she waited long enough Mary would tangle herself into some foiled plot after another.

Things I didn’t care for:
Pretty much most of it. I didn’t care to be told over and over how the Earl’s wife was one of the only women in the land who owned property, how she brought herself up from being poor to an Earl’s wife, then repeat that every time we got her perspective. I didn’t care for Queen Mary’s thoughts she was repeating everything as well, she also came across as a spoiled little brat who threw spats b/c she could. She didn’t care about anyone but herself which means to me she must have been a horrible leader. And honestly I just didn’t care for any of the characters in this book. Not a single one of them struck a cord with me.

Would I recommend this book? No

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? Nope the author wasn't new to me. Unless the book is free I will probably pass on it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? If I could delete it I would

Anything else? I think a lot of her works are fantastic and would highly recommend them but not this one.