Book Review:The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlister

The Trouble With Harry is the third book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister.  Lord Harry Rosse is a spy that has faced clever and dangerous adversaries, but it's his five offspring who seem likely to drive him mad. Desperate, he advertises for a wife and finds one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on the size of his family. Frederica Pelham, known as Plum, has spent years avoiding the scandal of her past. She is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband with no desire for new children and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. As all kinds of secrets are catch up with them, Plum knows that the real trouble with Harry is that he's stolen her heart.

The Trouble With Harry has a lot that I love about MacAlister's historical romances. The characters are strong minded, smart, flawed, and quirky. Plum was fooled as a young lady and married to a less than honorable man that just happened to be married already. Scandal destroyed her family, and as a result she is caring for her now 20 year old niece and struggling to make ends meet. She is still sweet and kind hearted, but more than a little weary of society. Harry is at a loss about how to control, discipline, or even keep his brood safe. Accidents have him on edge, but a wife seems to be the best solution. After some stumbling blocks and more than a few crazy antics Plum and Harry hit it off and come to a meeting of the minds, even though they still keep more than a few of their troubles to themselves. The story is great fun and a wonderful follow up to Noble Intentions and Noble Destiny, although each of the books can also stand well on their own.

I highly recommend The Trouble With Harry to all MacAlister fans, fans of historical fiction, and romance with humor woven throughout. The story is a grand romp of hijinks and people that care about each other but afraid to admit just how much.

Book Review: The Mighty Hunter by Michelle M. Pillow

The Mighty Hunter is the first book in the Lords of the Abyss series by Michelle M. Pillow. Scientist Bridget Dutton's heart belongs to her work. When her boat is attacked from below, Bridget’s dream to study the deep waters of the ocean just might come true sooner than planned. Caderyn the Hunter may have rescued her from death, but who’s going to rescue her from him? With a deliciously hot body and all the right moves, the man is a walking seduction that’s too hard to resist. There’s only one problem. Caderyn claims they’re in the Abyss, living on a cursed island along the deep ocean floor. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, he says he’s a merman. attraction and logic battle for Bridget's attention.

The Mighty Hunter is almost erotica but not quite. There are a lot of steamy scenes to be had and those are pretty well done. Caderyn is a strong man, and strong minded. He is more patient and tolerant than I. Bridget, on the other hand, might have been intelligent but grated on my nerves with her lack of common sense. Even after all the evidence made it clear where she is, even when she sees with her own eyes, even after multiple romps in bed with Caderyn, she still needs more proof for her own piece of mind. It just got a little repetitive and bothersome after a while. I only continued to read because the intimate scenes were so entertaining, and I wanted to know more about the secondary characters.

I would only recommend The Mighty Hunter to readers that are die hard mer fans, Pillow fans, or those that are reading for the 'good parts'. I will admit that I kept going and finished the series, and the other heroines are a little better, but the stories as a whole do not improve much.

Book Review: Noble Intentions by Katie MacAlister

Noble Intentions is the first book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister. Noble Britton, Lord Weston, has come to London intending to revisit old friends, enjoy a modicum of society, and find a mild, biddable wife. Gillian Leigh's Unfortunate Habit of speaking her mind and Shocking Susceptibility to Accidents have left her on the shelf at five-and-twenty but intrigues Noble. When Gillian meets the infamous Black Earl, she knows that she's found a man who can match her zest for life; even if that entails the occasional arson, possibly kidnapping, or encounters with his former mistresses. Life with Gillian involves chaos and laughter but Noble intends to claim her for his own, that is if she doesn't accidentally kill him first.

Noble Intentions might be the first book in this series, but I read it third. I read The Trouble with Harry ages ago and just re-read it along with Noble Destiny. Each of the books can stand on its own, but they also connect in fun ways because of the connected group of people. As a long standing fan of MacAlister I knew that I would find quirky characters, humor, and some fun is this historical romance, and I was not let down. Gillian is a fun but strong character with an unfortunate habit of speaking her thoughts, particularly ones that she means to keep to herself. Noble is a widower with a young son that is looking for a stable, predicable life. Gillian is anything but predictable, and he struggles to change that, urging thought and respectability above all else. That just will not work for Gillian, who quickly takes to motherhood and marriage but is not so good at living the respectable life. It is occasionally odd to have Gillian's habit of speaking her private thoughts refereed to as 'Unfortunate Habit", but the entertainment factor overcomes all of that and quickly.

I highly recommend Noble Intentions to all MacAlister fans, fans of historical fiction, and romance with humor woven throughout. There are misunderstandings, but not because of the main players not talking to each other, but because of how much they care. That makes for a fun and entertaining weekend or even single day reads.

Do not forget to enter my giveaway for the full series!

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Early Book Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a middle grade novel by Jennifer Holm which is currently scheduled for release in August 26 2014.  Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend, and even her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up; he is bossy, cranky, and looks an awful lot like her scientist grandfather. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a story that is fun, but still covers some big ideas. Ellie is a smart girl with an artistic mother that wants her to find her passion. Middle school is hard, especially when your best friend has found her passion, and it is nothing you have interested in. When Melvin comes on the scene, dressed in his grandfather clothes while looking like a 13 year old boy, Ellie discovers a lot about science, who she is, and what she loves. The characters are all realistic, and just interesting to read about as they all come to learn more about themselves and the cycle of life. A coming of age tale about finding yourself well and truly woven together with a story about both the wonders and dangers of science.

I enjoyed the The Fourteenth Goldfish, and think that most readers will enjoy it as well. those facing changes in life, such as entering middle school, growing apart from a good friend, or a change in family dynamic will find the book particularly relate-able. Holms comes through again with a great book.

Giveaway for Katie MacAlister's Noble Series

Did you see my review for The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister yesterday? Did it sound interesting but you have not read the previous books in the series? Well... I am here to help you out! My review of the second book in the series, Noble Destiny, can be found here. My reviews for the remaining two books are scheduled and coming soon.


I just happen to have galley copies of each of the for books in the series on my desk. I would love to pass those on to a fellow readers. Do you want the set?? Well, all you have to do is use the nifty Rafflecopter form that follows to enter. Keep in mind that there is a free entry that you can use daily! 

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The giveaway will last for one week. I will contact the winner for mailing information and then get those books in the mail. If the winner does not respond to my email within two days, another winner will be chosen.

Book Review: The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister

The Truth about Leo is the forth book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister, which is set for release today, August 5 2014. Dagmar Marie Sophie is a poverty-stricken Danish princess whose annoying royal cousin is about to have her stuffed away in a convent. When she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden, she sees a way out of her desperate situation. Leopold Ernst George Mortimer, seventh earl of March, and spy in the service of the king, finds himself on the wrong end of a saber and left for dead. He wakes up not remembering what happened and in the care of a beautiful woman who says she is his wife. Once they get to London Leo sets out to unravel what he's forgotten, with the help of his old friends the eccentric Britton family. Is Dagmar truly the wonderful, irrepressible woman who makes his heart sing, or will she be his destruction?

The Truth About Leo rounds of the Noble series nicely. Dagmar is a nice mix of innocent, smart, and sweet. She trusts a little too easily, but stands up extremely well under pressure and stands up for herself and those she feels are in the right with no hesitation.  Her enthusiasm about just about everything is infectious. Leo is a little slower to trust, but when you have worked as a spy that seems to be a good idea. He seems to be intuitive and fair minded, with a honorable streak a mile wide. The pair make a great match, even with their unusual beginnings. Quirky characters, humor, and some very exciting moments come together just as we expect from MacAlister. I will say that I did see through the mystery or twist woven through the story pretty quickly, but just what the characters go through to get to their conclusions is always interesting. 

I would highly recommend The Truth about Leo to everyone that enjoys historical romance and the signature blend of humor and love found in just about every book from MacAlister. Oh, just read it... and the entire series,. It is a fun story that will make you smile as you turn the pages to see just what might happen next.

Early Book Review: Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke

Julia's House for Lost Creatures by is the first picturebook by Ben Hatke, author of graphic novel Zita the Spacegirl, and is currently scheduled for release on September 2 2014. When Julia and her walking house come to town, she likes everything about her new neighborhood. Everything but how quiet it is! So Julia puts a sign up: “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures.” Soon Julia and her home as hosting goblins, mermaids, fairies, and even a dragon. Quiet is not a problem anymore for Julia,but getting her housemates to behave themselves is!

Julia's House for Lost Creatures is a delightful picturebook with highly detailed watercolors. I loved that Julia is laying down in bed and just cannot rest because it is too quiet. I have that trouble sometimes myself. so, she puts up a sigh declaring a welcome to lost and homeless creatures. Before long she has a very full house, and very little help. she is feeding and cleaning up after everyone. She comes up with a brilliant idea of a chore list, making use of each creature's unique talents, and soon everything is set to rights again. the variety of creatures that show up on Julia's door, and their behavior makes for a charming and entertaining tale.

I would highly recommend Julia's House for Lost Creatures for library, school, and home collection. This is not just because I am rapidly becoming a fan of Hatke's work, but because this book works on several levels. it is a book that is simply great fun, but it can also be used to discuss how we should act as guests, the importance of pitching in, and the importance of being willing to help others. I think it would be a wonderful addition to every collection that includes picturebooks.

Cover Reveal for Suzanne Brockmann's Young Adult Debut: Night Sky!

This fall, bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann makes her YA DEBUT with NIGHT SKY (October 7), co-written with her daughter, Melanie Brockmann. And today the cover is revealed! 

What do you think? Do you love the cover? Are you going to check it out?

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Skylar Reid is thrown into a strange world when she discovers that she has unique telekinetic and telepathic powers.  After Sasha, the child she babysits, is kidnapped and believed to be murdered, Sky and her best friend Calvin are approached by Dana, a mysterious girl who has super-abilities similar to Sky’s.  With the help of Dana and her sidekick Milo, the four teens embark on a quest to discover who killed Sasha, and to bring the killers to justice.

With Dana as Skylar’s surly and life-toughened mentor, Sky attempts to harness her powers to aid them in their quest. Complicating an already complex relationship with the older girl, Sky starts to fall for the dangerously handsome and enigmatic Milo – and begins to suspect that the attraction is mutual. But then Sky realizes that Sasha might still be alive, and the unlikely foursome’s mission becomes one of search and rescue, pitting the heroic teens against a very deadly enemy.

Biography:

Suzanne Brockman, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, has won 2 RITA awards, numerous RT Reviewers’ Choice, and RWA’s #1 Favorite Book of the Year three years running. She has written over 50 books, and is widely recognized as a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today). Suzanne and her daughter, Melanie Brockmann, have been creative partners, on and off, for many years. Their first project was an impromptu musical duet, when then-six-month-old Melanie surprised and delighted Suz by matching her pitch and singing back to her. Suzanne splits her time between Florida and Massachusetts while Mel lives in Sarasota, Florida. NIGHT SKY is Mel’s debut and Suzanne’s 55th book. Visit Suzanne at www.SuzanneBrockmann.com.

Quiz and Giveaway: Which Type of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

Quiz: Which Type of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

#1 What word best describes you?

a) effervescent

b) nonconfrontational (mostly) 

c) stealthy

#2 My favorite hobby is ...

a) comparative study of the male form

b) looking after my darling baron   

c) target practice

#3 What is the perfect late night snack?

a) bread, cheese, meats, lemon tarts … whatever can be liberated from the kitchen

b) the baron's kisses

c) ratafia, shaken not stirred

#4 My ideal man must have ...

a) a sublime derriere

b) an aptitude for growing hardy, contrary flowers 

c) brains

#5 What accessory do you never leave home without?

a) my corset (large bosoms are such a trial)

b) my composure 

c) my pistol

***

If you choose mostly As ... then you are as sparkling and resourceful as Her Serene Royal Highness Dagmar from The Truth About Leo by Katie MacAlister. Dagmar may have been raised in a strictly formal manner, but she’s never let that stop her from pursuing anything that catches her interest. She’s a bit quirky, marches to her own drummer, and has a fine, fine appreciation of the manly form.

If you choose mostly Bs … then you are clearly the stuff a baroness is made of, much like Millicent, from The Traitor. Milly is sweet, fierce, determined, and brave but slow to trust. Sebastian, Baron St. Clair, is ALSO sweet, fierce, determined and brave, and relentless when it comes to protecting those he cares for. Alas for both Sebastian and Milly, an enemy stalks them who is not sweet. By the time Milly is done with Sebastian's enemies, they are not very brave either. So if you chose mostly B's, the bad guys better steer mighty clear of you!

If you choose mostly Cs … then you are equipped to be a master spy like Jane Bonde from Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen. Jane is smart, cunning, and loyal, but she has her weaknesses too. Her latest weakness goes by the name Dominic Griffyn. Planning a wedding and defeating a villain intent upon the destruction of England is tricky, but if you're the sort who multitasks easily, then you too have Jane's unique skills and panache.

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Book Review: Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear

Hero of a Highland Wolf is the 14th book in the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear. It is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2014. It is not necessary to read the prior books to enjoy any of the books in this series.The MacQuarrie werewolf clan has overseen the Playfair family’s Ardmore Castle for three centuries. So when a Playfair granddaughter from abroad inherits the estate, clan chief Grant MacQuarrie is not happy about having her in his way. Colleen Playfair is excited and apprehensive about her new role at the castle, but is ready for the challenge. She knows that the stubborn Grant won’t make things easy, but she has some surprises of her own.

Hero of a Highland Wolf is a fun paranormal romance. What American werewolf can say that they own a Scottish castle? Not many, but Colleen is rather excited to be one. She wants the change of scenery and does not want to change anything unless she thinks necessary. Grant remembers Colleen's father, and he was nothing but trouble/ He thinks that Colleen will follow in his footsteps so he is determined to make things as hard as possible for her. However, her good nature and willingness to learn and listen change everything. It does not hurt that the pair have an almost instant attraction. The werewolf bit has its role to play, and there is deception and life threatening moments to keep readers guessing, but it is the personalities of Grant and Colleen that keep the pages turning. I loved the surprises they each had in store for the other, and I am sure to pick up any other book in this series that I run across.

 I highly recommend Hero of a Highland Wolf to readers that like contemporary romance, men in kilts, paranormal romance, and suspense. The book has a little bit of everything and comes together just about perfectly. I have read a few books in this series, and my only real issue with any of them is that the official blurb never really matches what you get. I do not mind, because what is actually in the book has turned out to be better than promised each time.