Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme was created and
Welcome to another segment of Historical Romance 101!! Come and join along with myself, Jennifer @ Feminist Fairy Tales, Amanda @ On A Book Bender, and Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook. This is a special one, and I find one of my favorite things to talk about…our lovely heroines. Now we all know that it is more difficult to find a winning heroine than a hero. But it is such a special treat to find a heroine you can connect with. Continue reading
For today we will be offering something special where we talk about Amazing heroes and what our favorites are and why!! Come and check out what we have for ya. Also make sure you check out these other sweet ladies choices as well. Feminist Fairy Tales; Quinns Book Nook; On A Book Bender Continue reading
Throwback Thursday is a new meme hosted by Buried Under Romance and Love
Saves The World, and since I just love Historical Romance I decided to
participate.
What Is Throwback Thursday? Traditionally, Throwback Thursday celebrates
nostalgia, asking participants to post a personal photo or image from
their past–usually from 5 to 10 years ago. There are a lot of book
blogs that also do a book related Throwback Thursday.
Here Are The Rules: 1. It must be posted on a Thursday. 2. It must be a
historical romance novel published before October 3, 2008
One Heart To WinSynopsis
Some young ladies marry for money and social standing, a few lucky ones marry for love, but Tiffany Warren is marrying to end a feud. Honoring her mother’s promise, Tiffany reluctantly travels west to meet her estranged father and his enemy’s eldest son, rancher Hunter Callahan. Once the Warrens and the Callahans are united by marriage, both clans will stop squabbling over a disputed strip of land.
In the chaos of a train robbery, Tiffany seizes a golden opportunity: By assuming the identity of her father’s new housekeeper, she can live with the father she never knew and assess his true character, as well as that of the neighboring cowboy to whom she is betrothed. But, too late, Tiffany discovers that the rivalry between the Warrens and the Callahans has escalated when the Callahans steal the Warrens’ housekeeper as soon as she steps off the train!
Now, Tiffany, who is pretending to be Jennifer Fleming, finds herself living in the enemy camp, under the same roof as her fiancé. All too soon she learns her intended is a handsome, sweet talking charmer whom she has to fight off because he can’t keep his eyes—or his hands—off Jennifer.
After Tiffany’s charade is exposed, she refuses to marry Hunter to end the feud.
As Hunter goes about claiming his rightful bride-to-be, he knows that although he loves two women—proper, elegant Tiffany as well as spunky, passionate Jennifer—he has only one heart to win.
My Review
Tiffany has recently turned eighteen, and her mother informs her that she has a fiancee, and that she will be going to Montana, to meet him, and marry him so that the rivalry between the Warren’s and the Callahans stop and there can be a peace between the families. The last thing that Tiffany wants is to marry a stranger, but she promised her mother she would give it two months. There is also another reason she doesn’t want to go out west, meeting her father. She has never met him or seen him before in her life, and to this day is still hurt that he never cared enough to meet him. Her parents marriage fell apart when she was little, but her mother refuses to tell her the real reason. While on the train there is a train robbery, and she sees brutality and murder, and wonders what more will be in store for her. Tiffany has come up with a plan when she meets the housekeeper her father had sent, but the housekeeper decides to go back home. So Tiffany decides to take the housekeeper’s place in her fathers home, to get to know the real man. What she didn’t expect is to practically be taken by the Callahan brothers, who insist she work for them. When they become very insistent she goes along with it, deciding this might be the best option to get to know her fiancee and his family under all the pretenses. Warren Callahan is the oldest son, and as such, he is to be married to the Warren daughter. Which is the last thing that he wants, especially when he meets the most beautiful woman, the new housekeeper. He can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them, and even though he knows he has other responsibilities, he starts to realize he wants to keep “Red” for himself and will do everything he can to convince her.
Johnanna Lindsey is one of my top favorite authors, now the last few books that I have read from her have been a bit floozy, however One Heart To Win made me feel like Lindsey is back, a little away. This story wasn’t as intense as some of her other earlier books, however I really enjoyed the theme and style that this story is written. I got this on Audible, Now normally Audio books I can drag out for 4-7 days or sometimes more. This story is about 10 hours long, and I was able to listen to it in about a day and a half. I loved it so much. The narrator for the story is Meredith Mitchell, and did a outstanding job when describing emotions that play during the book. The story begins with learning some background information, and in the beginning I wasn’t sure if I would like Tiffany as the heroine, she just seemed so flighty at times, but she proved herself many a time. I really loved the style of this “Arranged Marriage” which turned out way different than it normally does. It takes on a whole Disguise turn as well. From the moment that Tiffany hides her true identity and goes to work for the Callahans, I knew this would be fun seeing how long she could keep the pretense up. There is a bit of a mystery involved concerning the true reason for the separation between Tiffany’s parents, and as the story progresses you start to piece everything together. The story is rich and full of passion, plenty drama and creativity, and sensational storytelling that is only Johanna Lindsey style.
The characters in this story were heartwarming, even the side characters find a place in the readers heart. Warren is just *sigh* lovely and sexy and I wanted to keep him for myself. Warren is very confident, knows plenty about women, and what I would give to trade with Tiffany. Even though she is just the housekeeper and cook, Warren can’t resist her, and the sizzling desire doesn’t take very long to become evident. I loved the way Warren is with Tiffany, he laughs and is playful with her, and has a adventurous side to him. He never failed to disappoint, my favorite character by far. Now Tiffany, it took a little while for me to find her likable, but she started to grow on me. You can’t help but feel amused by the situation she has put herself in. She is from the big city, where there are balls and parties, and propriety, but then she comes out west and she makes friend with a piglet, learns to cook when she has never even boiled water, and learns how to rope a cow. She definitely becomes endearing after some time, because with this secret identity she has going on, she is forced to do things she never though she would ever do. In the beginning you see how she doesn’t plan on ever marrying Warren but when he starts to slowly seduce her, she is flattered, but is jealous of herself, which was quite funny. It was lovely seeing the different families, and their unique personalities that complimented the book.
I have to say that I do hope that Lindsey turns this into a series, I definitely wouldn’t mind more westerns from her. Lately though she hasn’t had a series but there is much yummy material here to do a series on these two families for sure. FYI she does have another Malory novel coming out next summer which should be fun. Overall I fell in love with One Heart To Win, and only after a few chapters, this book had me totally captivated, and impossible to put down. I enjoyed every moment, and it was filled with adventure, unique storytelling, enchanting characters and sizzling passion. UNFORGETTABLE!!! I recommend to any romance lover that loves a enticing western that is first rate!!
My Grade
5 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
When Passion RulesSynopsis
In this tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey, a stolen princess discovers her true destiny — in royal duty and in love.
On the eve of her debut into London society, Alana Farmer learns the shocking secret of her birthright. Can it be true? Is she really the lost princess of the European kingdom of Lubinia? Returning to the homeland she and her guardian fled when she was an infant to escape Napoleon’s rampaging army, Alana attempts to quell a bloody revolt in this isolated. mountainous country whose customs strike her as medieval! Suspicious that this beautiful newcomer is a wily impostor or a spy scheming to depose the king, Christoph Becker, the captain of the palace guards, arrests Alana and vows to draw the truth from his alluring prisoner, even if he must lay his 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 Review
After reading Let Love Find You, I was pretty disappointed. Johanna Lindsey is one of the first authors I read from and loved when I first starting reading romance…especially historical romance. I have always enjoyed the majority of her books, especially her earlier ones and the Malory series. So I was a bit anxious when I got When Passion Rules from the library. Even though I just LOVED the cover I knew I might not love the story. It started out a bit slower than I expected, but once it picked up, it started to improve, and I was able to really get into this story, I did sigh in relief knowing that I would be able to enjoy her again.
Alana has grown up knowing that she would marry someday, but her education hasn’t been of the normal kind that most young proper ladies receive. She has been tutored in all the art, but her father “Poppie” has trained her in the art of weapons, so she could defend herself if need be. Then it is revealed to her that she is a Princess from Lubinia, and she must return to her home country and reveal her true identity to the King. At first she doesn’t believe what she is being told, but she knows that Poppie would never lie to her. So she heads to Lubinia, which is known to be a barbarian land. When she attempts to talk to the King, his head palace guard, detains her, puts her in a cell, and interrogates her. At first Alana is beyond frustrated, knowing her true identity, and has to somehow convince Christoph that she is telling the truth. Cristoph, as the captain of the palace guards is proud of his duty and is close to the King. When he discovers Alana, he knows that she is one of many imposter’s and must ferret out her true intentions. He doesn’t believe for one minute that she is the princess, but a sizzling passion erupts between them, and he can’t deny his true feelings for her.
Christoph, appears to be the perfect barbarian type. Domineering, stubborn, pig headed and arrogant. But deep down, he is far from that…he does display some Alpha traits, but I found myself definitely liking him quite a bit. He was such a delicious hero, and won me over from beginning to end. Alana I enjoyed, but I didn’t fall in love with her. I did like some of her attributes though, and how much she stands up to Christoph, but I thought she was a bit naive at times. But other than that, I enjoyed her strong willed personality. Their relationship is a tempest of emotions, most of the time they are fighting, which could be quite hilarious at times. The sparks are heated and as explosive as dynamite.
Overall I really liked this book, and I was surprised by how much I was able to get into it. It has been a while since I have loved Lindsey’s stories. Even though it wouldn’t top my favorite books of hers, it definitely has gone up the list of books I have really enjoyed. I found that the ever ending mystery, and the twists and turns that developed through the plot was quite stimulating and it was a fine jolly good story. I really enjoyed how it ends, and let me tell you when you think you know what is going to happen, it will turn you Topsy turvy….so be warned…you are in for a boat load of surprises, exciting plot, and a sensual love story.
First Line
Leonard Kastner had been thinking of retiring for good.
Favorite Quote
He raised a brow slightly before he said, “You aren’t here looking for a protector? I’m going to be very disappointed if you say no.”
He didn’t sound disappointed. He sounded confident of himself and amused, as if her were teasing her. Was she missing something in what he said? Did he mean something else? How could she think with him this close to her?!
She began, “Yes, but–“
He was kissing her again, and this time much more passionately. Now she was thrilled to a new level, every wonderful sensation he’d provoked earlier was back and so magnified, she had to grip his shoulders from falling.
My Grade
4 Blossoms
Heat Rating
Steamy
Let Love Find You
Reid Family (4)
Johanna Lindsey
E Book
Gallery Books
Published June 2012
368 Pages
Historical Romance
ISBN 1451633270
Summary:
Amanda, has gone two seasons without finding a husband, and even though she is beautiful, she is looking for something special and unique: true love. However she wonders if she will ever find it, as does her family. Amanda is drawn toward a brute of a man, a horse breeder, who has recently started in the Ton’s circles. However he is too rude and blunt for her tastes, so she sets her sights on someone else who has a love for something that is her greatest fear: Horses. So Devin, is her instructor on overcoming her fear, but in the midst of it, at fierce attraction grows between Amanda and Devin, and before they realize it, they are both falling hard for each other…but will their love be enough???
The Hero (Devin Baldwin)
Devin, has a deep love for horses and has made a profitable stable and business, despite the way life was handed out to him. Abandoned by his father, and not having a strong mother influence, he has had to work his way up on his own, but he still wonders who his father really is? And why it seems like there is someone out for his life? In the midst of all the intrigue Amanda enters his life, and even though at first he thinks she is too stuck up for her own good, he sees that there is alot more to her than on the surface, and her amusing personality only captures his attention and before he knows it….he knows he will never be the same.
The Heroine (Amanda Locke)
Amanda, used to love riding, but when she had a terrible experience when she was young, she has had a incredible fear of horses, and has never been able to overcome that fear. But when she meets a young lord who captures her attention she knows she must find a way to overcome that particular fear. So with the help of Devin she works toward her goal…however she never imagined that instead of falling in love with the handsome Lord she finds that her heart is leaning towards someone that is totally wrong for her in some ways….but totally Right for her in the important ones!!
My Thoughts
Let Love Find You is the fourth in the Reid Family series and even though I have enjoyed all of Lindsey’s books, except lately….I don’t know what it is….I feel at times it isn’t even her. I have read her previous books plenty of times…but this one just didn’t reach out to me really at all. I had a hard time really getting into the book. The story line was great, I really loved the layout of the plot and I liked the characters but it just didn’t ring out to me as a fantastic romance as I know Johanna Lindsey can produce. It may just be me since I haven’t been reading a lot lately, however even though this book had some admirable qualities it was also lacking something vital: Depth….it seemed like everything was on the surface, and there wasn’t any substance that grabs hold of the readers attention. I am sorry to give it such a low rating….but it just didn’t fit into my standards for a good and solid romance….:(
My Grade On This Book
3 Blossoms
Other Books In The Series
The Heir
Devil Who Tamed Her
A Rogue Of My Own
Summary:
Lachlan, because of his mothers selfish needs left both him and his clan financially in need, and knows that he must find a rich heiress and marry her for the good of his people. Lachlan still wants the Duchess of Wrothston, who is happily married but Lachlan is determined to win her affections, but during a house party of the Duke and his wife, he meets Kimberly Richards. Kimberly has come to find a husband, as is her fathers wish, however the moment she sees Lachlan she is captivated, but then tempers fly between the two of them. After sharing a passionate kiss with Kimberly, he wants her more than he realized and is determined to win her affections no matter how long it takes…
The Hero (Lachlan Macgregor)
Lachlan, Laird of Clan MacGregor, even though he steals, he steals to take care of his clan, but of late it hasn’t been enough, and knows that drastic measures must be taken to ensure the welfare of the people under his care. After his father died, his mother took his inheritance and fled never to be seen or heard from again. Lachlan bears much anger and vows retribution if he is to ever find her one day. Now he is forced to find a wife, one that has money, however he never expected that Kimberly would be the one woman to be his downfall….
The Heroine (Kimberly Richards)
Kimberly dearly loved her mother but then she died, and her father never cared for her, only saw her as a burden to get rid of. So she goes to Sherring Cross, intending to finding a worthy suitor, one she can love and one that will love her. In the beginning she doesn’t believe that Lachlan isn’t that ‘Suitor’ but after sharing a sensual embrace with the man, she begins to have her doubts, needing to know he loves her before surrendering to him…
My Thoughts
Love Me Forever is the second in the Sherring Cross Series. I haven’t read the first one, but after reading Love Me Forever I definitely want to read the first one now. At the beginning it started a bit slow, but it started to pick up fast, and I found the interaction between Kimberly and Lachlan stimulating to say the least. There is definitely fireworks that spark between these two, at first it appears that they despise each other. After they share a embrace, sparks change between them and turns into something much stronger than either of them thought they would ever find, a true love that will last a lifetime….Definitely a beautiful written romance, filled with heat, strong characters and a love story that is thoroughly entertaining.
My Favorite Quote
It was the kind of kiss she should have learned nothing about until she was safely married. It was the kind of kiss designed to provoke passions, and hers were ignited quickly.
My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms
That Perfect Someone
Malory’s (10)
Johanna Lindsey
Pocket Books
Paperback
Published June 2010
440 Pages
Regency Romance
ISBN 978-1-4391-0108-
Synopsis
Nine years ago, Richard Allen fled England and his controlling father. Determined to live his own life, he took to the sea and settled in the Caribbean, joining a band of treasure-hunting pirates and adopting the persona of a carefree, seductive Frenchman named Jean Paul to guard the secrets of his past. When he slips back into England to carry out an urgent task, Richard becomes infatuated with a married woman, Georgina Malory. But his reckless attempt to woo Georgina at a masked ball turns out to be the worst mistake of his life because it brings him face to face with another beautiful woman.
Thrilled that her solicitors have finally come up with a way to free her from her betrothal contract to the Earl of Manford’s son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is ready for the marriage mart and hopes to find that perfect someone at her friend Georgina’s ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman who gives her her first kiss, she can’t help but pursue this mysterious man — until she makes a shocking discovery. Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman’s trap, Julia must enter a risky, intimate charade with a man she never believed she could love.
Summary:
Julia Miller, having been betrothed all of her life, and never had a suitor since her betrothed disappeared years ago, but is unable to court or marry a man of her choosing since there is a contract between their families. Then one night at a masked ball she dances and shared a intimate kiss with a Frenchman, and in the end turns out to be the one man that she hates more than life itself….her betrothed….Richard Allen. Richard despised his father forcing him to have to marry Julia all those years ago, but now refuses to marry her but through a series of events they make a pact with each other to work together to find the contract and burn it so they can get on with their lives, however neither of them expected that they would fall in love with each other and wonder if there can ever be a happily ever after….will all the time that has passed…but true love finds a way through the most stubborn of hearts,especially with two people perfect for each other…
The Hero (Richard Allen)
Richard, grew up in a home where his father despised him and beat and lectured him constantly because of his hatred to his mother. However after being forced into a betrothal agreement, with a girl whom he hates just as much as she seems to hate him, he leaves England, for several years never planning on returning, living a life as a pirate and treasure hunter, now he has returned through unexpected circumstances….and now never expects that the girl who was his enemy could very well become his lover…
The Heroine( Julia Miller)
Julia, has been running her fathers business especially since his accident where he suffered a head injury, and has only small moments of clarity, and hopes that once she manages to declare her fiancee dead, she can move on with her life, however when her betrothed comes back…hardly dead but very much alive she knows she can never marry a man that hurt her so much as a child…but he awakens a passion in her that overcomes her…
My Thoughts
That Perfect Someone is the tenth installment in the Malory Series. For years I have just reading books involving the Malory family, and although this was far from my favorite one…it was still quite enjoyable and I am thrilled that I finally was able to read it ( I know I know I am way behind LOL) I found the story captivating and the characters so innocent and childish at times…there was a vulnerability throughout the story with Julia and Richard. I loved how the story turned from two strangers who meet in a ballroom and shared a heated kiss…to hated enemies…then back to sharing a commonality with one another…Desire, such a powerful motivator and Johanna Lindsey portrayed this story beautifully, and although didn’t have the certain aspects that I enjoyed in the earlier Malory books…I was feeling quite entertained from beginning to end!!!
My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms
Other Books In The Series
Addicted To Romance 