Wicked Angel, by Julia London

Months after beginning my weird and totally unreasonable quest to read almost every contemporary romance on the shelves, I decided that it was time to take a breather and return to my first love - the world of historical romance.  Lucky for me that I stumbled upon one of Julia London's earlier stories.  Wicked Angel is an engrossing read, whipping up a storm of emotions with every turn of the page. The plot itself is sequentially frustrating and fulfilling.  The main characters are both lovely and obstinate.  The story moves at a quick pace, yet is rich with detail and development.  I found myself smiling like a happy imbecile and alternately shaking my head in complete disbelief almost the entire way through the 374 pages. It's common knowledge among my family and friends that rollercoasters are generally not my thing, but I may reconsider after spending nearly five hours with Lauren Hill Bergen, Countess Bergen and the Duke of Sutherland, Alexander Christian.

Lauren has returned home to Rosewood, the crumbling estate/orphanage and barely working farm she had left nearly two years before. She is a beguiling character with a sunny disposition and a penchant for earning the complete adoration of the orphans at Rosewood. Thanks to her greedy uncle's machinations, she had been forced to marry a senile old man (a Bavarian Count, no less). When he died, she unthinkingly turned over her inheritance to the new Count Bergen and began thinking of returning home. Happy to finally be there, she throws herself into the task of making Rosewood self sufficient through hard work and clever barter.

Alex Christian, the Duke of Sutherland, is wealthy, handsome and bored. He's engaged to be married to Lady Marlaine Whitcomb and their wedding is set to be the event of the Season.  Although congenial, their relationship is not a love match, at least not on Alex's side. Lady Marlaine had been betrothed, almost from birth, to Alex's older brother Anthony.  However, upon Anthony's untimely death five years before, Alex not only inherited the Dukedom, but Lady Marlaine as well.  Their union is an important one, both politically and economically, and although he has some misgivings about the situation, Lady Marlaine is both charming and suitable and Alex sees his path in life clearly.

That is until he visits his country manor and stumbles upon Lauren singing to a rather large hog in a pasture.  As a result of the subsequent charge by the pig and Lauren's daring leap over a fence and into his arms, "Mr. Christian" as Lauren refers to him, is smitten. And Lauren Hill, as she introduces herself (sans her title of Countess) is equally enamored.

But of course, it is not to be. "Mr. Christian" must return to London and to his obligations and Lauren is left at Rosewood to dream of him. She doesn't have much time to enjoy those dreams, however, as her uncle decides to send her to London in a last ditch effort to find another husband for her - preferably one that will live long enough to provide enough funds to save his own inheritance.

Not surprisingly, once in London, both Lauren and Alex discover the truth about the other and each doggedly fight the overwhelming desire they feel.  But it is impossible. The story is wrought with angst as first Alex and then Lauren abandon conscience and duty in order to make peace with the inevitable - they must be together.

Speaking of musts - add this one to your bookshelf.  And while you do, I'll head over to Six Flags, although I doubt there's a rollercoaster out there that can offer a better ride than Wicked Angel.

Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern

Any one who knows me will tell you that I’m a great reader. I will often read for many hours a day, but it is still rare to be unable to put a book down. This afternoon (at 3pm) I bought Rosie Dunne and this evening (at 8pm) I finished it. Now I will say the book left me feeling very confused emotionally, but I did love every minute of it.

Rosie and Alex are inseparable throughout their early lives, but the year Alex turns 16 his father moves the family to Boston. Rosie and Alex are devastated and vow to be together again as soon as they graduate. Alex, who has always dreamt of being a doctor, applies to Harvard. And Rosie applies to the school of Hotel Management at Boston College, hoping one day to run a huge hotel on the coast. And then on the night of Rosie’s debutant ball, Alex misses his flight and their lives are forever changed. As their lives move away from each other fate seems determined to keep them apart, but love is a strong thing and fate works in mysterious ways.

Rosie Dunne is told in a series of emails, instant messages, letters and occasional phone calls….it was very unique and so entertaining. The book begins when they are five and exchanging notes in class. The banter between Rosie and Alex is so marvelous. It is so engrossing; I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the writing style. Ahern certainly does a fantastic job conveying their thoughts and emotions within the small confines of correspondence.

The story will break your heart, lift your spirits, anger you and bring a smile to your face. Rosie Dunne is one of the best books I’ve picked up lately I highly recommend this lovely book.

Midsummer Eve at Rookery End, by Elizabeth Hanbury

I have found the best book of short stories ever!

Elizabeth Hanbury is back and better than ever. Her new book available on escapewithabook.com contains three cleverly written Regency short stories, all from the same evening at the Midsummer ball at Rookery End.

The evening begins with Siren's Daughter, the story of true love gone astray. Miss Deborah King wrote off Sir Benedict Catesby years ago when he left her without a word. Heart broken, she continued on with her life with her overbearing aunt, believing her true love had betrayed her. Sir Benedict, left at the altar heartbroken, leaves the area when his letter to Deborah goes unanswered, and he determines she no longer wishes to marry him. A fateful meeting at Rookery End brings out the hurt of both parties, each accusing the other of betrayal. When the truth is revealed, the pair realize their love had indeed endured the years of separation, and they vow never to let scheming aunts and loyal maids come between them again.

Our next tale, Blue Figured Silk, tells the story of the rakish Marquess of Shaftesbury and the inconspicuous Eve Leighton. By a stroke of luck and a near-assignation with a widow, the Marquess comes to the rescue of Miss Leighton as she is fighting off a suitor determined to have her as he wishes. For the Marquess, it is love at first sight, and he realizes Eve is all he has waited for. Eve, however, is overshadowed by her beautiful younger sister and her title-hungry mother. The Marquess does not give up, and as the Leighton's are leaving the Rookery, the Marquess rushes after them, or for that matter, after Eve. He knows she is the only woman that he could imagine spending the rest of his life with. After all, what is more perfect than Eve finding her Adam?

The final story, A Scandal at Midnight, is perhaps the sweetest of all. Verity, a well-born governess to Miss Amelia Gardiner, is overcome with hopelessness when she receives a letter from her charge indicating she has eloped with her true love George, against her father's wishes. Miss Gardiner is promised to Sir Tristan Millforte, who according to her, is an old man that would make her a dreadful husband. Verity enlists the help of Sir Tristan, and is surprised to find that he is neither old nor dreadful, but quite handsome and willing to help her catch her errant charge. When Sir Tristan informs Verity he is aware of no arrangement between Miss Gardiner and himself, they realize that matchmaking has been going on behind their backs, and there was no need for Miss Gardiner to flee to Scotland to marry her love. During the search for the two lovers, Sir Tristan is taken with Verity and realizes he has found someone that he could easily spend the rest of his life with. Verity also finds herself under his spell and before the evening is through, more than one couple is engaged.

If you are a lover of short stories as I am, then I definitely suggest you pick up, or download this book. The stories are well written and entertaining, encompassing all the wit that I've come to love from Elizabeth Hanbury's writing. She is a refreshing change in the romance novel world, so don't miss out on this collection!

One Reckess Summer, by Toni Blake

I've always been a fan of summer and its seemingly endless potential for romantic possibilities. When I was younger, those possibilities were my own. Things change, evolving as they should, and now I find my promise of a summer fling within the pages of sizzling contemporary romance novels.

And yes,  just in time, I've found the perfect 2009 romantic beach read.

Apparently the first in a series of novels set in the same locale, Toni Blake's One Reckless Summer takes us to Destiny, Ohio. There we meet Jenny Tolliver, a middle school science teacher with a love of astronomy. At thirty-one, she's back in her hometown to recover from a serious blow to her self confidence - her "rat bastard" of a husband left her for a twenty-one year old - and coming home to Destiny seems like the perfect way to heal. Her mother, who died eighteen years before, was a pillar of the small community and her father is still chief of police. Safely ensconced in the small house by the lake where she grew up, Jenny hopes to spend the summer figuring out a few things, in particular what to do with the rest of her life.

Mick Brody, on the other hand, grew up on the wrong side of the tracks - or in this case, the wrong side of Blue Valley Lake. With abusive parents and a law-breaking brother, Mick was always considered a bad seed by the town's upstanding citizenry. But several years filled with exceedingly stupid life choices - and a lengthy prison sentence for his brother - leads Mick to reconsider his own dismal future. He decides to take a different path by settling down to a relatively normal life as a bricklayer in Cincinnati.

Not long after arriving back in Destiny, Jenny, already looking for a distraction, decides to check out the night stars from the other side of the lake. After all, the Brody land has been abandoned for years, what with one brother in jail and Mick, the hunky younger brother, living who knows where.  But when Jenny runs into Mick on a secluded path in the woods behind  his family's cabin, one thing leads to another, and, in one of my favorite seduction scenes ever (yes, ever!), these two get reacquainted in a hurry.

But Mick has a secret, and despite what passes between them, he's not going  to spill it and demands that she leave and never come back.  "Good girl" Jenny, who should be horrified by what she let happen - isn't. Curious about him and eager for more of how he makes her feel, she returns to his side of the lake and discovers the reason for all of the cloak and dagger. While it may be illegal, it's not what she expects and we see a side of Mick that endears him further to Jenny - and to us as well.

Toni Blake's latest  is well-written, fast paced and puts the reader smack in the middle of a long, hot Destiny summer. And speaking of heat, there's plenty of it, making me think that the best place to read this 350+ page lustful wonder is right in front of the air conditioner.

One Reckless Summer is a bookshelf must. I was lucky to get my hands on an advance copy; the official publication date is set for May 26, 2009.  Mark your calendars. In any season, this is one you definitely don't want to miss.

Sins of a Wicked Duke, by Sophie Jordan

Sophie Jordan's latest novel plots servant versus scandalous Duke.  Who will win?

Fallon's life was turned upside down when her father died and she was cast off from the estate in which he worked.  She is sent to the Penwich School for Virtuous Women, where she is educated and ridiculed at the same time.  Making her way as a governess and servant, she encounters many a master that would like to take advantage of her beauty, only to find a strong-willed woman underneath, not willing to become someones playmate.  Her virtuousness gets her in trouble, and she is dismissed from her employer for not bending to his will.  A chance rescue in her time of need brings her to the attention of Dominic, the Duke of Damon.  The Duke is taken with her beauty, but she declines his offer vehemently and vows to never bend to any man's will, no matter how stirred she is by him.

Dominic has a reputation as a notorious rake, and he does everything he can to keep this particular opinion of himself.  Having no time for society, he is found with a different woman, or women- every night.  His staff, used to his ways, turns a blind eye, until Francis comes along.  Francis is a pretty footman with lovely eyes and short blond hair, curiously resembling  a certain woman that needed his help one evening.  In her cleverness, Fallon realizes the one way she can earn a living without having a man begging for her favors is to pose as a man.  Dangerous to be sure, but it works!  One evening footman "Francis" comes to the rescue of the Duke from a jealous husband, and is promoted to valet suddenly.  This is the worst thing that can happen, as the Duke is not only a rake, but a handsome one and Fallon is attracted to him despite her guise as a footman.  Her ruse is discovered and both the Duke and Fallon give in, starting them on a path that cannot possibly end happily.  Then when an unexpected offer from the estate where her father worked is presented to her, Fallon sees her chance to live independently.  If she cannot have the Duke, then she wants no one.

The two main characters in this book are beautifully written; flawed, intense and engaging.  Both are damaged and desperate to have a "normal life" and forget the horrors of the past.  Sophie Jordan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!  Her storytelling is very refreshing and lively, bringing a wide range of emotions to each story.  This is definitely one to pick up!

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella has been a favourite of mine since I picked up her first book, Confessions of a Shopaholic, in 2001. Since then, I have been enthralled. I look forward to the release of her novels with untold anticipation. Her latest offering, Remember Me?, is likely her best work to date.

When Lexi Smart wakes up in a hospital she is stunned. How did she get there, and how long has she been there? The last thing she remembers is being out with her friends, depressed that her boyfriend, “Loser Dave,” stood her up (again!), and of course falling and hitting her head while running for a taxi. And when the doctor comes in to question her about the accident, Lexi realizes that nothing is as she thought. Instead of a low paying job, a loser boyfriend and shabby wardrobe, Lexi finds she has a huge new loft, a high-powered job, glamorous friends and a handsome husband (who is a multimillionaire!). Oh also, it is 2007, not 2004. And she didn’t fall and hit her head, she crashed her super expensive Mercedes. Lexi’s memory from the last three years is completely gone.

Lexi leaves the hospital with her husband, determined to find her place in her new life, but her new life comes with more than just new clothes, a great house and a handsome husband. It also comes with a lot of secrets, intrigue, and well… confusion. Her relationship with her husband isn’t what she thought, her old friends won’t talk to her, and she doesn’t have a clue how to do her job. Then she meets Jon, an architect, who works for her husband and he tells her the biggest secret of all.

As Lexi struggles with her new life and her displaced memory she has a lot of questions.  Where are her clothes? How do you work the lights? And most important… will she ever fit into this new life? Does she even want to anymore? Will she ever get her memory back? And what happens if she does?

Remember Me? is a great read. It has all the parts we like in any book... handsome men, a good plot and lots of twists and turns. Have fun learning all about Lexi...right along with her!

Silent on the Moor, by Deanna Raybourn

I was literally squeeing when my husband informed me a box was on the front porch from Amazon. I knew it was my copy of Silent on the Moor, and I was not disappointed. So, I found a blanket, made a cup of tea, and settled down on the couch to read a little while before bed.

What a joke! What on earth made me think I would be able to put down Deanna Raybourn's latest tale involving the curious Lady Julie Grey, and the quiet, yet sexy Nicholas Brisbane? Four hours later, I closed the book with a smile and quick swipe of my cheek to catch that lingering tear. Insert contented sigh here.

At the end of Silent in the Sanctuary, we learn that Brisbane has bought an estate, and has written a letter to Portia, Julia's sister, asking for her help. The letter also states her sister is not to be brought along, however that declaration is quickly ignored, and so starts Silent on the Moor. Julia is determined once and for all to settle matters between herself and Brisbane. After a hard journey to the wilds of Yorkshire, Ladies Julia and Portia, their brother Valerius, two maids and two dogs land on the front steps of the crumbling ruin that is Grimsgrave Hall. Of course, Brisbane is not happy to see her, and yet clutches at her hand in desperation. It is clear to Julia he does want her there, but there is something going on that she is not aware of, and cannot possibly imagine that he does not wish for her to be exposed to.

The other inhabitants of Grimsgrave, the Allenby ladies, are intriguing in themselves. Lady Allenby is a pious woman, plagued by rheumatism yet doing her best to welcome Julia and her family. Ailith, the eldest daughter is nice enough, and Hilda is somewhat wild without manners. They have been allowed to stay in the hall on the charity of Brisbane, until a cottage on the estate can be readied for them. Having just lost their brother, they are in mourning, but it is a strange mourning. They are sad to see him gone, but not as one would mourn a brother or a son. Julia decides to befriend Ailith, and what she thinks is a blossoming friendship, is anything but that. She soon learns all is not what it seems. Doing her best to be helpful, Julia offers to catalogue the huge Egyptian collection of the former master, making it ready for sale. Julia hopes to raise some money for the Allenby ladies and make them not so destitute. What she finds in her search leads her to a twisted story of forbidden love.

What happens next was a huge surprise- mummified babies, an attempted murder on Brisbane, the return of a long lost Allenby sister, a shocking secret of brother and sister, and the climax of the book that left me shaking my head. You shall have to read for yourself of course, it's too good to spill it here! The repressed sexual tension between Julia and Brisbane adds to the tone of the book without becoming all about sex, only enhancing the mystery. Needless to say, our hero and heroine have a happy ending (finally!) and all is well. I can safely say this was my favorite of all Lady Grey mysteries, and I would recommend picking this one up as soon as possible. Deanna Raybourn has proven once again she is the master of romantic suspense.