Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 368 pp
Isbn: 9780060562519
Published: February 2006
Challenge This covers #5 Read a book borrowed from the library or a friend for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge. (Now I checked it out from the library and started to read it. I happened to be going through my own books and found that I owned a copy of this one when I didn't believe that I had. So since I had the libraries copy I count this as a library book.)

First Sentence or two: As Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, stared at the young woman who had just barged her way into his London residence, it occurred to him that he might have tried to abduct the wrong heiress last week at Stony Cross Park.

Synopsis:

A devil's bargain

Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared, unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts — which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions...or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Random Thoughts -This case of opposites attracting is Fabulous! Even the bad guy needs to be loved. LOL I felt so bad for Evie. I was glad to see her take charge of her own destiny. Deep down she had some spunk. As for Sebastian, I love him. He is a tortured Hero. I don't think things would of worked out between Evie and him had she played it any other way. Nothing like telling a Man what he can't have to make him Want it that much more.

Favorite Scene - I liked the scene where Sebastian taught Evie how to play billiards. This scene was very sexy. I also highly enjoyed the wedding scene. Nothing like a Scottish blacksmith to marry you, while his daughters sing to you. LOL

Favorite Quotes- St. Vincent said in a clipped voice, "It's not a love match. It's a marriage of convenience, and there's not enough warmth between us to light a birthday candle. Get on with it , if you please. Neither of us has had a proper sleep in two days." Then the blacksmith's heavy brows lowered. "I don't like ye," he announced.
St Vincent regarede him with exasperation. "Neither does my bride-to-be. But since that's not going to stop her from marrying me, it shouldn't stop you either. Go on."

Rating - 4 Stars

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 382 pp
Isbn: 9780060562496
Published: Sept. 2005
Challenge This does not cover a Challenge at this time.


First Sentence or two: Two young women stood at the threshold of the perfumery, one tugging impatiently at the arm of the other. "Do we have to go in there?" the smaller one was saying in a flat American accent, resisting as the other pulled her forcibly into the quietly lit shop. "I'm always bored to tears in these places, Lillian-you stand there and smell things for hours-"

Synopsis:

It happened at the ball . . .

Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.

It happened in the garden . . .

When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously–swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed . . . thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!

It happened one autumn . . .

Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable . . . as his bride?

Random Thoughts -I loved the way Lillian and Marcus sparred with words. I thoroughly enjoyed being privy to their secret thoughts and emotions when they each were slowly figuring out that, they cared for the other no matter how impossible it may seem. Especially Marcus, a man so sure of himself and set in his ways, rigid in all things proper. It was great to touch bases with the old friends known as the "Wallflowers". This quartet is so unique and fun to watch as they grow in love and friendship. Can't wait to read the next one.

Favorite Scene - How can you not love a scene where the heroine gets drunk and loses all her inhibitions. When Lillian was alone in the library and the party had left the estate for the day, she found a bottle of clear liquor with a pear in the center of the bottle. She tasted the liquid. The next thing, Marcus was summoned from a servant to inform him of an out of control guest, "Lillian". She made me giggle getting her hand caught in the EMPTY bottle trying to get at that pear. This whole scene was funny to me. The fact that Marcus took advantage of the whole situation shocked me to my toes, and THRILLED me to no end!

Favorite Quotes- "Dear," Daisy said softly, "the next time you face a room full of strangers... you might tell yourself that some of them are just friends waiting to be found."

Isn't that the sweetest thought. I want to hold that quote in my head and remember it for myself.

Rating - 4 Stars

How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 313 pp
Isbn: 9781416525035
Published: January 2007
Challenge This covers #15 Read a book from the backlist of an author you enjoy for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: Jack Kincaid died as he had lived: awash in a haze of fine bourbon, his perfectly tailored coat pockets stuffed with his winnings from a night of wild gaming, and reeking faintly of the perfume of another man's wife.

Synopsis: It's hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who's been dragged -- literally -- to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she'd sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart....

Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but...married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever -- body and soul....


Random Thoughts -This book was cute. I love it when the women show the men that she can do just as he does. The old phrase "What's good for the goose is good for the gander". Which leads us into my favorite scene of the book....

Favorite Scene -When Fiona goes to a gambling house with another man. See Jack thinks since they are married all they have to do is procreate and the marriage doesn't have to change his carousing ways. So tired of sitting home alone Fiona decides to attend one of these places and tells the butler to tell her husband when he asked, that she went out "carousing". I was laughing so hard. Then when Jack finds her and Campbell he doesn't approach them but proceeds to make her jealous with talking with his ex lover. So Fiona and Campbell (who is very game) procede to do the same on their end to make Jack Jealous. Campbell even gets Fiona 3 drinks in a short period of time. They go to hit the dance floor when Jack has had enough and approaches them. He decks Campbell and grabs Fiona and throws her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. I had the biggest smile plastered on my face while reading this scene. To me it shows he cares more then he wants to admit. I love the fact that Fiona was spunky enough to not act like a lady and do something about it.
Favorite Quotes-

As Fiona is being carried out of the gambling establishment she says "Your Hell on a woman's hair, Kincaid! I hope you know that!"

Rating - 4 Stars

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 375 pp
Isbn: 9780060791896
Published: 2004
Challenge This covers #3 Read a book that was used in the Summer 2009 Reading Challenge for the Fall 2009 Romance Reading Challenge.


First Sentence or two: London, 1841
Although Annabelle Peyton had been warned all her life never to take money from strangers, she made an exception one day...and quickly discovered why she should have heeded her mother's advice.

Synopsis:
Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband.So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing—and persistent—admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.
Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon—and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

Random Thoughts -What a WONDERFUL Book! Sensational! I was glued to the story. Page turner! This book made me have the range of emotions and feel so deeply for the couple. I laughed many times. (I got a funny look and a shake of the head from my husband one time.)
I held my breath and was so excited a couple times I needed to stop and take a deep breath just to calm down. I was very worried and cried at one point even. This is one powerful author. With a flick of her pen she can pull emotions from me. BRAVO. I was so enamored of all 4 wallflowers and can't wait to read the other 3, that I ran out and bought the very next one not wanting to take a chance that it will be checked out at the library.

Favorite Scene - Without question the game of rounders the 4 girls played sans dresses so that they could run the field. Getting caught was an extreme bonus that added the most loudest fit of giggles on my part.
I have a second most favorite scene that I have to mention because it absolutely melted my heart. When Annabelle and Simon are in Paris and a pair of men are trying to decide who will drink champagne from her shoe. Simon is one cool, dashing MAN, for the way he handled that situation. Want to know more? READ THE BOOK OMG!
Favorite Quotes- Not so much a quote this first bit but an exchange of letters between 2 of the wallflowers.

Dear Evie,
Impressed, amused, and somewhat apprehensive about what scrapes these Bowmans will land us in. Where, pray tell, are we to find a place where we may play Rounders-in-knickers unobserved? Yes, I am thoroughly shocked, you shameless hussy.

Dear Annabelle,
I am coming to believe that there are two kinds of people...those who choose to be masters of their own fate and those who wait in chairs while others dance. I would rather be one of the former than the latter. As to how and when Rounders game shall take place, I am satisfied to leave such details to the Bowmans.
With all fondness,
Evie the hussy


Rating - 5 Stars with out question!

Review: Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 336pp
Isbn: 0446619124
Challenge This one covers one challenge, Read Around The Genres


First Sentence or two: Kate Campbell looked her enemy square in his lifeless face and then swung.

Synopsis:PROTECTING HER WAS HIS PASSION

High-born though she is, Kate Campbell isn't afraid to draw her sword. When raiders strike, she rushes into the fray...and is lucky when a mysterious Highlander shields her from a deadly blow. Swept onto his stallion, she soon discovers that her rescuer is her clan's most hated enemy: Callum MacGregor, the man they call The Devil. Yet she cannot ignore his achingly tender touch or the way his fiery gaze leaves her breathless.

POSSESSING HER WOULD BE HIS PLEASURE

Callum MacGregor has taken many Campbell lives, but he's never saved one--until now. Mesmerized by this spirited lass, he wants her by his side, even if it means holding her for ransom. As his fingers graze her sumptuous curves and tangle in her unruly tresses, Callum realizes Kate Campbell is his most dangerous foe of all. For he can't make love to her without betraying his kinsmen and his honor...and surrendering his heart forever.


Random Thoughts -This is the ultimate tortured alpha male hero. As far as romance books go this was more then a romance book. This book was about a battle for survival. There was love but it really felt as if a sideline story to me. I love my highlanders though they never do disappoint.

Favorite Scene - I loved it when Kate had to drink the brew to get ready for the wound in her shoulder burned. Callum was talking to her afterward and she was sloshed and slurring her words. She called him Clalum MacKeglor instead of Callum MacGregor. LOL

Rating - I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. The writing was superb and flowed well. Not ever single in between scene was spelled out for us since it didn't need to be. This author knows its ok to skip a day or two of uneventful traveling or such. The book kept me engaged and not bored.

*Author's Note- In gratitude for the MacGregor's support in his struggle to regain the throne, Charles II repealed the laws against the MacGregors in 1661. Their name was restored, but their lands were not. In 1693 the prosciption was fully imposed once again by William of Orange. The persecution of Clan MacGregor finally ended in 1774 when the proscription against them was lifted once and for all, 171 years after it was enacted.