:)

Still alive, just busy at the moment. I'll update properly soon :)

Woo

Some changes to Fall Reading Challenge list, due to books I couldn't find.

#8- 'After Midnight' by Teresa Medeiros
#15- 'Slightly Married' by Mary Balogh
#4- 'Highland Warrior' by Hannah Howell
#13- 'Dark Demon' by Christine Feehan
#6- 'Devil's Bride' by Stephanie Laurens

Desire

Desire by Nicole Jordan

Summary
Seducing readers with her scorching sensuality and searing romance, bestselling author Nicole Jordan weaves her most tantalizing love story yet. . . .

A legendary lover and spymaster, the darkly sensual Earl of Wycliff eludes matrimony until a brush with death makes him yearn for a son to carry on his name. The moment Lucian spies the alluring Brynn Caldwell on a Cornish beach, he knows he has found the woman he wants for his bride.

Brynn believes the notorious rake’s fascination with her is driven by a centuries-old curse that dooms the women of her family to tempt men–only to lead those they love to their death. Compelled by dire circumstances to marry Lucian, Brynn surrenders her body to his caresses but dares not give him her heart.

Locked in a battle of wills with his bewitching wife, Lucian begins to suspect that Brynn is a traitor. Before long he finds himself lured into a web of danger and betrayal, where the price of winning his bride’s elusive heart may be his own life.

Expectations
The blurb sounded fascinating; regency romance with a delightful twist. I couldn't wait to get into this one!

Writing Style
I liked how fast the story moved, how pacy the writing was, the passion built up between the characters. A simmering, smouldering style is adopted and it is good.

Plot
I liked it- basic Regency-era fare, played out with a twist; she has a Gypsy curse upon her that means if she loves a man, he will die, which leads to a delightful farce in which Lucian tries to win her heart. Also, he is a spymaster- and she is the sister of a traitor. Brilliant and gripping stuff.

Characters
I liked them a lot. Despite being attractive to every man she meets, Brynn is pleasant and down-to-earth. Lucian is wonderfully rakish.

Overall
Original, sweet and sexy- a fabulous novel.

4 Stars

When He Was Wicked

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Summary

In every life there is a turning point.

A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer -- the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love . . . until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

Expectations
I couldn't wait to lose myself in this novel, as I am a massive fan of Quinn's Bridgerton series.

Writing Style
Quinn seems to adopt a slower, less frenzied style in this book that is different from the other books in the series; the relationship burns slowly rather than explodes. It's not unpleasant, and it makes a nice change.

Plot
I loved the plot- Michael fell for Francesca before she married his cousin John. Then John died and, eventually, a relationship developed between Michael and Francesca. It was painfully emotional in places, meltingly passionate in others, and utterly fantastic.

Characters
Francesca is deliciously different from the rest of the Bridgertons, and Michael was wonderfully devilish. Both were well-written and well-rounded.

Overall
Sweet, passionate novel. I loved it!

5 Stars

Slightly Wicked

Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh

Summary
Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality…Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Rannulf Bedwyn, the rebellious third son, enters into a liaison that is rather risqué, somewhat naughty, and…Slightly Wicked.

With his laughing eyes and wild, rakish good looks, Lord Rannulf Bedwyn is a hard man to resist. To Judith Law, a woman in need of rescue when her stagecoach overturns, Rannulf is simply her savior, a heroic stranger she will reward with one night of reckless passion before she must become a companion to her wealthy aunt. Imagine Judith's shock when the same stranger turns out to be among England's most eligible bachelors…and when he arrives at Harewood Grange to woo her cousin. Certainly, they had made no vows, no promises, but Rannulf never did forget his uninhibited lover…nor did she forget that one delicious night. And as scandal sets the household abuzz, Rannulf proposes a solution…but when Judith refuses to have him—in love or wedlock—Rannulf has only one choice: to wage a campaign of pure pleasure to capture the heart of the woman who has already won his.

Expectations
I had never read anything by Balogh before, but I thought it sounded fab and couldn't wait to read it.

Writing Style
Fast-paced, passionate and witty. Impossible to fault.

Plot
I suppose it is fair to say the plot is cliched- titled man falls for poor yet beautiful woman but cannot have her. However a pleasant spin is put on it in the form of their encounter at the start of the book, when both have assumed false identities.

Characters
Judith is perfect as the heroine, slightly feisty despite being in need of the hero's help. Rannulf Bedwyn is a delight, a fantastic alpha hero. I loved the other Bedwyns, too, and look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Overall
Fabulous novel! If you like pacy, passionate romance, reach for this.

5 Stars

*Dies*

Today I got the most fabulous package of ten historical romances I bought on eBay. How awesome! I am already sinking my teeth into 'Slightly Wicked' by Mary Balogh and 'When He Was Wicked' by Julia Quinn- both are sensually delightful so far!

I also have the first of my books for the Fall Reading Challenge:

1. The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd
2. Lord Of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
3. Secrets of A Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
4. Splendid by Julia Quinn

So eleven left to get! I also got 'A Marriage Most Scandalous' by Johanna Lindsey and am wondering whether to read that as my choice for her. *ponders*

July Book Blowout Wrap-Up

1. Did you discover a new author?

Yes- Laurell K. Hamilton

2. Where was the most unusual place you found yourself reading?
On the bus- not unusual but I've never dared do it before

3. Did you read more than usual?
Yes :)

4. Did you give up anything in order to read more?
Time wasted on the internet

5. If you won the Amazon voucher what would you spend it on?
Books!

6. Would you like to see a 2009 Book Blowout?
Yes :)

Yay

I just added my first two link exchanges. Check them out in the sidebar!

In other news, it is nearly the end of July! Which means the July Book Blowout is nearly over. I've managed fifteen, five over my target.

The Laughing Corpse

The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K Hamilton

Summary
Harold Gaynor offers Anita Blake a million dollars to raise a 300-year-old zombie. Knowing it means a human sacrifice will be necessary, Anita turns him down. But when dead bodies start turning up, she realizes that someone else has raised Harold's zombie--and that the zombie is a killer. Anita pits her power against the zombie and the voodoo priestess who controls it. Notice to Hollywood: forget Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Anita Blake is the real thing.

Expectations
I really enjoyed the first book with the exception of one irritatingly unexplained character, Phillip. I was looking forward to reading this.

Writing Style
Hamilton draws you in with the delightfully kickass female character of Anita, providing a detailed and rich first person tale. It's fast-paced, witty, and perfect.

Plot
Pleasantly different from the previous book; although it's about murder and the supernatural, it puts a different spin on things, and it is interesting the way that Anita learns about her own powers. My only problem- not enough Jean-Claude!

Characters
Anita is a joy to read; powerful but with real weaknesses. We learn more about the people around her in this book. I liked the character work in this novel more than in the first!

Overall
Delicious novel, but I couldn't help feeling cheated out of more Jean-Claude.

4 Stars

Fear Not

I'm still alive, I just haven't felt like writing a review. I'm still reading, though! Since my last review I have read:

1. 'The Rose Revived' by Katie Fforde
2. 'Romancing Mr Bridgerton' by Julia Quinn
3. 'Bridget Jones's Diary' by Helen Fielding

I have read thirteen books for the July Book Blowout! With two days to go, I hope to finish two more books :)

The Vampire Lestat

The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Summary
'Ah, the taste and feel of blood when all passion and greed is sharpened in that one desire!' Lestat: a vampire - but very much not the conventional undead, for Lestat is the truly alive. Lestat is vivid, ecstatic, stagestruck, and in his extravagant story he plunges from the lasciviousness of eighteenth-century Paris to the demonic Egypt of prehistory; from fin-de-siecle New Orleans to the frenetic twentieth-century world of rock superstardom - as, pursued by the living and the dead, he searches across time for the secret of his own dark immortality.

Expectations
I had read The Interview With The Vampire and had been quite disappointed. It hadn't been as exciting as I had hoped. However the story and the characters had captivated me and I was looking forward to reading more about them.

Writing Style
Rice has the most fantastic way of providing rich detail. Detail of feelings, setting, character... this book is one of the richest I have read in terms of description. I loved the style! It was darkly gothic and more captivating than the first book.

Plot
Lestat tells his colourful history, revealing how he was made, his relationships with the people he loved, and ultimately the origins of the vampire. The plot moves more quickly than the previous novel, and the varying, contrasting settings provide the perfect background for the grim, dark tale.

Characters
Lestat's character is explored in greater detail here, and the reader understands fully his actions in the first novel. He is delightful in that he needs to know what will happen if he breaks a rule. He is not necessarily a good person but he is a likeable narrator and that is very important. The characters surrounding him are fantastically written, my favourites being his mother, the cold and distant vampire, and his lover, Nicki, who descends into madness after being made into a vampire by Lestat.

Overall
A fantastic book, much better than the first. I wondered about the relationship between Louis and Lestat seeming unlikely at the end, but apart from that it was perfect.

4 Stars

I Only Have Fangs For You

I Only Have Fangs For You by Kathy Love

Summary
One thing you have to know about my brother Sebastian: he loves being a vampire. After all, what's not to love? He's eternally twenty-five. He's single, and frankly, he's a chick magnet. Yeah, undeath is good. The only thing he's serious about is his nightclub, Carfax Abbey. It's the sort of dark, happening spot where vampires can really let their fangs down. You know, hiding in the shadows, feeding, giving pleasure to unsuspecting mortals, being all cool and vampirey. Whatever. My brother Rhys and I have tried to get Sebastian to clean up his bad-boy ways like we did, but then he went and called us "fang-whipped." Okay, Bite Boy, chew on this...The ultimate righteous reformer, Wilhemina Weiss, is on a mission to shut down Carfax Abbey. She doesn't approve of my bro's biting ways. It seems the spirited, sexy-without-knowing-it vampire is working undercover as a cocktail waitress in his bar while waging a secret war to bring him down. Sebastian's A-positive he can convince Miss Goody-Vampire-Two-Fangs that nothing beats the ecstasy of a good vampire bite. She's certain she can resist him for as long as it takes to reform him.

I gotta tell you, the suspense would kill me - if I weren't already undead. Now, Mr. "Has anyone ever told you you've got a beautiful neck?" is in way over his. He's finally met a girl who may not be his type, but she's way more than his match. Not that he's (cough) fang-whipped (cough) or anything. No, not my baby bro. One thing's for sure, I've never seen Sebastian so completely at someone's mercy in my life. And frankly, I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Expectations
It seemed like a funny read; I hadn't read the other two so I wasn't sure I'd understand what was going on.

Writing Style
Witty, quirky and utterly delightful. The writing combined the viewpoints of both characters, making it balanced. Very well-written book.

Plot
The relationship between Mina and Sebastian is filled with simmering chemistry from the beginning, when she enters his club as a waitress who is determined to sabotage it, due to the fact he is regarded as one of the most dangerous vampires in the city. The relationship develops quickly and it is charming as the characters reveal themselves.

Characters
Sebastian is a delightful character; an egotistical male who has never met his match. Wilhemina, or Mina, is his opposite; slightly strange and not stereotyically beautiful. They bounce off each other easily, leading to lovely scenes.

Overall
A great read. My only problem is that it ends rather suddenly. However, the tale is well-crafted and hilarious, and a pleasure to devour.

4 Stars

Everyone Worth Knowing

Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger

Summary
The in-crowd wears Gucci but one girl wears her heart on her sleeve...From the bestselling author of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA comes a no-holds barred expose of the world of the Manhattan super-rich. Bette gets paid to party ! Well, to plan them, anyway. And she can hardly believe her luck. Running with celebs, gaining VIP access to Manhattan's hottest spots and meeting 'everyone worth knowing' is a million miles away from her old banking job. Overnight, New York has become her sexy late-night playground. But quicker than you can say Birkin bag, Bette turns up in the gossip columns as girlfriend to a notorious British playboy. It's news to her -- but news that delights her publicity-hungry new boss. Her family and old friends, however, think it's not very Bette. What happened to the girl they know and love -- who always had time for romantic novels, 80s music and junk food, not to mention them? As her new and old worlds threaten to collide, can Bette say goodbye to the glamour and the Gucci, the parties and the Prada, and step back into the real world -- and find a prince who's got a heart to match his charm?

Expectations
Loved 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Chasing Harry Winston', and I was expecting this novel to match their fast-paced and witty style.

Writing Style
Unfortunately this novel lacks the Weisberger wit and the narrative drags, making it slow and boring.

Plot
Girl lands 'dream' job; girl sells out on her friends; girl dates loser; girl falls in real love and quits job. It's cliched, and this version has no original spin.

Characters
Bette, the main character, is irritating and just doesn't come across as nice. Her love interest is more likeable but the problem is that there is no chemistry between them. The supporting characters seem colourful but are not explored in much depth.

Overall
A let-down. It took me ages to read this book.

2 Stars

July Book Blowout Mini-Challenge #2

1. Title and author of the book
The Vampire Lestat- Anne Rice
2. What year is the book set in?
The last year mentioned was 1780.
3. What happened on this day in that year? Go to google and type in the date ie 13 July 1952 and see if you can find a news item for that day
The Batlle of Earle's Ford, North Carolina
Apparently...
4. Where is your book set?
Last location mentioned was Cairo.
5. Have you visited that place before? If yes tell us something about your trip. If no, look the location up on google and tell us an interesting fact about the city/country.
I haven't visited but I would love to! Apparently the population is 6.8 million.

An Offer From A Gentleman

An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Summary

Miss Sophie Beckett is the illegitimate daughter of the earl of Penwood. Raised in his home, Sophie has a tolerable existence until the earl marries, when her life takes a distinct turn for the worse. Sophie's new stepmother hates her, and when the earl passes away, she relegates Sophie to the role of servant. Sophie's days are pure drudgery, until one night her fellow servants conspire to help her attend a masquerade ball.

Her life changes irrevocably when she meets handsome Benedict Bridgerton and falls head over heels in love. Benedict is equally smitten, but when the clock strikes midnight his beautiful mystery lady runs from him, leaving only her glove in his hand. He searches London for her, but she seems to have vanished. What Benedict doesn't know is that Sophie's stepmother has discovered her outing and thrown Sophie out of their London townhouse. Sophie leaves London, and it isn't until three years later that Benedict and Sophie's paths cross once again, when he saves her from the unwanted attentions of a drunken lord. Sophie recognizes Benedict immediately, but much to her dismay, he doesn't know her in her maid's dress. Soon, however, Benedict falls in love with Sophie all over again. Believing her to be a servant, he cannot conceive of a way to make her his, as she adamantly refuses to become his mistress. Both struggle with their feelings for each other, their unwillingness to compromise their principles, and the seemingly insurmountable wall separating a member of the nobility and a servant. To add to their difficulties, Sophie's vindictive stepmother discovers her presence in London and sets out to make her life even more miserable. It will take the combined force of the large Bridgerton family to help these two stubborn people realize a happy future together.

Quinn brings a fresh approach to this charming retelling of the Cinderella story, enhancing the tale with a strong Regency setting and the warmth of Benedict Bridgerton's large family. Quinn has a reputation for witty dialogue and endearing characters, and she delivers both in this delightful novel. --Lois Faye Dyer

Expectations
This is the third book in the Bridgerton series, and I have read and loved the previous two. I couldn't wait to devour this book, especially considering the Cinderella-style story. In fact I was trying to finish off some of my other books before I started this but I couldn't wait!

Writing Style
Typical Julia Quinn; fresh, witty and delightful. The story leapt from the page. Brilliantly written.

Plot
It was a lot like Cinderella, but thankfully Julia Quinn had made it her own. I liked the acuracy of how there were no easy answers when a maid fell in love with a gentleman. The developing love story was passionate and delightful to read, perfect fiction.

Characters
Sophie Beckett, the main character, is a delight. Her feelings about being the illigitimate daughter of an earl are conveyed in a believable manner, and her slightly flawed character is charming to read about. Benedict Bridgerton is, if I am honest, not my favourite of the three Bridgertons I have read about, but still a great main male character and a plausible love interest. Great stuff.

Overall
I read this in one two-hour sitting; it is a book which is so delightful you simply can't put it down. A perfect novel.

5 Stars

The Russian Concubine

The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

Summary
Junchow, China, 1928. Lydia Ivanova has a fierce spirit. Nothing can dim it, not even the foul waters of the Peiho River. Into the river's grime bodies are tossed - those of thieves and Communists alike. So every time Lydia steals from someone to feed herself and her mother, she takes her life into her own hands. Lydia's mother, Valentina, numbered among the Russian elite until the Bolsheviks rounded them up. They took her husband but she managed to buy back her child and bring her to China. But survival is hard. Even though mother and daughter live in the Whites-only settlement, no walls can keep Lydia in. She escapes to meet Chang An Lo, who saves her life once and is bound to her for ever . But Chang has enemies who are hunting him down - Chiang Kai Shek's troops are headed towards Junchow to kill Reds like him. Their all-consuming love can only mean danger for them both, but they are powerless to end it ...

Expectations
I was expecting this book to contain a Russian concubine: it didn't! However I was not disappointed in terms of a gripping love story.

Writing Style
I loved the way it jumped around different points of view, giving an insight into all the characters. The writing itself was lovely, providing a fantastic description of feelings and settings.

Plot
Beautiful! It was fantastic to read about a doomed relationship set against a real historical background. This was no fairy tale and it was a delight to read.

Characters
The characters are complex, with many layers, and real aspects. Nobody is portrayed as the perfect good person or the completely evil baddie. I liked it!

Overall
Definately something you should get your teeth into. A good book!

4 Stars

Fall Reading Challenge

Starts: 1st September
at: Readers of Romance

1. Title that reminds you of a fairytale (Once upon a time, Prince Charming, Beauty and the Beast, Princess)
- The Runaway Princess, by Christina Dodd
2. Book based on the cover
- Everlasting, by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
3. Read a book that was read and reviewed on the blog in the Summer Book Challenge
- Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase
4. Read a book from a genre you have not read yet (or if you have read all genres, read from the genre you read the least)
- Mr Perfect, by Linda Howard
5. Read a book that has an “N” word in the title for November
- Secrets of A Summer Night, by Lisa Kleypas
6. Read an author that last name or first name starts with "S" for September
- Remember Me?, by Sophie Kinsella
7. Read a book by Johanna Lindsey
- Love Only Once, by Johanna Lindsey
8. For Halloween…. Read a book that is "spooky" (ghosts, vampires, werewolves, mystery, suspense)
- Bitten and Smitten, by Michelle Rowen
9. Title with an address or a place in it (city, state, river, lake, cottage)
- The Lost Duke of Wyndham, by Julia Quinn
10. Title that has a name in it (Nicknames are okay)
- Me and Mr. Darcy, by Alexandra Potter
11. Read a Series Book
- Splendid, by Julia Quinn
12. Read a Series Book
- Vampire Kisses, Ellen Schreiber
13. Read a New (to you) author
- The Seduction of an English Scoundrel, by Jillian Hunter
14. Title that has an animal in it
- The Secret Swan, by Shana Abe
15. Title that is 2 words
- My Seduction, by Connie Brockway

Dying...

I am dying!

I have read 'The Duke And I' and 'The Viscount Who Loved Me' by Julia Quinn, and am desperate to read the rest of her eight-book Bridgerton series. However, although I have the next three books (sat on my bookcase, tempting me...), I am currently reading:

1. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
2. Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger
3. The Rose Revived by Katie Fforde
4. Seeing Stars by Christina Jones

Plus I only finished 'Guilty Pleasures', the first Anita Blake book, this morning. And I have to read 'The Russian Concubine' by Kate Furnivall before Tuesday, as it is due back at the library. I have also been trying to finish reading all of Austen.

I have promised myself I won't indulge my need for more Julia Quinn until I have read 'The Russian Concubine', finished 'The Vampire Lestat' and got back into Austen on a serious level.

This is hard.

Guilty Pleasures

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton

Summary
Anita Blake may be small and young, but vampires call her the Executioner. Anita is a necromancer and vampire hunter in a time when vampires are protected by law--as long as they don't get too nasty. Now someone's killing innocent vampires and Anita agrees--with a bit of vampiric arm-twisting--to help figure out who and why.

Trust is a luxury Anita can't afford when her allies aren't human. The city's most powerful vampire, Nikolaos, is 1,000 years old and looks like a 10-year-old girl. The second most powerful vampire, Jean-Claude, is interested in more than just Anita's professional talents, but the feisty necromancer isn't playing along--yet. This popular series has a wild energy and humor, and some very appealing characters--both dead and alive.

Expectations
A rather avid fan in the library forced me to check this out. I had heard good things about the series but had never felt much interest in it.

Writing Style
Well written! A gripping first person narrative, from the viewpoint of a character who was thankfully fresh and realistic; although brave, she was frightened, although a gun-toting alpha female, she still had realistic emotions.

Plot
A nice, fast-paced murder mystery with delicious supernatural elements. From the beginning, it moves quickly, drawing in the reader and never allowing them a moment to catch their breath. With gore, violence, and a delightfully simmering romantic theme, the plot has all of the key things to make it really excel. It's fresh and original.

Characters
Anita Blake is a well-written character, with many dimensions. The characters of the vampires are well-presented, and Hamilton reveals little about Jean-Claude, making the reader hungry for more. The only thing I might consider a flaw is the character of Phillip, and how he is never properly explained before his death.

Overall
A good read! Definately a must for supernatural fans, but even if this genre isn't your cup of tea, it's worth reading for the kick-ass heroine and the intriguing tale woven.

4 Stars

July Book Blowout Mini-Challenge #1

1. Describe yourself in one sentence
A friendly, tired eighteen year old who likes bed and books!

2. What book will you start the challenge with?
'Guilty Pleasures' by Laurell K Hamilton.

3. Where is your favourite place to read?
Hmm either in bed or in the bath.

4. What is your favourite book of all time?
That's a hard question... right now I'm going to say 'The Viscount Who Loved Me' by Julia Quinn.

5. Remind us all of your challenge target
10 books.

July Book Blowout

I have decided to participate in the July Book Blowout!
Personal Challenge: 10 Books

Books read so far:

1. 'Further Adventures Of A London Call Girl' Belle De Jour
2. 'Can You Keep A Secret?' by Sophie Kinsella
3. 'Shopaholic and Sister' by Sophie Kinsellaby
4. 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn
5. 'Guilty Pleasures' by Laurell K. Hamilton
6. 'The Russian Concubine' by Kate Furnivall
7. 'An Offer From A Gentleman' by Julia Quinn
8. 'Everyone Worth Knowing' by Lauren Weisberger
9. 'I Only Have Fangs For You' by Kathy Love
10. 'The Vampire Lestat' by Anne Rice
11. 'The Rose Revived' by Katie Fforde
12. 'Romancing Mr Bridgerton' by Julia Quinn
13. 'Bridget Jones's Diary' by Helen Fielding
14. 'The Laughing Corpse' by Laurell K. Hamilton
15. 'The Follies of The King' by Jean Plaidy
16. 'Sugar Daddy' by Lisa Kleypas
    

Mini-challenges:
One | Two

The Further Adventures of a London Call Girl

The Further Adventures of a London Call Girl by Belle de Jour

Summary
''She lists like Hornby. She talks dirty like Amis. She has the misanthropy of Larkin and examines the finer points of sexual technique as she is adjusting the torque on a beloved but temperamental old E-type...It's hard to believe that this clever and candid new voice has no more to say. Whoever the author is, she should give up the day job. Only then will we find out what the real Belle de Jour is made of.' Independent This follow-up to the hugely successful 'Intimate Adventures' will be just as bold, funny and brilliant. Peppered with agony-aunt letters and advice, and stories from her 'working' life, it's also the story of a young woman making her way in the world - told in Belle's inimitable voice.

Expectations
I approached this book with some excitement, expecting a gritty, gripping tale. Having never read the first one, I hoped I would understand what was going on.

Writing Style
Average, really. Written as a diary. Nothing outstanding, but no flaws either.

Plot
It was quite gripping at first, as expected. The descriptions of Belle's clients and many men in her life, and what she gets up to, are not described in enough detail to make you wince, but enough to make you interested. However, Belle decides to stop being a call girl, and after that the plot becomes quite boring, centering around her relationship with 'the Boy', which is obviously poor. One will become irritated at her because she tolerates his lying, and it is monotonous and irritating, the sort of stuff you dread to listen to when one of your girlfriends refuses to leave a bad relationship.

Characters
If you're looking for well-developed characters, you won't find them here; in fact, most characters do not even come with names. Understandable given the subject matter, I suppose, but even Belle seems inconsistent, going from worldy-wise call girl to doormat-esque girlfriend.

Overall
A quick read, with nothing deep to get your head around. Not brilliant, but not exactly dire either. I think most would agree that it had the potential to be so much better and that's why it is so disappointing.

2 Stars

Welcome...

... to Toxic Chick Lit! As you can see, this blog will soon be brimming with reviews and articles.

(: