:)

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 :)