Fall Challenge '08

I just realized that I never posted an actual post about the Fall Readers of Romance Challenge. I have completed the challenge so this is not going to be the normal post about the challenge.



Here is my completed list:

1. Title that reminds you of a fairytale Charming the Prince
2. Book based on the cover: It Happened One Autumn
3. Read a book that was read and reviewed on the blog in the Summer Book Challenge: Mesmerized
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): The Bounty Hunter and the Heiress (western &Harlequin)
5. Read a book that has an “N” word in the title for November: A Highlander Never Surrenders
6. Read an author that last name or first name starts with "S" for September: The Brat
7. Read a book by Johanna Lindsey: A Man To Call My Own
8. For Halloween…. Read a book that is "spooky": Realm Of Shadows
9. Title with an address or a place in it: Lost Duke of Wyndham
10. Title that has a name in it: Laird of the Mist
11. Read a Series Book: Mystic Rider
12. Read a Series Book: The Dream Thief
13. Read a New (to you) author: Desperate Duchess
14. Title that has an animal in it: The Raven Prince
15. Title that is 2 words:Highland Warrior

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

#2. Book chosen for the cover

Rating 4.5

The girls are back again in the second of the Wallflowers books. Lillian is the next in line to find a husband. From the moment she set eyes on Lord Westcliff there has been animosity bordering on hate between the two. Lord Westcliff thinks that Lillian is an ilreputable American husband hunter and Lillian thinks that Lord Westcliff is an unfeeling, stuffy, know-all. Could this actually be love at first sight? Lillian is head strong and hates to be told what to do. She is constantly at odds with Lord Westcliff who is trying to dictate what Lillian should do and how she should behave. These two are thrown together in some of the best and most scandalous ways. There is a perfume aphrodisiac, could this be why Lord Westcliff cannot control himself whenever he gets around Lillian?
There is a lot of humor in this book. Once I finally had the time to sit down and enjoy getting engrossed in Lillian's story I could not put it down.

A Man to Call My Own by Johanna Lindsey

#7. A book by Johanna Lindsey

Rating: 4 stars

Back Cover:
A Man To Call My Own introduces us to a charismatic pair of twins, Amanda and Marian Laton, who, after the sudden death of their father, are sent to live with their aunt on a sprawling Texas Ranch. As the twin sisters- on of whom is nasty, the other nice- both find themselves pursing Chad Kinkaid, the cowboy son of a neighboring ranching family, LIndsey skillfully charts the intoxicating course of first love- and all of love's attendant twists and turns- that end in one of the Laton twins' winning the heart of a man she can call her own.

My Review:
Marion and Amanda are identical twins with completelydifferent personalities. Amanda has been spoiled so completely that Marion disguises herself under large spectacles, dowdy clothes, and tight buns so that she can become invisible to everyone else leaving Amanda the center of attention and no competition for any of the beaus coming to call.After the sudden death of their father the girls are sent to live with their aunt in Texas. Their father's will stipulates that neither girl will be able to obtain their inheritance before getting married and that their aunt must approve of the marriage or their won't be an inheritance.Amanda was coniving, deceitful and just plain mean. Poor Marion was always trying to smooth or prevent the ruffled feathers that Amanda left in her wake.Chad Kinkaid has been helping Aunt Kathleen out on her ranch since a big blow out with his father sent him packing the night of a huge storm. He is sent to fetch the twins from station, only to find that they have already traveled on towards the ranch. Upon meeting up with Amanda and Marion, he has an instant attraction to the beautiful Amanda. He refuses to act on it until he can get her back to the ranch and see if the feeling is mutual.
A Man To Call My Own had a pretty decent plot. I liked it for the most part. I got tired of Amanda's antics and Marion's refusal to change and tell the truth of the matter. I really dislike what happens with the girls inheritance. This was a little much. Not wanting to give anything away, I cannot delve into that whole situation. This was an O.K read. I think that I might have enjoyed it a little more had I actually read it instead of listening to it on audio. (The reader wasn't bad, I just hated the men's voices)

Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James

13. Read a New (to you) author.

Rating 4.5 stars

I have waited to long to post anything of significance on this title. I am having a hard time remembering the names of the characters, so I will have to dig the book back out and find them later.

The Bounty Hunter and the Heiress by Carol Finch

#4 Read a book from a genre you have not read yet
Rating: 5 stars

After bouncing around the genres trying to find something to read for this, I finally settled on a Western and for an added bonus a Harlequin. I haven't read Westerns in a while, with the exception of the Summer Challenge when I read Julie Garwood's For the Roses and the second set of books in that series. I have never read a Harlequin romance novel. I really don't know why I have thumbed my nose at the Harlequin series for so long... maybe it has something to do with the cover art. I am (blushing and hanging my head) one of those people who will buy or turn down a book strictly because of the cover. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
Eva is a strong willed woman who thumbs her nose to societies dictates, refusing to conform and has been labeled an eccentric. She is hell bent on tracking down the shyster (Gordon) who deceived her sister,Lydia, and tried to turn her against Eva. She sets out to hire the highly capable and well known Bounty Hunter J.D Raven. Raven refuses to take on the case, no matter how much money this little woman says she will pay. He has just lost his beloved horse Buck to a shoot out while gathering up three outlaws for the Denver sheriff. He wants nothing more than to return to his secluded cabin in the mountains and start training another horse to take Buck's place. Eva poses as Raven's wife in order to travel with him on the stage coach without rousing the other occupants' suspicions. The entire journey Raven is still refusing to help Eva out, but can't help feel responsible for her the second the come under gun fire at two different stops along the stage line.
These two are at a constant battle of wits and banter constantly, but not to a point where you get tired of it. It is quite funny how they are constantly ruffling each others feathers. Their attraction is strong... which seems odd to Eva because she has sworn men off for the rest of her life, so how is this Half breed fast becoming the man of her dreams?
The Bounty Hunter and the Heiress is one funny, action pact, passion filled story!

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

#9. Title with an address or a place in it (city, state, river, lake, cottage)

Rating: 4 stars

I have only read a few of Julia Quinn's books, so I can't say what I was really expecting. I liked this book, but I there was something that didn't sit well with me and I just can't put my finger on it at the moment. Grace, the heroine, was just an average character. I admired her loyalty to Thomas and the grace in which she was able to deal with the antagonist (dowager Duchess) of the story. At the beginning I was a little miffed by her, she seemed really weak. She did end up growing on me a little more througout the story. Jack was a stronger character full of wit and charm. He definitely had his father's traits that the dowager Duchess seemed so fond of, just not in Jack who was constantly using them on her. I was brought to tears with the meeting between Jack and his aunt Mary. I didn't care for the epilogue. I will however pick up Mr. Cavendish, I presume and finish reading about this family. This was definitely not my favorite JQ book.

Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros

Fall Challenge #1. Title that reminds you of a fairy tale.
Rating: 5 stars

Willow is getting a new mother, her father a new bride with a large dowry. This story really did have a bit of a Cinderella feel to it. The new mother comes with a package of six horrid children who Willow is made nurse maid to. She is ridiculed and shunned, eventually losing her father's affection to the little monsters. So when Lord of Elsinore's man shows up asking for Willow's hand in marriage she eagerly accepts sight unseen.
Lord of Elsinore, Bannar the Bold, is a tried and true war hero, a favorite of King Edward. He has never feared more for his life than he does in his own home with his 12, yes that's right 12, children chomping at his heels at every turn. He has taken to locking himself in the tower for peace and sanity. He is desperate and sends his man in search of non-attractive wife and mother for his brats!
The shenanigans that the kids pull... Oh my! It's a wonder the man has not killed everyone of them or at least given them a good throttling! Willow is not what Bannor wanted at all! He uses his children to run her off, so he does not have to break the news to her himself and damage her pride beyond repair... you would think that this is in some way a noble thing to do...NOT hardly!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Cinderella-ish feel to it. The things the kids do made me want to scream. I actually teared up a couple of times while reading this book, my heart just went out to Willow!

The Brat by Lynsay Sands

Fall Challenge #6. Read a book by an author with a "S" name for September.

Read around the genre challenge-Historical

340 pages

Rating: 5 stars

Back Cover: WHO WOULD MARRY...

All the knights had heard tales of Lady Murie, King Edward III's goddaughter and much feted favorite. It was said she was stunningly beautiful, with bright blue eyes, golden hair and a sweet smile. It was also said that the king had doted on the girl and spoiled her rotten. Despite his need, when Sir Balan saw her howling and sobbing, Murie was the last person he wanted to wed.

...THE BRAT?

But all that glitters is not gold, and sometimes diamonds look very, very rough. There was more to Murie than met the eye, and Balan soon learned that he'd be lucky indeed to deserve such a bride. Yet he was not the only one to discern the truth, and the other hopeful hubby was not quite as honorable. A plot was afoot. Soon would come a reckoning, a time to show who was chivalrous, who was a cad... and who had won the love of a heart unspoiled.

My Review:

This is only my second book by Lynsay Sands and I enjoyed it more than the first. I just loved Murie who is not what the rumors say she is. She is rather sweet and compassionate once you get passed her facade. She cracked me up through out the book with her silly superstitions. These silly superstitions were also endearing. She manages to use and to place with them on a number of occasions. The wedding night had me rolling it was so comical. I really don't know what to say about Balan except that he is the big strong silent type! The passion between these two was hot, they couldn't seem to keep their clothes on, but it was not overwhelming. The suspenseful part (someone trying to kill Balan) through me for a loop too. I can't say much more than that with out giving it away.

This was a light and easy read that kept me turning page after page and is the only book thus far in the Fall Challenge that only took a day to read. I will definitely be looking for more books by Lynsay Sands!

Mesmerized by Candace Camp

Back Cover:

HER CROSS TO BEAR

All her life, Olivia Moreland has denied her clairvoyant abilities, working instead to disprove the mediums that flock to London. But when Stephen, Lord St. Leger, requests her help in investigating an alleged psychic, she can't ignore the ominous presence she feels within the walls of his ancient estate. Nor can she ignore the intimate connection she feels to Stephen, as if she has somehow known him before...

HIS GIFT TO TREASURE

The last time he'd lived in Blackhope Hall, Stephen had watched as his elder brother claimed both the family title and the woman he loved. Now, following his brother's death, Stephen reluctantly returns home and finds his family ensconced in scandal. Who is behind his brother's murder--a dark spirit or the psychic who claims to have channeled it? And what is it about the psychic investigator Olivia Moreland that awakens his long-dormant passion?

As they search for answers, Stephen and Olivia discover that the only way to fight a powerful evil is with a powerful love...

My Thoughts: I chose Mesmerized from the list of reviewed books during the Summer Readers of Romance challenge. I honestly could have read this book for the "Spooky" selection. Candace Camp is a new to me author, saying that I think I have found another author that I will have to pick up frequently.

I was totally gripped from the beginning with the shock to Olivia's system when she first lays eyes on Stephen, him experiencing the same shock. Olivia was totally offended by Stephen, who seems to have lost all of his manners while living in the Western United States. Stephen ends up hiring Olivia to investigate a medium who has her clutches in his mother.

They end up spending quite a bit of time together researching the "lost souls" of Blackhope Hall, all the while the connection between the two is growing and the tension could be cut with a knife.

I have to say that I think is probably the best paranormal book that I have read in a while. I was completely caught up in the ghosts and seances, my skin was crawling. I loved the flashbacks in time to another couple and their forbidden love. I loved this book!!

I do have a few hang ups with the description on the back cover though:

1. I don't know that Olivia really had any clairvoyant abilities, at least it did not seem that she did.

2. Rodrick's, Stephen's brother, death was not really explained at all. We don't know what caused his death. There was never any mention to trying to find his murderer throughout the novel. Rodrick did speak through the medium several times, often complaining of the unrest of all the souls trapped in Blackhope Hall, but never of his death.

Rating: 5

Realm of Shadows by Shannon Drake

Fall Challenge #8. For Halloween a Spooky book.

Reading Around the Genres: Vampire

396 pages

Rating: 4 stars

Realm of Shadows is the fourth in Shannon Drake's Vampire series. I unfortunately started with the second in the series and have been bouncing around. All of them have been really good. I do however recommend reading them in order if possible, there are few characters that show up consistently throughout the series!

Tara has traveled to France to visit with her cousin, Ann, and her ailing grandfather Jaques. Ann tells Tara that she believes their grandfather is losing his mind. He is obsessed with an ongoing archeological dig in their little village outside of Paris. Jaques convinces Tara to wonder down into the crypt to gain as much information as possible from the professor in charge of the dig.

She comes face to face with one of the diggers at the exact moment they hear a blood curdling scream. The digger, Brent Malone, runs back towards the newly discovered coffin while Tara runs in the opposite direction fearing for her life. Everywhere she turns she runs into Brent Malone. Her grandfather is convinced that there are evils that go bump in the night and is eagerly trying to convince Tara into believing also, he has help now... Brent Malone.

I have to say that this was not one of Shannon Drake's best books, especially not for this series. There were a few editting issues that distracted me a little, no big deal in the grand scheme of things. I think that SD tried to incorporate too many characters and side plots, all having a great deal to do with the story line, but it made the story lag in areas. I hated the Epilogue... I understand that you want to know what is happening with the characters and tie everybody in, but it just seemed kind of dumb. What it lacked in romance it definitely made up in suspense and spookiness. On a more positive note, it was a page turner and I was always engrossed in the story. I would recommend reading Realm of Shadows, it is just not as highly recommended as When Darkness Falls and Deep Midnight.

Mystic Rider by Patricia Rice

Rating: 5 Stars!!
384 pages
Paranormal Romance

Back cover:
Chantal Deveau has applied her musical gift to writing impassioned anthems for the French Revolution. But now that the mob has imprisoned her family, she seeks to buy their freedom with her one valuable possession: a jeweled cup. When a tall, dark stranger enters her home and demands she give him her prize, her outrage is nothing compared to her powerful sensual response to his presence...and her startling conviction that their lives ware irrevocably entwined.
Ian recognizes Chantal as the intended mate revealed to him in a vision long ago. But even he is astounded by the lightning-swift attraction he feels fro a woman not of his world. Now he must choose between duty and desire- and open his heart to possibilities that even he could never have forseen.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the Mystic Isle series. I hate that I had to wait a year in between reading the first one, Mystic Guardian, and this one. PR did an exceptional job again!
For some reason while reading Mystic Guardian I did not picture Ian as such a hunk... he seemed more, I don't know nerdy. I was pleasantly surprised when my first thoughts about this man were proved totally wrong.
Ian is Aleynn's sky rider, he is able to read minds and tell the future. He has seen his amacara while searching the sky for the missing chalice. He believes the Gods are telling him that he must leave the island to retrieve the chalice and bring home his intended mate.
He arrives in France during the revolution. He fears for his mate, Chantal. There is an instant pull between these two. The sparks fly almost immediately. In order to protect his amacara Ian must save her family. His life has just become a lot more complicated than he had inticipated. Aelynns are not allowed to speak of there homeland nor are they allowed to interfere with the "Others". Ian must find a way to convince his amacara to leave her home and her family, find the chalice which seems to have a life of it's own, and capture Murdoch ( who was previously thought to have had his powers stripped and was banned from Aelynn).
Mystic Rider was chop full of passion and action. There was plenty of fighting without taking away from the story. Chantal was another strong heroine equally paired with a strong hero. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait until next summer for the release of Mystic Warrior.

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

This was the first time that I have read an Elizabeth Hoyt book. It was a great little story and it will be going to the keeper shelf. I can't wait to purchase the other two in the Series.
Anna Wren smooth talks her way into a secretary position for Lord Swartingham (Edward). She has the position for a week before Edward realizes that he has a female working for him. Anna probably has more backbone than the previous secrataries. His temper does not scare her and she actually stands up to him. The banter between these two is great. A fun story that I could not put down!

A Highlander Never Surrenders by Paula Quinn

This is the sequel to Laird of the Mist. Graham Grant, the Commander of the MacGregor Clan, has vowed to live his life as a single man taking pleasure where and when he finds it... which is often and everywhere. There is not a woman around that would not drop to her knees for this man. Nothing is more important to him than his honor and the battlefield. Imagine his surprise when he loses his heart to one sword wielding female wearing pants! Claire is determined to save her sister and seek out revenge on the person who betrayed her brother. Nothing and no one will stand in her way.These two fight each other and their selves every step of the way. Graham cannot get Claire out of his head yet he won't stake claim to her, for doing so would betray one of his closest friends. The passion between them is ignitable.An added bonus, the author takes you back to Skye where you get to visit with the main characters from Laird of the Mist.Another great story by Puala Quinn. 5 Stars!!!”

Laird of the Mist by Paula Quinn

I read Laird of the Mist for the ROR Fall reading challenge. It had been highly recommended by a friend from Shelfari/ROR. I now understand her excitement about this book.

Laird of the Mist has got to be the ultimate wounded hero novel. Callum MacGregor was captured by his enemy as a child and held in the dungeon with his young sister. They both survived this tortured life for nine years, bearing physical and emotional scars. Callum has vowed to avenge all of the MacGregor clan, claim his name, and seek revenge against all Campbells.

Kate Campbell has been taught to fear and hate the MacGregors, especially the one they call The Devil. To her surprise The Devil is the very man he comes to her rescue when she is attacked by another raiding clan.

The desire erupts between these two with a vengeance. Kate is determined to make Callum like her and look past her name. Callum is determined to hate Kate for her last name. She is simply a means to an end.

Laird of the Mist comes full of passion, perils, and deceit. This is a definite 5 star read!!!

The Dream Thief by Shana Abe

Challenge: #12. a series book

Rating: 5 *

Description: Buried deep within the Carpathian Mountains lies the legendary dreaming diamond known as Draumr, the only gem with the power to enslave the drakon. Since childhood, Lady Amalia Langford, daughter of the clan's Alpha, has heard its haunting ballad but kept it secret, along with another rare Gift: Lia can hear the future. In it, she realizes that the diamond- along with the fate of the drakon- rests in the hands of Zane, a human... and her future lover. A master thief, Zane is the only man trusted by the drakon to bring them the stone. But Lia knows he straddles tow worlds and will become either her ally- or her overlord. Now, driven by the urgent song- and by her visions of Zane- Lia breaks every rule to join him. For to protect her tribe she must tie her destiny to that of the man capable of stealing her future... and destroying her heart.
Review: I read the first in this series, The Smoke Thief, during the summer challenge which is why I chose to read The Dream Thief for the series selection. I enjoyed TST, but was not sure that I enjoyed it enough to continue with this series. I am extremely happy that I continued with this series. The Dream Thief started off much better than the first, gripping me from the very beginning. Lia's turmoil starts at a very young age. She is experiencing things in her dreams, she can not see only hear and feel, that leave her mystified. Unable to tell her family she keeps her secrets and separates herself from them, leaving her lonely. She is much like Rue was as a child, not beautiful like her siblings, but awkward. She is unable to turn so she also feels like an outsider looking in. She runs to Zane at 12 years old to warn that she will protect her family at costs. Years later she has planned and placed herself in Zane's path, refusing to be sent home. The truths and lies between these two kept the tension up. There was enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. I could not put this book down and am looking forward to reading the next... The Queen of Dragons.

Highland Warrior by Connie Mason

Fall Challenge '08: #15. title with two words

Rating 4.5

To end generations of feuding Ross MacKenna must wed Gillian McKay, a fiery lass wielding a sword. Treachery is afoot; Angus Sinclair has need of the feud and has several plans to ensure that the McKay and the MacKenna clans continue with their feud.

Connie Mason has never failed to write a gripping story full of action, passion and love. This was a great story! It’s been a while since I picked up a Connie Mason book, I forgot how HOT they can be, or how frequently they get HOT. I was not disappointed with Highland Warrior. Ross was of course a hunky Highlander who is possessive over what is his. He did not for one second believe that he could not “tame” his wild wife. Gillian was a strong woman who wanted to keep the feud going… the MacKenna did slay two of her brothers. This was definitely an amazing story of treachery, love, and swordplay. I am putting this one on my wish list.