Brighter Than the Sun

Charles Wycombe, the dashing - if incorrigible - Earl of Billington, needs a bride before his upcoming 30th birthday, if he hopes to earn his inheritance. The vicar′s vivacious, determined daughter, Miss Eleanor Lyndon, needs a new home, since her father′s insufferable fiancee is making her old one intolerable. Destiny has brought Charles and Ellie together - though their match at the outset appears to have been made somewhere rather hotter than heaven.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn writes a convenient marriage in her novel, Brighter Than the Sun. I came across this book in my favorite used book store in Missouri while on vacation and couldn't believe I had discovered something published in 1997 by Quinn that I hadn't read yet. My friend and I both bought copies and read them the next day. And I must admit, this was the only Quinn book I've read that I didn't enjoy immensely. (It is Julia Quinn, so I of course enjoyed it a little bit.)

Ellie and Charles are the main characters of this humorous historical romance. Ellie is about to be forced into servitude by her own future step-mother while Charles is on the verge of losing all of his money if he doesn't marry by his thirtieth birthday - which is a mere fifteen days away. Together they escape tragedy by agreeing to marry, but then they start to actually like each other and then things get a little tricky. 

Charles is a devilish rake who enjoys alcohol, sweets, and teasing Ellie until she blushes. Ellie is a sharp witted woman who isn't afraid to bite. Together they make a wonderful pair bringing laughter and happiness to the reader. At this point, I know you're wondering what made this book so disappointing. And now, I'll tell you. 

The plot. 

For such an outstanding writer as Julia Quinn, the plot seemed phony and thrown together. Hodgepodge. First we have the motivation for marriage - perfect. Then Quinn presents humorous situations that force the couple to develop deeper feelings of caring and concern. But wait, there's someone out to get Ellie? She just moved to the estate, how could someone be set on planning her demise already? This revelation is followed by a string of bad situations. Poor Ellie. This does allow readers to connect with the character, as they see her being mistreated readers will instantly form a sympathetic bond. But then, out of seemingly nowhere, Charles' life is in danger. Didn't enough horrible things happen to them already? Do they have to be kidnapped, roughed-up, and mortally threatened? Perhaps, but the myriad of mishaps for the couple are already so high, the plot and the ending are unbelievable. However, I will never give up on Julia Quinn and her amazing ability to spin a spectacular plot as there have been too many wonderful books that outweigh this one.

Rating:1.5/5 Cups

Just Like Heaven

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother's best friend
D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) all of the above

Together They:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND the world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is...

D) all of the above

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julia Quinn starts her Smythe-Smith series with Just Like Heaven. Two childhood friends, who were never supposed to fall in love, realize their feelings when a life or death situation is suddenly threatening their friendship. 

Honoria is the youngest sister of the Smythe-Smith brood. As a little girl, she followed her older brother and his best friend around until they couldn't stand it, always spying and making trouble for them. As a young woman of twenty-one, she's looking for a husband so she can have the big rambunctious family life she adored as a child. There's only one problem with her intentions and his name is Marcus. When Honoria's older brother left the country, he made Marcus promise that he would look after Honoria. The underlying meaning, of course, being to scare away any ill-intentioned suitors. When Marcus is hurt, keeping an ever watchful eye on Honoria, his simple twisted ankle and leg wound become a serious infection that threatens his life. Without any thought, Honoria rushes to his side, determined to save his life and unknowingly setting herself up to realize the love she holds for Marcus. 

Honoria is a wonderful character full of wit and love for her family. Readers will enjoy watching her discover the feelings she has for Marcus. They will connect with Honoria through her good nature and naive ways. Marcus, with his brooding and harsh features, will also capture the hearts of readers. He's a shy man who happened into the Smythe-Smith family as a young boy, quickly becoming an adopted son. Readers will enjoy his point of view as well as Honoria's and they will connect with him through his desire to be part of a loving family. 

Though the plot is quite simplistic, Quinn delivers a warm love story with her novel. It's an easy and relaxing book that historical romance readers will delve into, with the urge to continue the Quartet series when they finish. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Never Desire a Duke

A secret from his past holds the key to their future...

A Marriage Beyond Hope

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, Lord Vane Barwick, the Marquess of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom—and a single touch—are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A Love Beyond Reason

Lord Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Lady Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he's ever truly loved. He'll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Lily Dalton debuted her historical romantic voice with her novel, Never Desire a Duke, the first in the Scandalous series. She pairs a woman who wanted nothing but to love her husband and have a family with a man whose own family only filled him with doubt. After the vows, Sophia and Vane share the ultimate misfortune: a miscarriage. And it tore them apart. With the idea of separation echoing in Sophia's mind and the desire to rekindle what was lost in Vane's, Never Desire a Duke is a romance novel full of comedy, heart warming moments, and two characters that will undoubtedly win the hearts of readers. 

Sophia is a family motivated main character. She's full of love and hope even in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy. She's mild tempered, patient, giving, logical, and still in love with a husband who abandoned her (even though she denies it). Readers will instantly fall to her side as they witness Sophia trying to find the strength to face the future. Vane, on the other hand, has had a very troubled youth which haunts him as an adult. After the death of his mother, his life was nothing but darkness. In Sophia, he found light and happiness. But he was a coward, running from the one thing in his life he ever wanted: his wife. At the beginning of the novel, Vane isn't a likeable character. But just as he must convince Sophia of his worthiness, his faithfulness, and his love, he must also convince the reader. Throughout the story, Sophia and readers align in spirit to forgive Vane and attempt to move forward. 

The plot follows Sophia and Vane through their relationship, which begins in shambles. Sophia wants to separate, legally, from Vane but Vane wants to start over. Though their ultimate goals oppose each other, they discover they want the same thing. Trapped in a house by wintry weather, the married couple must decide what the future holds for their vows and whether or not they can survive the storm. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Dancing With the Duke

She's loved him for years...
Charlotte Grant can't remember a time when she didn't love her best friend's older brother.


He's never noticed her...
The Duke of Clarington hadn't spared a thought for his sister's friend in years.

Their situations are about to be reversed...
It is the beginning of a new Season and Clarington intends to stay away from all the young ladies and eager mamas hoping to ensnare a duke. But that plan falls into tatters when his mother sponsors his sister's friend and enlists him to dance with her at Almack's. The beautiful vixen he meets that night bears little resemblance to the shy, gangly girl who used to follow him around. Now, instead of avoiding Charlotte, he finds himself frustrated when she seems to notice everyone but him.

*May Contain Spoilers*

As a prequel novella to a series, Dancing With the Duke by Suzanna Medeiros sets the stage for future installments. Charlotte and Alex were childhood acquaintances and now that they're all grown up, Charlotte is determined to catch Alex as her husband. 

Charlotte and Alex are likeable enough for readers to complete the novella, but because of the short nature of the book, it's quite difficult to make any true connections. Charlotte, in her childhood, was a blushing, shy, gangly girl. Now she's grown into a beautiful young woman who has learned confidence and self-esteem. These traits are perfect for a foundation of character connection, but not enough to fully form a bond with readers. 

Readers don't learn much about Alex, except that he isn't ready to marry until he sets his eyes on Charlotte for the first time in seven years. He has high morals and loves his family. Again, two good traits to build a connection on. I truly think that this prequel deserves novel-length and more character evolution. Medeiros has set up a wonderful romance but doesn't deliver the satisfying story evolution that she could have. 

Rating: 2/5 Cups

Fated

Torn apart by History
Bound for Eternity

A historical paranormal romance with sweeping consequences, “Fated” is sure to thrill.

Set in ancient Rome, you will find yourself immersed in the culture, drawn to the intrigue and yearning for the romance.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Carolyn McCray transports readers back to Rome, during the rule of Julius Caesar and just before the Ides of March, in her novel, Fated. If you ever wondered why Brutus, Caesar's closest friend, was the one to deliver the killing blow, McCray has created an intricate tale that tells why, coupled with a love story that lasts throughout eternity. 

Syra and Brutus are the main characters of the book, alternating perspectives. Syra is a warrior, who when discovered to be a woman, is sold into slavery. She's strong, brave, courageous, motivating, and has the mind of a military official. She's never felt love before and for is drawn to Rome by her dreams. Readers will enjoy her tom-boy personality, while respecting her for what she can do on the battlefield. She's a stubborn character who is full of pride and hope for the future. 

Brutus is a member of Rome's senate during a time in which the conspiracy to overthrow Caesar is born. Though, he believes that he's the illegitimate son of Caesar, readers know from history that he is the one to kill Julius. His character in the novel is intelligent, loyal, proud, trustworthy, friendly, and he is always trying to help anyone he can. Readers will love his guardian nature and be captivated by his story. 

The plot starts unfolding very quickly as readers realize that the Ides of March are coming soon and Rome's ruler won't survive. After Brutus and Syra meet (as owner and slave) they become enamored with each other. As their love grows, so does the plot to kill Caesar. Will they both survive the fall of the Roman ruler, or will Brutus be on the receiving end of a knife as well? Fated is fantasy, history, romance, and thrilling all at once. Wonderful book! 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Fated

Duke For Hire

It begins with a woman looking for a husband.

Not love.

It also begins with the same woman mistaking a duke for a common business solicitor.

When he's hired by her to find her a husband, preferably, a duke, and preferably, on her list of acceptable dukes. He agrees. Because really, with those eyes, how could he say no to her?

Except he, being a duke, isn't on the list. And he just also happens to be the one who has fallen in love with her.

Poor Elinor, being set up to fall in love with James Tremont when all she wanted was an acceptable marriage.

**

It's obvious to see that what Elinor really wants is just that, love. Only she believes (after her first husband was overly cruel) that it won't ever exist for her. After being hurt, we're all cautious to jump back in the world of relationships, and that is exactly where the reader connects with Elinor. Making this love story, Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle, laugh out loud funny and hopelessly endearing.

Mad About the Duke on Amazon

rating: 4/5 cups