Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 37

#Review: THE DISHONORED VISCOUNT by Sophie Barnes

 

  4 of 5 stars

Marcus Berkly has craved out a rewarding life for himself as a respected eye surgeon after his title and all that entails was stripped from him when his father was executed as a murderer. Suffering the sins of the father isn't fair, but it's the way of the ton and Marcus has reconciled himself to it. When he helps Lady Louise when her eyesight fails at a ball, it sets him on a journey that he could not have anticipated. He admires Lady Louise's bravery as she agrees to undergo eye surgery that is cutting edge, but one that not all the medical community agree with. Can Marcus help Louise see again?

This was such a unique and enjoyable story. Clearly, a lot of research went into understanding the surgery at the time. I loved and admired Lady Louise for her bravery in agreeing to let Marcus operate on her eyes. She was such a strong character throughout the book. Marcus was such an honorable man even telling Louise of his misstep during surgery. I loved watching their slow burn love story unfold. I thought Louise's father was an abhorrent character who cared little for his daughter and only for what society thought. The extended olive branch at the end of the book came about more from Louise's mother than her father. The plot moved along nicely and I'm looking forward to the next book from this talented author.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: WHEN SPARKS FLY by Helena Hunting

 

  3 of 5 stars

Avery Spark and Declan McCormick are best friends who live together and have a great relationship. When Avery is in a serious car accident things change. Declan was supposed to go with her to a potential client meeting, but messes up and has a one night stand. Now he's full of guilt and remorse and will do anything he can to help her mend her broken bones. Can Avery forgive him for his selfishness and will their relationship endure or be lost forever?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Hunting and while she hit on some important issues, it was just okay for me. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but that was necessary to set up the story. Avery and Declan are two people who for years refused to see what their relationship could be, instead keeping things strictly in the friends zone. Through Avery's painful recovery and Declan's refusal to deal with his own childhood issues, these two struggle with maintaining their friendship or moving past friendship into something more. The author does a good job highlighting the need for mental health therapy for Declan to begin his own healing. In the end, this story was okay for me. Nothing really wrong with it, just wasn't my favorite.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own. 

Grammar Girl's Top 10 Language Myths

I've posted these before, but it's always good to get a refresher on these myths.

 

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10. A run-on sentence is a really long sentence

Wrong! They can actually be quite short. In a run-on sentence, independent clauses are squished together without the help of punctuation or a conjunction. If you write “I am short he is tall,” as one sentence without a semicolon, colon, or dashbetween the two independent clauses, it's a run-on sentence even though it has only six words. (See episode 655 [text, audio] for more details.)

 

9. You shouldn't start a sentence with the word 'however'

Wrong! It's fine to start a sentence with “however” so long as you use a commaafter it when it means "nevertheless." (See episode 354 for more details.)

 

8. 'Irregardless' is not a word

Wrong! “Irregardless” is a bad word and a word you shouldn't use, but it is a word. “Floogetyflop” isn't a word—I just made it up and you have no idea what it means.  “Irregardless,” on the other hand, is in almost every dictionary labeled as nonstandard. You shouldn't use it if you want to be taken seriously, but it has gained wide enough use to qualify as a word. (See episode 600 for more details.)

 

7. There is only one way to write the possessive form of a word that ends in S

Wrong! It's a style choice. For example, in the phrase “Kansas's statute,” you can put just an apostrophe at the end of “Kansas” (that's AP style) or you can put an apostrophe S at the end of “Kansas” (that's Chicago style). Both ways are acceptable. (See episode 713 for more details.)

 

6. Passive voice is always wrong

Wrong! In passive voice, the subject of the sentence isn’t the person or the thing taking the action. In fact, in a passive voice sentence, the actor is often completely left out of the sentence. An example is "Mistakes were made," because it doesn't say who made the mistakes. Your writing is often stronger if you make your passive sentences active, but if you don't know who is responsible for an action, passive voice can be the best choice. (See episode 302 for more details.)

Almost everyone believes at least one of these myths.

 

5. 'I.e.' and 'e.g.' mean the same thing

Wrong! “E.g.” means "for example," and “i.e.” means roughly "in other words." You use “e.g.” to provide a list of incomplete examples, and you use “i.e.” to provide a complete clarifying list or statement. (See episode 539 for more details.)

 

4. You use 'a' before words that start with consonants and 'an' before words that start with vowels

Wrong! You use “a” before words that start with consonant sounds and “an” before words that start with vowel sounds. So, you'd write that someone has "an MBA" instead of "a MBA," because even though “MBA” starts with M, which is a consonant, it starts with the sound of the vowel E—MBA. (See episode 261 for more details [text, audio].)

 

3. It's incorrect to answer the question 'How are you?' with the statement 'I'm good'

Wrong! You probably learned that verbs need to be modified by adverbs (such as “well”), but “good” isn’t modifying “am” in the sentence “I am good.” Instead, “good” is acting as the subject complement and modifying the pronoun “I.” It's also fine to answer "I'm well," but some grammarians believe "I'm well" should be used to talk about your health and not your general disposition. (See episode 586 for more details that use "bad" and "badly" as examples.)

 

2. You shouldn't split infinitives

Wrong! Nearly all grammarians want to boldly tell you it's OK to split infinitives. An infinitive is a verb form that is usually made up of the word “to” followed by a verb. An example is "to tell." In a split infinitive, another word separates the two parts of the verb. "To boldly tell" is a split infinitive because “boldly” separates “to” from “tell.” (See episode 454 for more details.)

 

1. You shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition

Wrong! You shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition when the sentence would mean the same thing if you left off the preposition. That means "Where are you at?" is wrong (or at least annoying) because "Where are you?" means the same thing. But there are many sentences where the final preposition is part of a phrasal verb or is necessary to keep from making stuffy, stilted sentences: “I'm going to throw up,” “Let's kiss and make up,” and “What are you waiting for” are just a few examples.  (See episode 800 for more details.)

 

You can find more information about each of these myths in the Grammar Girl archives. 

 

 

 

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9/11/01 Twenty years later - NEVER FORGET

 

 It's hard to believe that 20 years ago our country changed forever? I remember that day with such clarity. With so much chaos in the world today, it's important not to forget the horror of that day. It's not a holiday--we don't celebrate it, but we must remember what happened on that horrific day.

September 11, 2001 was a day that will go down in history as the most deadly attack on the United States. The images were horrific from that day. I remember it so clearly. My daughter had called me and told me a plane had hit the first tower at 8:46 am. Everyone in the office piled into the conference room to watch the news. No one knew what was going on--was it an accident, was it an attack? 
All too soon after that first plane hit the tower, we watched in horror as the another plane hit the second tower at 9:03 am. I remember thinking it was like watching a Hollywood blockbuster movie, but sadly, it was no movie. It was all too real. 3,000 people lost their lives that day in New York. More lives were lost in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon as two more planes were involved in attacks against the United States.
A new tower has been built as an testament to the American spirit of never letting our enemies defeat us. As the new structure rose up into the sky, we could take comfort in knowing that we would also be honoring all those who died in those horrific attacks.
We should all take a moment to reflect on all we should be grateful for--family, friends and anything else that is near and dear to you. My heart aches for all those who lost a loved one on that tortuous day. Time will never dull the outrage we felt watching that destruction, but maybe time will help heal the hearts of all those who suffered that day.

#Review: THE EARL'S IRON WARRANT by Kate Archer

 

5 of 5 stars 

Charles Battersea,  Earl of Dalton, the last ducal heir refusing to give up his bachelor status, has been given no choice by his father. The duke named Dalton guardian to Miss Daisy Danworth and he must travel to the run down estate that is now part of the duke's holdings. He has met Miss Danworth before in London and liked her well-enough, but Dalton has steadfastly refused to ever consider marriage. What he doesn't expect is for Daisy to feel the same way. There is more going on at the estate than either of them realize and they soon are embroiled in a murder mystery. Can they protect each other or will they run afoul of some questionable men from Daisy's father's past?

I've read all the books in this series, but this one is my absolute favorite. The secondary characters especially Mrs. Broadbent and Bellamy were so entertaining, I laughed at their antics throughout the book. And of course there was The Wretch. Who doesn't love a cat? I loved the slow burn of Dalton's and Daisy's feelings on life and each other as they change and adapt. The mystery running through the book kept it suspenseful. While this is a stand alone story, I recommend reading all the books in the series to get the full story of the 6 ducal heirs who found love on their own terms.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

 

#Excerpt: WANTING by Lynn Burke

Wanting
Lynn Burke
(Forbidden Obsession, #1)
Publication date: September 7th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Gideon is a big bad wolf who doesn’t bother with sheep’s clothing, an overbearing jackass who hates our combined families as much as I do.

I shouldn’t secretly love his possessiveness over me at school.

I certainly shouldn’t enjoy the unwanted way my body reacts to him.

My sweet sixteen culminates in the first kiss that I always dreamed of. The nightmare that follows, however, leaves me cold and aching.

I go from wanting…to needing.

But Gideon is gone and I’m about to face the real threat to my innocence.

Alone.

WARNING: Wanting is the first book in the Forbidden Obsession Duet and does not end happily ever after. It’s a forbidden romance that contains triggers and mature themes. Recommended for 18+.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

—

EXCERPT:

Piercing blue eyes glanced down over the curves I’d inherited from Mother at too young of an age, but rather than feeling weirded out by Gideon’s good long look at me, warmth tingled into the tips of my breasts. Heat flooded his eyes when they met mine—but blinked out like a flashlight, his face becoming cold and hard.

And leaving me breathless. Shaky and unsettled in a way I didn’t know how to deal with.

“Sis,” he said, his tone as mocking as his slow smirk that fluttered my belly.

Proper poise, I could hear Mother’s echoing hiss from many times before between my ears.

I lifted my chin to do the same as he’d done to me, my narrowed gaze sliding down over his suit as though I found him lacking in every way—which I totally didn’t. Broad shoulders for seventeen, he could have been out felling trees. And that hair…those bedroom eyes, my best friend Jenny would say, could talk a girl into giving up her first kiss.

He stirred things inside me I didn’t understand, and I hated him for the curiosity tingling through my limbs and whispering in my mind.

“I’m not your sis,” I shot back with a huff and flounce of my hair.

Author Bio:

Lynn Burke is a full time mother, voracious gardener, and scribbler of spicy romance stories. A country bumpkin turned Bay Stater, she enjoys her chowdah and Dunkin Donuts when not trying to escape the reality of city life.

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#Review: UNMASKING THE HERO by Mary Lancaster

 

  5 of 5 stars

Oliver, the charming Earl of Wennng, thought he was living his perfect life. He had married Grace, the woman of his dreams and their life together looked wonderful full of love and laughter. Except, something goes terribly wrong on the wedding night and Oliver abandons Grace while he pursues a diplomatic mission in China. Grace was shattered and had not idea what had happened, but she soon tries to pull her life together and carry on. When word reaches her two years later, that her wayward husband is coming home, she vows never to forgive him his terrible treatment of her. But, are there other things in play keeping these two apart?

I absolutely loved this book! It was so heartbreaking for the suffering Grace had endured and she does her best to put on a brave face to Society. Everyone accuses her of driving her husband away, but how is that fair? There was mystery, intrigue and a slow understanding of what jealously can do to families. The pacing is good throughout the book and the ending is perfect! I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE WONDER OF LOVE by Meara Platt

 

4 of 5 stars

Taunton’s magistrate, Shayne Brayden, never saw the punch from Willow Farthingale coming, but he wasn't about to let the fiesty miss out of his sight until he got her witness statement. Willow might have seen who set fire to the inn's carriage house and Shayne needed to catch the culprit(s) before even more damage was done. Though they had a rocky start, a sort of mutual respect developed between them, that is, until Willow is attacked. Now all of Shayne's protective instincts kicked in to protect the woman that was becoming very dear to him. Can he keep her safe before another attempt is made?

I loved all the Book of Love books. This was another tender and sweet story without too much conflict between the main characters, but more self-doubt than anything else. Shayne wasn't ready to admit he was falling in love with Willow and Willow couldn't believe a hunky and gorgeous man like Shayne would be interested in her. There's a mystery running through the story of who exactly wanted Willow dead and a past love of Shayne's that shows up to shake Willow's confidence. If you're looking for a sweet and romantic story, this series is definitely a favorite. Can't wait to read the next book in the story and see what happens with Willow's sister.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A DUKE WORTH FIGHTING FOR by Christina Britton

 

    4 of 5 stars Daniel Hayle, Duke of Carlisle, never wanted to be the duke. He was a soldier and knew war not glittering ballrooms and simpering misses. He agrees to accompany his mother on a trip to the Isle of Synne where she can rest and regain her health and he can practice his social skills. He meets Margery, a war widow who still misses her beloved, but there's something about her that Daniel can't get her out of his mind. When she volunteers to help him find a bride for a price, he readily agrees. What could go wrong?

I loved Daniel. Even though he was an awkward and scarred man who was just looking for a bride, he begins to look forward to outings because Margery would be by his side. He needs no love or tender feelings involved in his potential bride. He just needs an heir so his greedy cousin doesn't inherit the dukedom. Margery was so kind and could look beyond his scars to the honorable man he was and she makes Daniel feel more like a whole man despite his scars. Theirs is a slow burn romance amidst a blackmail mystery. Ms. Britton has a couple of clever twists in the story that kept me turning the pages to the end. I thoroughly enjoy this series and look forward to the next book in the series. I  voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own. 

#Review: ROMANCING THE DUKE by Tessa Dare

 

  4 of 5 stars

When Isolde Ophelia Goodnight receives a mysterious letter telling her she's gotten an inheritance, she hopes against all others that it's funds to get her back on her feet. What she doesn't expect is to inherit a decrepit castle with an uninvited guest, Ransome, the Duke of Rothbury. The castle is the only thing she has worth anything and when Ransome orders her to leave his castle, she digs in her heels and refuses. With neither of them budging in their stands, Ransome offers to pay her to be his secretary and review mountains of unopened letters. Izzy agrees and begins to wade their the piles of correspondence that has accumulated by the neglectful duke to find out why the castle was sold in the first place. Can these two come to a compromise that serves them both well?

I loved this book! It was a funny, silly and an engaging retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. There were several laugh out loud moments as these two adjust to each other as well as a growing mystery brewing on who exactly is stealing from the duke. Along the way these two begin to fall in love, but it could all disappear when the duke's competency is threatened. Can Izzy marshall her fantasy fans to help her convince the duke's solicitors that he is perfectly sane? Their attempts at this are silly at best, but suspending belief and just enjoying the premise, I found it all thoroughly enjoyable. My only criticism is that when they uncover who was stealing from the duke, there was no consequences for such egregious behavior.