Need a good historical romance. Other genres too. discussion
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Discussion of HR and other books. And recs.
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Alicia spends time on the characters and the story. And it shows.
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A press gang got the earl & he served 3 yrs in the Royal Navy.
Now back in England, someone wants to kill him.
HR-ML wrote: "The Earl ReturnsA press gang got the earl & he served 3 yrs in the Royal Navy.
Now back in England, someone wants to kill him."
It's free but isn't the plot a little preposterous? An earl impressed into the Royal Navy? Couldn't he manage to talk to the captain of the ship about his situation? Are impressed sailors in chains?
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The plot is unrealistic. The captain was oblivious. The earl's
fam member arranged the press gang to overcome the bosky
earl and ordered the earl's official orders to be destroyed.
OLT wrote: "HR-ML wrote: "The Earl ReturnsA press gang got the earl & he served 3 yrs in the Royal Navy.
Now back in England, someone wants to kill him."
It's free but isn't the plot a littl..."
I read and liked this freebie this week, 3 star read for me. The Captain was incompetent and his 2nd (?) officer is the OM, with evil plans. I liked it enough to buy next in the series.
So, what are you reading right now? I'm still re-reading books in Thea Harrison's Wyr series (there were a lot of full-length books and novellas). I re-read a few pages of a historical romance I had decided I hated and this time around ... I could sympathize with the heroine. I'll read it soon.
I just placed one of the six kittens I had in his new home. Yay for that. This couple had previously adopted a kitten from me.
I'm trying out a new-to-me HR author, Fenna Edgewood. She has a series out about a set of sisters that live in a village with their widowed mother. The two stories I've read so far are not badly written. The plots themselves are nothing out of the ordinary but I'm mildly impressed by her writing skills, except for the use of the word "anyways."
I finished
His Lady Mistress. https://amzn.to/3jt8UWH. Can't really rate it because some parts were four stars, some part, three stars. I will say if you collect books with angst and miscommunications just plausible enough to be believable, you'll want to add this book.
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How are you? Some books are too angsty for me.
The Girl in His Shadow
I'm reading this historical fiction of a young woman trained as a physician by her mentor. But she can only use her medical skills in his charity clinic b/c women are not permitted to do this work.
HR-ML wrote: "Kathy----How are you? Some books are too angsty for me.
The Girl in His Shadow
I'm reading this historical fiction of a young woman trained as a physician by her mentor. But she ..."
I have this on y TBR list.
HR-ML wrote: "Kathy----How are you? Some books are too angsty for me.
The Girl in His Shadow
I'm reading this historical fiction of a young woman trained as a physician by her mentor. But she ..."
I'm doing well. I'm going to sample this book to see if I might like it.
I just read Julie Anne Long's new title in her Palace of Rogue series--I'm Only Wicked with You. I see you read and reviewed it, OLT. Sounds as if we felt the same about it. I really enjoyed the first two in the series. This one was okay. She writes so well that it should have been better, but I felt as if it was lust first (which is okay) but the growth into love with each other didn't happen until near the end of the book. I think I would have preferred more angst in this one. I still love all the other characters in this series.
I should add that this one title will not stop me from buying her future books.
I started reading this one from page 1 again, and this time I like it better. Mid-nineteenth century but these female characters break all the rules to save the helpless and/or to shame the abusers. It probably would have helped if I had read the previous trilogy that led into this series (Bareknuckle Bastards). Bombshell
HR-ML wrote: "GraceFelt average."
I don't think I've ever read anything by that author.
fyi I looked at the books preceding Bombshell (the last book I finished), and there is yet another series before the Bareknuckle Bastards. Two of the books in that series are about two sisters to Sesily (who is the bomb in Bombshell). That description fits her.
Just finished Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. What the government and local authorities did to the Osage tribe in Oklahoma was beyond horrifying.
Roberta2 wrote: "Just finished Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. What the government and local authorities did to the Osage tribe in Oklahoma was beyond horrify..."Roberta2, who was responsible for the murders? Or ordering the murders?
A few nights ago, I was desperate for light relief and decided to give A Duke’s Fleeing Bride a go. For some reason I had a memory of the book being mentioned here, some months previously. If I’m correct, it was probably not a positive mention.
I gave up on this one part-way through Chapter 2. I was sufficiently incensed to write a one star review - and I didn’t even mention the appalling syntax etc.
I’m heading back to new crime titles that have been published by commercial companies. You must all be sick of me saying it but, for the most part, the self-publishing phenomenon has been no asset for HR fans.
Hope you are all well - Roberta, your latest read sounds even more grim than my fictional murders. At least with them the baddie usually gets punished.
usually gets punished —- in crime novels.
Danker, I left a comment under your review of that spectacular Duke's Fleeing Bride. (Well, a spectacle, at the very least, I guess.) Anyway, I do hope you find some light relief soon. Here in Florida I wish we had the ability to recall governors the way they do in California. But then, we have enough nutters here that a recall would, more than likely, not be successful. All I can hope , in a very uncharitable and unChristian and spiteful way, is that the majority of the Covid casualties in our state are those who would vote for DeSantis' reelection.
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Love the snark. Florida's governor does not know up from down.
HR-ML wrote: "OLT, Love the snark. Florida's governor does not know up from down."
You know, I think he does know up from down. That's the depressing part of all this. He just doesn't care.
BTW, my apologies to all. I think my last two messages are in the wrong discussion group. Old habits die hard.
Danker wrote: "A few nights ago, I was desperate for light relief and decided to give A Duke’s Fleeing Bride a go. For some reason I had a memory of the book being mentioned here, some months previously. If I’m ..."
I can't imagine a young woman doing that in that day. They know something of what maids do.
Danker, I'm still reading mostly old favorites - I need comfort reads right now.
After my recent debacle I bought the first volume in what seems to be a developing series by the Arietta/OLT recommended author, Judith Hale Everett. Then I went searching to see if any 2021 HR releases had been given the thumbs up by reviewers (outside the Amazon/GR ones which I no longer trust, unless I recognise the name of the reviewer). I found the following 5 titles recommended on a site previously unknown to me (amerindian.com). I have copied them in the order of preference chosen by the ameridian writer:
1. Someday My Duke Will Come by Christina Britton
2. Capturing the Earl by A.S. Fenichel
3. The Princess Stakes (or The Duke’s Princess Bride) by Amalie Howard
4. The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George
5. Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London
https://ameredian.com/best-historical...
I’ve read none of them. I’d be interested to know if any of you have read any or all of them. And, if so, your views of them.
Know what you mean HappyBookWorm 2020 - I’m also finding solace in rereads of old favourites.
Danker wrote: "After my recent debacle I bought the first volume in what seems to be a developing series by the Arietta/OLT recommended author, Judith Hale Everett. Then I went searching to see if any 2021 HR re..."
I haven't read any of those HRs, Danker, but I have seen them around. Their blurbs didn't inspire me, but who knows? I think nothing inspires me lately.
OLT wrote: "Danker wrote: "After my recent debacle I bought the first volume in what seems to be a developing series by the Arietta/OLT recommended author, Judith Hale Everett. Then I went searching to see if..."
Try THE SKYLIGHT ROOM.
Danker, I haven't read any of those books so can't help with recs.I have been rereading old favorites as well. Also, I downloaded a few older Regencies by authors like Alice Chetwynd Ley and others. I read one by Jane Ashford and it was so-so. One strike.
Danker wrote: "After my recent debacle I bought the first volume in what seems to be a developing series by the Arietta/OLT recommended author, Judith Hale Everett. Then I went searching to see if any 2021 HR re..."
Danker, none of them rings a bell, although I have always admired Fenichel's covers.
I am currently re-reading a book by Julie Anne Long and enjoying it... although I thought the ladies were overcharging for their rooms, and that requiring people who rented rooms to attend their gatherings was just plain strange. Since most of their renters had ulterior motives - it worked.
Lady Derring Takes a Lover
Danker wrote: "After my recent debacle I bought the first volume in what seems to be a developing series by the Arietta/OLT recommended author, Judith Hale Everett. Then I went searching to see if any 2021 HR re..."
Danker, thank you for the link to another site for recs! I bought the Christina Britton book, rated it 3-4 stars. The H was a 4 star Hero, but the h was more a 2. She was determined to wallow in her misery, forever and ever, amen! I would buy more from this author.
3 stars for my only book by A.S. Fenichal - good, if a little messy.
I have 3 books by Amalie Howard, 2 were 3 stars, 1 was 4 stars. I'll re-read soon, maybe I was a bit harsh.
OLT Finished the first book by Everett. Certainly a step up in syntax - in fact, the language is so formal (and accurate) that I was taken aback. It’s in no way a five stars for me. Nothing much happens (the two young women obsessed by romance were a diversion that didn’t grab at me) and then there was an abduction scene which irritated me a little, even though the heroine showed more sense than the two knights in shining armour. I’d rate it about 3 to 3.5, in the main because I liked the h and H. Despite my reservations, I rather enjoyed it and didn’t regret the purchase. Not sufficiently entertained by it, however, to buy Volume 2 in the series.
Instead, I’ve begun re-reading a few Ellen O’Connell favourites. The story about Caleb and Norah is one of them. It’s as good as I remembered it - although I found the oft-mentioned admiration of Confederate commanders less benign than it would’ve been before the era of the Proud Boys (and other contemporary nutters who seem to have trouble remembering that the North won).
Danker, I'm in the middle of that first Everett book and am having the same impression. Had to slow down my reading speed considerably to be able to savor the extremely subtle humor in the writing. It's not a writing style that will go over with most romance readers but I appreciate that the author knows her way around words and good grammar. I also like the H and h and am resenting all the time given to the silly daughter and her friend.
Has anyone read the Mrs. Pollifax series?
HBW--I really liked Lady Derring Takes a Lover.I know it will become one of my comfort rereads.
My daughter has recommended Louise Penny's Still Life (Inspector Gamache series). She is on book 4 right now. Has anyone read this series? Can't remember if anyone mentioned it previously.
Roberta2 wrote: "HBW--I really liked Lady Derring Takes a Lover.I know it will become one of my comfort rereads.
My daughter has recommended Louise Penny's Still Life (Inspector Gama..."
I read the first and it was okay. Started the second, but did not finish. I know a lot of people love the series. It's just not my cup of tea.
Roberta2 wrote: "HBW--I really liked Lady Derring Takes a Lover.I know it will become one of my comfort rereads.
My daughter has recommended Louise Penny's Still Life (Inspector Gama..."
I've read two or maybe three of the Penny series. I guess I'm with Carol. They are good but I wasn't chuffed enough to read more.
Danker wrote: "OLT Finished the first book by Everett. Certainly a step up in syntax - in fact, the language is so formal (and accurate) that I was taken aback. It’s in no way a five stars for me. Nothing much ha..."I've put the Everett author on my author list.
Roberta2 wrote: "HBW--I really liked Lady Derring Takes a Lover.I know it will become one of my comfort rereads.
My daughter has recommended Louise Penny's Still Life (Inspector Gama..."
I know I have some of the books - can't remember what I have read by her. When I retire, I'll enjoy having more time to read. Imagine having the time to pick a series and reading it from beginning to end .....
Today I have been home and have been reading a new book by Grace Burrowes, and I really, really like it. So far. I like it better than the first book in the series. Miss Delightful
I'm reading Angel in a Devil's Arms - I've had it since it was published but never read it. So far, so good. I just re-read book 1 and enjoyed it all over again. Lucien Durant comes to stay at the Grand Palace on the Thames and is attracted to Angelique, one of the proprietresses. She was once a mistress to a married man. I'm not sure what Lucien did to be treated with such caution yet, or maybe I missed it. It's been a stressful week.
I just finished listen to Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, a nonfiction book read by the author. She's quite witty and it was very enjoyable and interesting. I got it from my library.I have read and enjoyed Still Alice and Every Note played by her and enjoyed them both.
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Sorry to hear of your stress.
Need a good historical romance. Other genres too.
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Honoria and the Family Obligation
We discuss any book, any time. Funny you brought up Honoria,
I just finished her story and enjoyed it. Right after I finished 3
seri..."
I usually enjoy Alicia Cameron's books. One thing I enjoy about her writing is the lack of what sometimes seems like obligatory sex scenes. I'm not prudish but recently I have been reading books that were such good stories ... except that every 20 pages or so, we have to have the couple leaping on each other like crazed marmosets (not that I know what that is, exactly).
I've been re-reading Thea Harrison's paranormal romance/urban fantasy series, one of my favorite series. Reading the books close together, I have noticed that the romantic emphasis in the first books was on relationships and attraction and growing trust and intimacy. The books were both entertaining and romantic. The one I am currently reading - yikes. I'm tempted to go count the pages between scenes, they are occurring so regularly.