» Historical

Smokinhotbooks Recommended Historical Romance Reads So Far This Year

K.C. — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:17:27 +0000

Every once in awhile SHB takes a break from manlove, demons, and werewolves; and steps back into a time where men are Lords and Ladies, were, well…ladies – oh you know what we mean. These are our top historical romance picks for January and February.

Unveiled by Courtney Milian

Pages: 384

Kindle

Amazon

requested review from Netgalley

This author has been on my radar ever since we heard so much good buzz about Trial by Desire. What I we like most about her books is the author’s ability to write well-written multi-dimensional characters. Don’t ever judge this author’s book by the blurb because 90$ of the time the actual story is 10x more captivating.

Unveiled is a book about revenge. Ash Turner has found a way to ruin the man who turned his back on Ash’s family. But revenge always has consequences – by declaring the Duke a polygamist, the Duke’s family becomes outcasts. As Ash returns to claim hid Dukedom, he is instantly captivated by one of the maids, Margaret. Unbeknownst to him, Lady Margaret has become an outcast and a bastard and in order to survive she hides her identity as a maid in Parford Manor.

In the wrong hands this type of story-line could have been off-putting and filled with bickering and angst x 10; which is not my fav way of incorporating tension between the two characters. But Milan really does a good job of giving you both sides of the story, you really feel for Ash who grew up with nothing and seized an opportunity to better his family. I think if it had just been about him, you wouldn’t have really connected with him or understood his reasons. As Margaret falls in love so do you.

One of my favorite scenes is when Margaret read’s Ash’s brother Mark’s book. You’ll find out why, but if you don’t fall in love with Ash then you need to get your heart checked out immediately!

With any Courtney Milan book you’ll always et more than what you expected and Unveiled is one of my top historical pics this year.

Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt

#2 Maiden Lane Trilogy

Pages 416

Kindle

Amazon

Ok, raise your hand if you read Wicked Intensions (one of my fav Hoyt books FY to the I) and come time to read NP, had no clue who Lady Hero is (raises both hands)? M’kay a quick SHB refresher – she is the nice lady who helps Mrs. Dews with her ball gown and helps find a benefactor for the children home. If you did remember this please tell me your daily Ginkgo Bilbao intake so I can increase my memory bank.

Notorious Pleasures starts off with one of the more memorable beginnings I’ve read this year. Lady Hero interrupts Lord Griffin having ‘relations’ with a married woman in one of the ballrooms. She sees that they both will be found out and instead of shouting ‘hoy’ she proceeds to take off one of her diamond earrings and chucks it at Griffin’s bare heni (mid thrust, I might add). Thinking she’ll never see ‘Lord Shameless’ again just as her engagement is announced she meets her finance’s brother who turns out to be Lord Shameless aka Lord Griffin Reading.

I had been looking forward to the next book in Maiden Lane series since last year and I liked how NP infused a little more humor than what I’m used to reading from this author. Usually I’m not a fan of scoundrel vs the uptight virgin theme, but Hoyt added just enough freshness to this theme that I ended up really liking this one. We also get some more Silence time and the excerpt for the next book (ohmyfrickinggod) – I read it twice, ok three times and I can’t wait for Silence’s book which is due out in Nov 2001.

Notorious Pleasures was another fabulous read by Elizabeth Hoyt, although it didn’t have the oomph that Wicked Intentions had, overall I really liked it and will definitely be re-reading it when my inner historical romance diva wants to come out and play.

#1 Wicked Intensions Review

Ready any good historicals lately? Share with SHB we wants to know!

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Smokinhotbooks Book Pick of The Week and FAB Winners!

K.C. — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:45:12 +0000

The two lucky SOB’s from Freakin’ Awesome Books…so far this year are:

Anilu Magloire

Michelle (Novels on the Run)

Thank you all for my guest bloggy friends for writing some awesomely funny posts and of course the Downside Ghosts Fashion show.

Now we move onto Smokinhotbooks Pick of the Week.

Genre: Historical Romance

400 pages

Maiden Lane #1

Amazon

As I was recovering from the wore case of hives known in KC’s history (I couldn’t even pick up my Kindle people) I saw this gem on Smexybooks Top 10, where she had me at ‘one of the best historical romances books I’ve read all year’. I whipped out my kindle and downloaded Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt faster than Chris Angel can freak your mind.

Now, historical romance is not my favorite genre to read. To be completely honest (I confess) it’s been over a year since my last HR, ok maybe 2 years. So I put on my big girl panties and read a HISTORICAL ROMANCE.

Wicked Intentions is an enchanting story. We have the mysterious Lazarus Huntington who can’t bear for people to touch him and is investigating the murder of his mistress. Mr. Lazarus is also known for his unique bedroom activities *coughs he likes to tie the ladies up* He hires the Widowed Temperance Dews to take him around dodgy St. Giles.

This story worked for me on all levels. The tension between Lazarus and Temperance fogged up Mrs. Easy Peasy (my kindle to the uniformed), and I liked how Hoyt wrote the main heroine. Often times the reason I steer clear from historical romances are the silly two dimensional characters, instead we read about a woman who despite being penniless, is independent, strong-willed, and sensual.

Did I mention there is sexy time in a carriage?

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The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker Review

K.C. — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:36:23 +0000

Genre Historical Fantasy/Romance Gothic

Pages: 319

Release Date April 27th 2010

Book 2 Strangely Beautiful Series

Amazon Purchase Link

Book given to me by author for review

Favorite Scene

“There was that kiss.” Percy giggled. “You threw me against the bookshelf.”

“Ah, yes, there was that.” He smirked. “how did that go again?” He lifted and spun her. Her breath fled as he pressed her against the shelves for reenactment.

“Yes, that was it,” she finally gasped, as he carried her again to the desk. “Alexi, were you really thinking such things during our tutorials? You seemed so cold.”

“I began to unhinge the moment I demanded you reveal yourself, the moment you took off your scarf, your gloves, your glasses, all your shrouds, and stood bravely before me, diamond blue eyes piercing my soul.”

Percy frowned. “You looked at me in surprise, then.”

Alexi leaned closer.”You were a revelation.”

lu·mi·nous {loo-muh-nuhs} when something overtakes a human body – a possession with intent to harm…

war { wawr} spirits say it is war, all hell has broken loose now that the bride is gone. The fight on the borderland was just the beginning…

Where do I begin…I fell in love with Percy Parker in The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, where a shy, awkward, ‘freakishly pale’ girl became the missing piece in a prophesied puzzle. We meet the illustrious Miss Parker again in The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker and resume the fight against ‘The Darkness’, complete with the broodingly handsome Professor Alexi Rychman and the rest of the guard. Now that Alexi has realized that Percy is his mythical destiny, their proclamation of true love is confirmed for all to see. But alas, it’s not all moonbeams and rainbows as something sinister is lurking in the depths of the Athens Academy, something that want’s Persephone. Percy will have to be on her guard as one within her group is foretold to be a betrayer, someone who she is close to. With the daunting task of being the newest member of the guard, navigating a new position at the academy and being the wife of Alexi, Percy cannot help but feel a little lost. How is she to save herself when someone close to her will betray her at her most vulnerable? All I can say is that Alexi and Percy have a difficult road a head of them, but not to fear, Percy is a being of light, and light always defeats the darkness….right? Just who is Percy Parker, and is she even human?

Leanna Renee Hieber is one of those authors that can write a romance that is both poignant and heartwarming. Usually when you read a sequel from a beloved first book, there is really no option but to go down. Not so with this book. Although, I did miss Alexi and Percy’s tutorial tete a tete’s I enjoyed the journey of their relationship from whirlwind of forbidden feelings to a working partnership. And yes, Alexi is still the same old aloof Darcy-like character, who only has eyes for Miss Persephone Parker, a fact that I deliciously enjoyed. *swoon* Not to disappoint, our full cast of characters from the pervious book come back to life and add a richness and humanity to this second installment. I enjoyed that Alexi and Percy were not always at the forefront of this story and that we began to see more of the Guard than just magical shields against the underworld.

I will make a hint that I can’t wait to read more about Rebecca! Rebecca has sacrificed everything for Prophecy, even her feelings for the ambivalent Professor Rychman. So long as they could work together, her sacrifice seemed achievable with Alexi at her side. But Alexi has found Percy, his goddess in human form and now Rebecca is left with nothing but the cold embrace of duty. She is the one who knows of the betrayer but her bitterness of Alexi’s feelings for Percy could cloud her judgement. What if Rebecca is the one that is to betray Percy, could she be the one?

The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker is made of all kinds of awesome and is just as exciting and romantic as the first book. Not to be missed.

Rating

GIVEAWAY

I heart this book so much I’m doing a Giveaway Ends 4/29 for Amazon Gift Certificate to purchase Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker (Contest Open to All That Can Access Amazon)

Simply comment to this question: We’ve all felt like Percy a time or two, (an outcast, feeling as if you were somehow odd or different from everyone else) what’s your Percy experience?

Author’s Site | Amazon |

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Review Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley (ARC) – Fabulous Whodunit Gothic Romance

K.C. — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:19:58 +0000

Genre: Historical Romance/Gothic (400 pages)

Release Date March 2nd 2010 – Pre Order Amazon

Book given to me to review by author this is an ARC

From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning it’s roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amit the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…

Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lionscroft, who is rumored to have murdered his parents. Initially, Gavin’s towering presence and brusque manner instill fear in Evangeline …until his rakish features and seductive attentions profoundly arouse her. But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. could the man to whom she is powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

If you would have spoken to me six months ago and asked me to read a historical romance I would have laughed and said…that’s so 10 years ago for me. See, I cut my teeth on Julie Garwood, Amanda Quick and authors of the like when I first started reading romance. I don’t want to say that I outgrew them, just that I had a change of heart. Too Wicked to Kiss brought me back to why I used to love historicals. The meeting of romance, a little magic and a love story all wrapped up in one pretty package. I forgot how much I enjoyed feeling a part of two characters discovering their attraction for each other, falling in love and creating an enthralling love story out of the experience. After being on a steady diet of contemporary and paranormal romances, it was nice to change up the dynamic of the falling in ‘lust’ and then love for the opposite.

Ms. Ridley, exceeded any expectations that I had for this book! If you’ve ever been a fan of Godsford Park then this is the book for you! Although the time periods are different, I loved the similarities of the stuffy sophisticates all coming together to solve the mystery of just who murdered one of their own. Through many twists and turns we begin to see that first impressions can prove to be misleading and to not assume that anyone is innocent! The only hint I can give you is that it was the Colonel Mustard with the rope in the billiard room. (evil laugh ensues)

Evangeline is desperate to escape her stepfather’s evil clutches. She places her life in the hands of her mother’s childhood friend in hopes that she can help her escape. She is unaware of the manipulative tendencies of Lady Stratford until it is too late! Now Evangeline must help Ms. Stratford trap the mysterious Gavin Lionsheart into marriage with her daughter. Little does Evangeline know that this is no ordinary gentleman but a man with a reputation for murder. She is to spend two weeks trapped in the house of an alleged killer and she has given her word to Lady Stratford that she will help or else. A murder has been committed, all eyes turn immediately to Gavin Lionscroft and given his public displays of temper, it will take a special someone to help prove his innocence. Miss Evangeline Pemberton must use her special powers to unlock just who is the killer.

This fast-paced, page-turner examines how an error in judgment can lead to cataclysmic events that will possess a person for the rest of their lives. It is in the love and forgiveness of another that maybe we can be good again. That maybe our own sense of failure and guilt can we washed clean just by someone believing in us. For anyone who is looking for a great mystery and poignant love story, this is a story not to be missed. Here’s looking at you kid.

P.S. I loved that we get a little paranormal with Evangeline’s Gift and I liked how intensely I connected with the story but not in a crazy Danielle Steel kind of way.

Rating

Author’s Website

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The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

K.C. — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:46:01 +0000

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Release Date: August 20^th 2009 {334 pages}

This book was given to me to review by the author.

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Hidden in the dark heart of Victorian London, the Romanesque school was dreadfully imposing, a veritable fortress, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met its powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadows, of the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She saw simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gift. This arched stone doorway was a portal to a new life, to an education far from what could be had at a convent-and it was an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death…

There aren’t enough words the Internet Thesaurus dictionary can describe for how ‘in-hearts’ I am with The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker. This book is a re-imagined homage to the Victorian romantics such as Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte mixed with the supernatural aspects of Sherlock Holmes. This book brought to life what is so often missing in contemporary romance, the ability to build romantic tension with nothing more than stolen glances and a poet’s heart. I was swept away back to the times where a single touch of the hand was more deliciously erotic than any sexual act. I will say, it’s not easy to fulfill the appetite of contemporary readers who are used to the more physical interactions of the characters as a necessary form of romantic fulfillment. I cried, I laughed, and was strangely fulfilled, even though the biggest climax of the book was when they kiss. This brought me back to why I fell in love with romance in the first place.

I think we’ve all felt at some point in our lives a little awkward, needing to be accepted and the painful journey towards finding that acceptance. Timid, ghostly-looking, Percy Parker tugs at your heart with her quiet strength and resilience; who’s shyness and tender heart make the reader love her even more. Raised in a convent, Percy is accepted into the Athens School at the late age of 19. Excited and nervous to venture outside of her convent, Percy braves her new adventure with a quiet determination and steadfastness. Despite her ghostly looks, Percy desperately wants to fit in and finds herself thinking that she just can’t help feel that she is destined for something bigger. Something, extraordinary.

Mathematics Professor Alexi Rychman is part of a prophecy and his life is not his own. He is part of a group of guardians that have been awaiting the 7th installment of their group, one who will save the world from the prophesized evil that was revealed to him as a young man. Alexi has lead an emotionless life, keeping all his feelings to nothing more than a cold politeness. He is on the brink of despair. He is getting older and has lost faith that his goddess will not return to him and reveal their 7^th member. This 7^th person is destined to be the woman he is fated to fall in love with, he just doesn’t know he’s already met her.

Enter Miss Percy Parker, gifted with languages, a lover of literature and wretched in mathematics and science. She is destined to die a painful, slow death of embarrassment from her regular tutoring sessions from the delicious Professor Rychman. She despises her ineptness and each day falls a bit deeper in love with the Professor.

If you are yearning for something more fulfilling then what’s currently on your bookshevles, the odd, yet beautiful adventure of Miss Percy Parker is a romance not to be missed.

Rating

Amazon Link:

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