Book Annotations
Here are a few books that are of special note in the Romance Genre.
Historical Romance
Lady of the Mists
The Midwives Series
Laurie Alice Eakes
Kindle Edition
Set during the precursor to the War of 1812 this story shows the life of a Seacreast Midwife at the turn of the 18th century. You see how Tabitha Eckles deals with being a single woman and a midwife at a time when midwifery was the perview of married women. Along the way she meets Dominick Cherrett, an indentured servant from England who just seems to show up as England is trying to impress American citizens onto its ships. Initially suspicious of the well bread servant, Tabitha befriends him as a way to learn his secrets to help her community. Far too soon she risks losing her profession as gossip paints her as irresponsible and slatternly. Dominick lends support even as her missing fiance comes into town and they learn where the real dangers lie and who they can trust as things get more heated and dangerous.
Lord of Danger
Anne Stuart
Zebra Historical Romance
1997
350 pgs
Alys is too smart for her own good. When she is brought to her brother Richard the Fair's castle little does she know her life and the life of her sister Claire are about to change. Simon of Navarre, a warrior turned sorcerer hides many a plan behind his stunning good looks. Not the least of which are Richard's plans to take power where he will. Danger abounds when Alys finds herself married to Simon and seeing her sister evade Richard's lecherous gaze with the help of Thomas de Raymer. Fast paced and historically intriguing this book shows that the Middle Ages did have innovations, abit delayed due to religious intolerance. Simon shows how many advances the Middle East had during the Dark Ages and how it could prove to be life saving at a pivitol point.
Outlander
Outlander Series
Diana Gabaldon
Dell Publishing
Reissue 2005
850 pgs.
Claire Randall, a nurse from Britain, has returned from World War II with her husband Frank to reconnect in a second honeymoon. Unfortunately, fate has other plans as she is swept off to Scotland in 1743 by magic. Once there she is labeled a Sassenach an "Outlander" and meets James Fraser, a scottish warrior battling to keep his clan together and deal with the changing situations going on around him. Claire must battle her own desire and the love she feels for the two men as she travels back and forth through time. This story unfolds slowly and is quite dense in its historical accuracies
Everlastin'
Baird House Series
Mickee Madden
Pinnacle Books
1995
394 pgs.
Lachlan Baird is haunting his home of 150 years due to a treacherous wife. He meets Beth who is coming to stay so that she can relax and finally take the break she so desires. When Ghost and girl meet sparks fly in this story of true love that waited 150 years to come to fruition. Beth, unaware that this vacation will be anything but a chance to get away from being tormented by memories of her dying mother does not know what is in store for her when her friends call her to Scotland to get her much needed break. This novel seems to come to life with panoramic views and glimpses of the Scottish highlands in the early 19th century. Paranormal History at its best Lanny has a way of charming the reader and Beth's innocence shows just how sheltered being a personal care attendant can make you.
A Duke's Temptation
The Bridal Pleasures Series
Jillian Hunter
Signet Select
November 2010
342 pgs.
When Lily Boscastle falls into disrepute and has to look for work little does she know that the Duke of Gravenhurst is one of her favorite penny dreadful authors. As their feelings for each other grow secrets become known and the Duke has to decide if he will give up his rakehell ways to keep the woman he loves. Lily learns there is more to a man than his reputation and that trust can be regained. This book is set during the Regency period and evokes lush English countrysides and elaborate balls. Fast paced and exciting it is easy to lose oneself in the novel. The characters are highly intelligent and charming.
The Perfect Poison
An Arcane Society Novel
Amanda Quick
Jove
2009
427pgs.
Lucinda Bromley is trying to solve a murder, one that involves a plant from her very own conservatory. The only one who has a chance to keep her name out of the papers and from jail is the enigmatic Caleb Jones. Tortured by his own secrets Caleb finds himself drawn to Lucinda as he tries to help her identify the killer that puts her name and indeed her life in jeopardy. With a lush backdrop of London at the time of Queen Victoria and a very steam punk feel to it the book is slow to unfold but gripping in its intensity. Amanda Quick has done a fabulous job researching plants of the early 19th century and how they could be used to brew poisons or healing droughts. The book deals with the morals of the time verses the realities of human nature and how many crimes of the day were hidden by poisoning.
The Midwives Series
Laurie Alice Eakes
Kindle Edition
Set during the precursor to the War of 1812 this story shows the life of a Seacreast Midwife at the turn of the 18th century. You see how Tabitha Eckles deals with being a single woman and a midwife at a time when midwifery was the perview of married women. Along the way she meets Dominick Cherrett, an indentured servant from England who just seems to show up as England is trying to impress American citizens onto its ships. Initially suspicious of the well bread servant, Tabitha befriends him as a way to learn his secrets to help her community. Far too soon she risks losing her profession as gossip paints her as irresponsible and slatternly. Dominick lends support even as her missing fiance comes into town and they learn where the real dangers lie and who they can trust as things get more heated and dangerous.
Lord of Danger
Anne Stuart
Zebra Historical Romance
1997
350 pgs
Alys is too smart for her own good. When she is brought to her brother Richard the Fair's castle little does she know her life and the life of her sister Claire are about to change. Simon of Navarre, a warrior turned sorcerer hides many a plan behind his stunning good looks. Not the least of which are Richard's plans to take power where he will. Danger abounds when Alys finds herself married to Simon and seeing her sister evade Richard's lecherous gaze with the help of Thomas de Raymer. Fast paced and historically intriguing this book shows that the Middle Ages did have innovations, abit delayed due to religious intolerance. Simon shows how many advances the Middle East had during the Dark Ages and how it could prove to be life saving at a pivitol point.
Outlander
Outlander Series
Diana Gabaldon
Dell Publishing
Reissue 2005
850 pgs.
Claire Randall, a nurse from Britain, has returned from World War II with her husband Frank to reconnect in a second honeymoon. Unfortunately, fate has other plans as she is swept off to Scotland in 1743 by magic. Once there she is labeled a Sassenach an "Outlander" and meets James Fraser, a scottish warrior battling to keep his clan together and deal with the changing situations going on around him. Claire must battle her own desire and the love she feels for the two men as she travels back and forth through time. This story unfolds slowly and is quite dense in its historical accuracies
Everlastin'
Baird House Series
Mickee Madden
Pinnacle Books
1995
394 pgs.
Lachlan Baird is haunting his home of 150 years due to a treacherous wife. He meets Beth who is coming to stay so that she can relax and finally take the break she so desires. When Ghost and girl meet sparks fly in this story of true love that waited 150 years to come to fruition. Beth, unaware that this vacation will be anything but a chance to get away from being tormented by memories of her dying mother does not know what is in store for her when her friends call her to Scotland to get her much needed break. This novel seems to come to life with panoramic views and glimpses of the Scottish highlands in the early 19th century. Paranormal History at its best Lanny has a way of charming the reader and Beth's innocence shows just how sheltered being a personal care attendant can make you.
A Duke's Temptation
The Bridal Pleasures Series
Jillian Hunter
Signet Select
November 2010
342 pgs.
When Lily Boscastle falls into disrepute and has to look for work little does she know that the Duke of Gravenhurst is one of her favorite penny dreadful authors. As their feelings for each other grow secrets become known and the Duke has to decide if he will give up his rakehell ways to keep the woman he loves. Lily learns there is more to a man than his reputation and that trust can be regained. This book is set during the Regency period and evokes lush English countrysides and elaborate balls. Fast paced and exciting it is easy to lose oneself in the novel. The characters are highly intelligent and charming.
The Perfect Poison
An Arcane Society Novel
Amanda Quick
Jove
2009
427pgs.
Lucinda Bromley is trying to solve a murder, one that involves a plant from her very own conservatory. The only one who has a chance to keep her name out of the papers and from jail is the enigmatic Caleb Jones. Tortured by his own secrets Caleb finds himself drawn to Lucinda as he tries to help her identify the killer that puts her name and indeed her life in jeopardy. With a lush backdrop of London at the time of Queen Victoria and a very steam punk feel to it the book is slow to unfold but gripping in its intensity. Amanda Quick has done a fabulous job researching plants of the early 19th century and how they could be used to brew poisons or healing droughts. The book deals with the morals of the time verses the realities of human nature and how many crimes of the day were hidden by poisoning.
Paranormal Romance
_Dark Prince
Christine Feehan
2011 Kindle Edition
Rowan Whitney is telepathic and on a vacation to Romania she runs into the sensual mind of Mikail Dubruiski a centuries old vampire who is tired of life and watching his family die off from apathy. Rowan and Mikail soon become embroiled in a terrible mystery that leads them through danger and costs Rowan her life. Brought across by Mikail she must then learn to trust him and find out who is killing other vampires if she and Mikail are to stand a chance at the new life they are building. Fighting preconcieved notions and their own urges proves quite the challenge for the two as they try to ralley the family to believe in the power of love. Pre-Twilight this series is what Stephanie Mayer wishes her vampires were. The action is fast paced and Christine Freehan does her homework as far as geography and history of the region. She is not afraid to gently poke fun at her antihero and show his flaws while still pointing out his virtues. This series gives a good glimpse of the men and women in the Dubruiski clain.
Ladyhawke
Book Adaption from the Movie
Joan D. Vinge
Signet
1985
252 pgs.
Ladyhawke is the classic movie brought to life in the book adaption of the film. Far more lush and in depth than a movie could ever be Etienne Navarre and Isaboe come to life in Mideval France. Mouse, a common thief is as poor and financially destitued as ever but his intelligence and wit shine through in this book. Magic and love and the power of faith all are in this film adaption of a romantic favorite. Usually the books come first but in this case, the book is what the movie couldn't be. You truely feel Etienne's pain at Isaboe having to cut her hair and be on the run with him. You see her anguish and trust grow as she befriends Mouse.
Christine Feehan
2011 Kindle Edition
Rowan Whitney is telepathic and on a vacation to Romania she runs into the sensual mind of Mikail Dubruiski a centuries old vampire who is tired of life and watching his family die off from apathy. Rowan and Mikail soon become embroiled in a terrible mystery that leads them through danger and costs Rowan her life. Brought across by Mikail she must then learn to trust him and find out who is killing other vampires if she and Mikail are to stand a chance at the new life they are building. Fighting preconcieved notions and their own urges proves quite the challenge for the two as they try to ralley the family to believe in the power of love. Pre-Twilight this series is what Stephanie Mayer wishes her vampires were. The action is fast paced and Christine Freehan does her homework as far as geography and history of the region. She is not afraid to gently poke fun at her antihero and show his flaws while still pointing out his virtues. This series gives a good glimpse of the men and women in the Dubruiski clain.
Ladyhawke
Book Adaption from the Movie
Joan D. Vinge
Signet
1985
252 pgs.
Ladyhawke is the classic movie brought to life in the book adaption of the film. Far more lush and in depth than a movie could ever be Etienne Navarre and Isaboe come to life in Mideval France. Mouse, a common thief is as poor and financially destitued as ever but his intelligence and wit shine through in this book. Magic and love and the power of faith all are in this film adaption of a romantic favorite. Usually the books come first but in this case, the book is what the movie couldn't be. You truely feel Etienne's pain at Isaboe having to cut her hair and be on the run with him. You see her anguish and trust grow as she befriends Mouse.
Christian Romance
Just Beyond the Clouds
Karen Kingsbury
Kindle Edition
Elle is a woman who has been left at the altar for a man that chose carnal lusts rather than the love of a good woman and Christ. Now she has her work with special needs adults and her Downs Syndrome sister Daisy. When one of her students, Carl Joseph has his brother Cody visit little do the two know they will save the other from a life of loneliness. Cody, determined never to love again after the tragic death of his first wife finds Elle a woman he can learn to love in a way different from his first wife and Elle learns not all men were like her ex fiance and do know the meaning of commitment to Christ and ones partner. This book is uplifting and a feel good book even if it seems that disabled adults are used as a crutch to feel better about oneself for the abled bodied protagonists in the book. It shows a valid mindset for many who wish to help others while learning to help themselves.
Karen Kingsbury
Kindle Edition
Elle is a woman who has been left at the altar for a man that chose carnal lusts rather than the love of a good woman and Christ. Now she has her work with special needs adults and her Downs Syndrome sister Daisy. When one of her students, Carl Joseph has his brother Cody visit little do the two know they will save the other from a life of loneliness. Cody, determined never to love again after the tragic death of his first wife finds Elle a woman he can learn to love in a way different from his first wife and Elle learns not all men were like her ex fiance and do know the meaning of commitment to Christ and ones partner. This book is uplifting and a feel good book even if it seems that disabled adults are used as a crutch to feel better about oneself for the abled bodied protagonists in the book. It shows a valid mindset for many who wish to help others while learning to help themselves.
Teen Romance
_Vampire Diaries: The Awakening
The Vampire Diaries Series
Found on the CW as a television show
L.J. Smith
Harper Collins
1991
311 pgs.
Elena is beautiful, smart and pretty. The most beautiful girl in the school but the new Salvatore Brothers have proven too much a match for her wit and charm. Always mysterious and never without their sunglasses during the day these two Italian brothers fight constantly and seem to charm half the school in the process. Evil, however follows close behind and with the help of Elena and her friends it is put in its place. The mysteries of Fell's Church have only just begun however. This series is a classic teen romance favorite. The characters have believable teenage problems with a supernatural twist that continues through the series. Love and hate relationships, frienemies and sibling rivalry all blend in these fast paced books to make a wonderful read. This book series was turned into a TV series for the CW reciently but as one of the original teens that read this series I find myself less interested in the modern update.
The Vampire Diaries Series
Found on the CW as a television show
L.J. Smith
Harper Collins
1991
311 pgs.
Elena is beautiful, smart and pretty. The most beautiful girl in the school but the new Salvatore Brothers have proven too much a match for her wit and charm. Always mysterious and never without their sunglasses during the day these two Italian brothers fight constantly and seem to charm half the school in the process. Evil, however follows close behind and with the help of Elena and her friends it is put in its place. The mysteries of Fell's Church have only just begun however. This series is a classic teen romance favorite. The characters have believable teenage problems with a supernatural twist that continues through the series. Love and hate relationships, frienemies and sibling rivalry all blend in these fast paced books to make a wonderful read. This book series was turned into a TV series for the CW reciently but as one of the original teens that read this series I find myself less interested in the modern update.