Book Review: The Quilter's Kitchen

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Title: The Quilter's Kitchen
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publish Date: Oct 7, 2008
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

Anna Del Maso had known that she wanted to be a chef since she was in the seventh grade. "Somehow everything in my life ends up being about food," she realizes, as she begins the latest of her food-themed quilts. Her twin passions have converged in a brand-new position as head chef for Elm Creek Quilts, Waterford, Pennsylvania's popular quilting retreat.

As she joins the circle of quilters at historic Elm Creek Manor, Anna is eager to preserve the manor's culinary heritage, dating to 1858, while also celebrating the new favorites of their many guests. Yet as Master Quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson well knows, the manor's kitchen, last updated in the 1940s, can't create food that compares to the state-of-the-art quilting instruction for which Elm Creek Quilts is renowned.

Review: I've read several books in Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilts series. I read them because I love the stories Sylvia tells about the history of Elm Creek Manor.

This book, however is bogged down by recipes, too many recipes and not enough story.

That is something I find it hard to believe, when it comes to the rich details Ms. Chiaverini goes to, in describing some of the meals that Sylvia shared with her family. Food was very much a part of life at Elm Creek Manor, but the recipes don't seem to have much of a place in this book. Sure some of them are reminiscent of the dishes made by Sylvia's ancestors, but most seem to be part of what the new chef, Anna will be serving once the kitchen is remodeled.

That's the problem. The recipes she's going to make aren't really discussed, so the addition of these feels like filler for the end of each chapter. Plus these aren't the fun recipes that the average cook would make.

I loved the stories that accompany some of the findings Anna makes while she's cleaning out the kitchen. It really makes things flow. I particularly loved the tale's accompanying the New Year's meals and why those of German heritage ate pork and sauerkraut and those of Italian heritage ate lentil soup.

If there had been more stories and less recipes, this book would have been as good as the rest of the books in the series.

Rating: 3 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Clever Girl

Author: Tessa Hadley
Title: Clever Girl
Publisher: Harper
Publish Date: March 4, 2014
Review Copy Provided By: TLC Book Tours
Book Blurb:

Like Alice Munro and Colm Tóibín, Tessa Hadley possesses the remarkable ability to transform the mundane into the sublime—an eye for the beauty, innocence, and irony of ordinary lives that elevates domestic fiction to literary art. In Clever Girl, she offers the indelible story of one woman’s life, unfolded in a series of beautifully sculpted episodes that illuminate an era, moving from the 1960s to today. Written with the celebrated precision, intensity, and complexity that have marked her previous works, Clever Girl is a powerful exploration of family relationships and class in modern life, witnessed through the experiences of an Englishwoman named Stella. Unfolding in a series of snapshots, Tessa Hadley’s involving and moving novel follows Stella from childhood, growing up with her single mother in a Bristol bedsit, into the murky waters of middle age.

It is a story vivid in its immediacy and rich in drama—violent deaths, failed affairs, broken dreams, missed chances. Yet it is Hadley’s observations of everyday life, her keen skill at capturing the ways men and women think and feel and relate to one another, that dazzles, pressing us to exclaim with each page, Yes, this is how it is.

Review: I have to say Tessa Hadley's novel Clever Girl left me a bit befuddled. Stella seldom came across as a Clever Girl. In fact, many of her life decisions made me think she was more a foolish girl. She was a hard character to like and as the story progressed, though she showed signs of being "clever" she wasn't really.

I didn't like Stella, much at all. I wanted to warm to her, but she was just not someone I could really invest any emotion in. It is supposed to be a story about ordinary life, but it is really anything but. Stella is so messed up.Her family is so messed up and she just follows suit, only she has a brain. She could have been something early on, but she made so many mistakes, mistakes that ordinary people make, but somehow because they happen so often to her, it makes the ordinary, less ordinary.

So much of her life seemed to go back to her boyfriend from her teenage years, and when she gets to see him again, it is very anti-climatic.

I really had to plod my way through this one, which is a shame because the book was well written, it was just Stella.

It took me days to get through a book that only had 250 pages is not a good. I wanted to like this book so much, but it just didn't work out for me.

Rating: 3 flowers

About Tessa Hadley

Tessa Hadley is the author of four highly praised novels: Accidents in the Home, which was long-listed for the Guardian First Book Award; Everything Will Be All Right; The Master Bedroom; and The London Train, which was a New York Times Notable Book. She is also the author of two short-story collections, Sunstroke and Married Love, both of which were New York Times Notable Books as well. Her stories appear regularly in the New Yorker. She lives in London.

Cover Reveal: Blackness Awaits

Title: Blackness Awaits (Book #2 of the Blackness Series)

Author: Norma Jeanne Karlsson

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Thriller

Release Date: April 2014

Hosted By: Book Promotions by Literary Nook

Synopsis

As he enters the room looking like death personified, lifeless and haunting, she knows…blackness awaits.

Aaron Kavanagh is not to be trifled with. He’s powerful, commanding, fierce and currently homicidal. The only thing that matters in Kavanagh’s world is Shannon Kelly. She’s the beat of his heart (yes he has one) and the peace to the fury that constantly simmers within him. Without her, his life is empty and barren. Someone took what is his and he’ll stop at nothing to get her back.

Dylan Kellerman is lost. The love of his life has been ripped from him, leaving a tattered tortured shell of a man. On the brink of murderous insanity he must battle to find Shannon, even if she hates him. Dylan has betrayed her and he knows she won’t forgive his indiscretions. None of that matters now. All that matters is finding her. As long as she’s safe Dylan can continue to live a sad wasted existence without her by his side. Shannon brought Dylan back to life, without her in the world he’ll cease to exist.

Shannon Kelly is gone. Stolen from her home and loved ones, she must now fight. Fighting has never been an issue for her, but this is a new opponent that she isn’t prepared for…her past. When every reality she thought she knew is called into question, Shannon learns her life isn’t what she thought it was. With the promise of a future with Dylan stolen from her before her world implodes, Shannon must rely on the family that has protected her for the last thirteen years to come for her. She won’t win this fight on her own…Shannon is going to lose.

Excerpt

Kavanagh

I’m going to commit murder. I can feel it in my bones, in my pulse, in each breath I take. I’m pretty sure O’Sullivan, Cal, and Aidan are on board with my plan. Kid went upstairs with Kellerman and twenty minutes later Taylor dropped his bomb. Kellerman got a fucking chick pregnant when he was in Seattle. I don’t know specific dates on when he and Kid became a couple, but I know he was all over her shit and fully warned before he went back to Seattle in October. Yeah, I’m going to commit murder. We have to get Kid out of here before we beat his head in.

“Make sure Kid’s not in the room for this shit,” I say to whoever’s listening. I get chin lifts in response. O’Sullivan has been cracking his knuckles and pumping his fists since we saw the first picture of Kellerman and that chick. She’s cute…that’s about all I can say about her. She’s nothing compared to Kid. Kellerman must be a fucking idiot. The blood is rushing past my eardrums with such force I don’t hear Kid and Kellerman come down the stairs. I’m barely aware of the Army vs. Navy game on the TV. The four of us turn to look at them as Kellerman starts to talk.

“I beyond fucked up today guys,” Kellerman tries to grovel. “I feel like total shit about it and I can assure you, I’ll never let anything go that far again. I love Kid more than I can even tell you guys and I know you all love her just as much. I meant what I told Kav all those weeks ago. If I hurt her I’d deliver myself to you all willingly. I’m here and I deserve whatever you wanna give me. I was wrong.” I stand up and move toward Kellerman never looking at Kid. Kid keeps her fingers interlaced with his and I want to break everyone of his as they touch her. I won’t do anything to him while she’s here. I won’t put her in the middle like those two pricks did earlier. I can feel Kid’s eyes on me while the guys approach my back.

“Kid go to the office and talk to Taylor,” I order without looking at her. Kellerman maintains eye contact with me, not in a confrontational way…he doesn’t know what’s coming.

“Kavy,” Kid warns.

“Kid, we need Kellerman alone for a few minutes. You need to leave,” O’Sullivan orders her from behind my back.

“Go ahead Kiddo. I’ll be fine,” Kellerman soothes her. I’m going to break that jaw he’s working.

Kid turns to walk away, and I relax a little that she isn’t putting up more of a fight. Too soon was I relieved, because she stops and turns back around.

“Guys, I know this is a man thing that I’m not a part of. But you all are my family…Kel included. He’s my future now too guys. I’m no cake walk to be with, but he’s fightin’ for me like only you guys have. Think about that before you do anything stupid,” she pleads before turning and walking away. She won’t feel that way after she talks to Taylor. I hate that she’ll be hurt, but she deserves to know.

Once she rounds the corner and I hear the office shut it takes everything I’ve got in me not to launch at this motherfucker.

“Pool house,” I growl at him. He nods and moves toward the back door. I can’t risk Kid hearing us so the pool house is the best place to get this done. Once Taylor dropped this shit storm at our feet he told us he’d explain things to Kid while we dealt with Kellerman. I don’t know how long we have, but getting out of the house buys us more time.

We enter the pool house. Kellerman goes in first followed by me, the guys trailing. No one says a word. Kellerman stops in the middle of the room. His head is held high, but I can see he’s apprehensive. I’d be scared fucking shitless facing us in a room.

“We’re gonna kick the livin’ shit outta you,” I inform him in a growl resembling English. “Then you’re gonna pack your shit, get on a plane, and crawl back to Seattle.” His face is calm and collected with the first sentence, strained and confused at the last.

“What’re you talkin’ about back to Seattle?” Kellerman asks.

“You think we’re gonna let you stick around and go back and forth? Kid deserves better than that and you fuckin’ know it,” Aidan seethes moving to my right. Aidan’s a big motherfucker. I’ve never seen him as pissed as he is right now, scary isn’t the right word.

“Back and forth?” Kellerman repeats.

“This is not Sesame Street motherfucker. You heard him,” Cal jumps to his brother’s side. Cal can go off the rails but it’s rare. He’s the calmest of our bunch, but he’s hell on wheels when he gets going. O’Sullivan moves to my left and I can feel the fury oozing from every inch of him. He’s a fighter through and through. I have no doubt that he can, and will, end Kellerman. Kid’s the soft spot for all of us and we would all gladly sacrifice anything for her.

“I’m startin’ to feel like I don’t know what’s goin’ on,” Kellerman says as he looks at all our raging expressions.

“He explained it,” O’Sullivan says motioning to me. “Don’t see the problem.” He’s so furious I’m surprised he can form words much less sentences.

“I get the ass beating. I put my hands on her and shouldn’t have. I’m down for whatever you four got planned. I’m not fuckin’ leavin’ Kid though. I don’t know what makes you think I would leave her, but I’m stayin’.” Kellerman’s confident as he talks. I have no doubt he’ll take the beating, but he’s not making Kid a stepmom or taking her away from us to Seattle that’s for damn sure. She deserves the world not some slut’s sloppy seconds.

“Fuck this shit,” O’Sullivan roars and lunges at Kellerman. He lands a brutal right hook along Kellerman’s jaw, snapping his head to the side. Kellerman stumbles but doesn’t go down. O’Sullivan is a man possessed now that he’s started. He grabs Kellerman’s shirt to hold him in place as he repeatedly crushes his face. Kellerman doesn’t fight back.

“Fight back you pussy!” O’Sullivan screams as he releases Kellerman’s shirt only to connect a left cross splitting the skin below his eye. Stumbling back Kellerman falls to the floor. He’s breathing hard as he stays down.

“Who’s next?” Kellerman asks without a hint of snark. He’s really going to let the four of us beat his ass. We’ll kill him. He looks done after O’Sullivan; the three of us on top of it is too much. I have to be the voice of reason in the room as I see Aidan making his way toward him.

“He’s had enough,” I state firmly. Aidan snaps his head back to me with a look of shock on his face.

“You’re lettin’ him off that easy Kavanagh?” Aidan grumbles.

“He’s gotta be able to walk through the airport.”

“I’m not goin’ to the airport,” Kellerman mumbles spitting blood into his shirt. This sets me off.

I pick Kellerman up by the throat and pin him against the wall squeezing as I speak, “You will get your sorry ass on a plane. Today! She’s had enough pain in this life, you motherfuckin’ piece of shit.” I squeeze harder the more I speak, because the more I speak the more infuriated I’m becoming. “If you think for a second I’m gonna let you take her from me, you’re sadly mistaken. What she’s learnin’ today about you, you dickless fuck, is gonna wreck her. Get outta this fuckin’ city today or we’re comin’ for you.” I squeeze one more time before I let him drop. He slides down the wall gasping for air, coughing and choking.

“I’m not leavin’ her,” Kellerman gasps out. Aidan hurls forward and kicks him over and over and over in the torso.

“You fuckin’ are!” Aidan screams as he lays his final blow. Kellerman falls to the side spitting out blood from what I’m guessing is some internal damage at this point. Maybe we are going to commit murder. This motherfucker seems intent on dying in our pool house.

“Not,” Kellerman mumbles before he passes out.

“What the fuck?!” Cal bellows. “Is he insane? Why’s he lettin’ this go on?”

Aidan bends down and starts checking Kellerman’s vitals. His doctor brain must have just kicked in gear. No pun intended (maybe a little pun intended).

“Guessin’ his spleen is damaged maybe his liver too,” Aidan explains without much concern in his voice while standing up. “We need to decide what we’re doin’ here.”

“Wait for him to wake up. See where his head’s at,” I say. I can’t put him over my shoulder and walk him out in front of Kid. He has to leave on his own. We all sit around the breakfast table and stare at Kellerman waiting for his pathetic ass to wake up.

Author Bio

Blackness Takes Over is Norma Jeanne’s debut novel. What began as an homage to the home town of a homesick Midwestern girl, unfolded a story of love, danger, humor, and trust. She’s currently working on her untitled sophomore effort. We can’t wait to see what thrilling saga she leads us through next!

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).

In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas

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Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Book Review: The Highlander's Sin

Link to Tour Page: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/stolenbrideseriestour
Tour Hashtag: #StolenBrideSeriesVirtualTour

Stolen Bride Series

Book One - The Highlander's Reward
Book Two - The Highlander's Conquest
Book Three - The Highlander's Lady
Book Four - The Highlander's Warrior Bride

Book Five - The Highlander's Triumph
Book Six - The Highlander's Sin
Book Seven - The Highlander's Temptation

The Highlander’s Reward (Book One)
Publication Date: July 19, 2012
Paperback; 262pShe belonged to another…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she reaches Stirling where she is to wed, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Fighting for her life, she is whisked from her horse by a warrior fighting with William Wallace who escapes with her into the Highlands.
But was destined to be his…
The last thing Laird Magnus Sutherland wants is a wife…but that is exactly what he got when he saved the beautiful English lass. Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. When she is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to marry her.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle. And that’s where the trouble begins… Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who’ve been scorned are out for the ultimate revenge.
The Highlander’s Conquest (Book Two)
Publication Date: September 22, 2012
Paperback; 290p
What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?
Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor–and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.
And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?
Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self–he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.
Surrender never tasted so sweet…
The Highlander’s Lady (Book Three)Publication Date: December 7, 2012Paperback; 292p
A Highlander tamed…
Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird–with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring–Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.
A lady’s passion ignited…
Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey–and sets her heart to pounding.
Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.
The Highlander’s Warrior Bride (Book Four)Publication Date: March 29, 2013Paperback; 272p
Their greatest opponent won’t be battled with a sword…But with their hearts…
Ronan Sutherland is a fierce warrior. Swearing off all else, he thrives on his powerful position within William Wallace’s army. Freedom for the Scots is his mission–until he meets fair Julianna. She captivates him, intoxicates him…makes him want more out of life than what harsh dangers he’s accustomed to.
Lady Julianna is no meek maiden. She’s trained in the art of war, sister to one of Scotland’s most powerful men, and tasked with keeping the future king safe. Until she’s kidnapped by a rivaling clan. Now her only hope is for the one man she trusts–and desires–to save her.
Together, they’ll have to face down one of Scotland’s most treacherous foes… And keep from falling victim to the one thing they’ve both eluded thus far–love.
The Highlander’s Triumph (Book Five)
Publication Date: June 19, 2013
Paperback; 260p
He was a warrior fighting for Scottish freedom. She was his enemy’s mistress.
Laird Brandon Sinclair has given his life to the Scottish cause. Swearing fealty to Robert the Bruce, he will stop at nothing to see oppression end.
Lady Mariana wants nothing more than to break free of the tyrannical hold the English king has on her. When he sends her to Scotland with a message for the rebels, instead of obeying his orders, she finds herself submitting to her desires. After one sizzling, life-altering night, Brandon and Mariana must part ways. But Mariana has no intention of betraying her heart again.
And Brandon is determined to get her back. Stealing Longshank’s secrets felt like victory, but taking his woman will be this Highlander’s ultimate triumph.
The Highlander’s Sin (Book Six) 
Publication Date: October 23, 2013 
Paperback; 290p
He stole her away… But she set him free…
They called him The Priest. Maybe because of his billowing black robes and the steel crucifix that hung around his neck. Or perhaps it was because those who met him were compelled to pray. But Duncan Mackay was anything but a saint. He was a sinner—a paid mercenary. Until he met her, and she made him want to change his ways.
Lady Heather Sutherland, has never been compelled to follow rules. And this time, she’s gone too far. Following in the footsteps of her brothers and cousins, she chooses to join the fight for Scottish freedom—and gets herself abducted by a handsome, rogue warrior, whose touch is sweet sin.
Duncan’s duty was clear—steal Heather away from Dunrobin Castle. What he didn’t expect, was to be charmed by her spirit and rocked by her fiery kiss. Now, he doesn’t want deliver her to those who hired him, instead he wants to keep her all to himself.
The Highlander’s Temptation (Book Seven) 
Publication: February 2014 
Paperback
Desire tempted them, but love conquered all…
Laird Jamie Montgomery was a warrior with a mission. When he travels to the northern Highlands on the orders of William Wallace, temptation in the form of an alluring lass, could be his undoing.
Lady Lorna Sutherland can’t resist the charms of one irresistible Highlander. Though she’s been forbidden, she breaks every rule for the pleasure of his intoxicating embrace.
When their love is discovered, Jamie is tossed from Sutherland lands under threat of death. But danger can’t keep the two of them apart. No matter what perils may try to separate them—Lorna and Jamie swear they’ll find a way to be together.

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Review: The Highlander's Sin is book 6 in the Stolen Bride's series. I wanted to read this book first because the character "The Priest" was intriguing to me, especially in a romance novel.

The plot had me a little wary, though.  The kidnapped girl and the big brawny Highlander who she eventually falls in love with is a scenario that's been done. However, I found myself warming to Duncan, much more than I thought I would. In fact, I would really have liked to have had some more back story on him. I liked him quite a bit more than I did Heather Sutherland.

The reason I wasn't so keen on Heather, was her sameness. When it comes to novels set in Scotland, the lass is always headstrong and tomboyish, while still being drop dead gorgeous. I'm not saying I want a wimpy woman, but I'd like her to be something less Merida from Brave.

Yet, as the story progressed, I found myself really enjoying the relationship between Heather and Duncan and even wanted their story to go on a little bit longer. There wasn't enough conflict for my taste. I would have loved to see Heather's Merida side.

I really enjoyed Eliza's writing style and I quickly grabbed a copy of The Highlander's Reward so I could start the series from the beginning.

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author
Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) Eliza likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. Being a self-proclaimed history nerd, she owns the acclaimed historical blog, History Undressed (www.historyundressed.com). Eliza lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.
For more information please visit Eliza Knight’s website.

Tasty Book Tours Book Review: Three Weeks With Lady X

Three Weeks with Lady X

Desperate Duchesses #7

By: Eloisa James

Releasing March 25^th, 2014

Blurb

The next fabulous romance by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James. Having made a fortune, Thorn Dautry, the powerful bastard son of a duke, decides that he needs a wife. But to marry a lady, Thorn must acquire a gleaming, civilized façade, the specialty of Lady Xenobia India. Exquisite, headstrong, and independent, India vows to make Thorn marriageable in just three weeks. But neither Thorn nor India anticipate the forbidden passion that explodes between them. Thorn will stop at nothing to make India his. Failure is not an option. But there is only one thing that will make India his . . . the one thing Thorn can't afford to lose . . . his fierce and lawless heart.

Link to Desperate Duchesses Series at Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/series/43059-desperate-duchesses

Buy Link

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DB365KW/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=avonromancehc-20

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/three-weeks-with-lady-x-eloisa-james/1116328667?cm_mmc=affiliates-_-linkshare-_-mdxm68jzjz8-_-10%3a1&ean=9780062223906&isbn=9780062223906&r=1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/three-weeks-with-lady-x/id660508099?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/three-weeks-with-lady-x/Ks5yBDPdm02hSfFr_6uD6Q?MixID=Ks5yBDPdm02hSfFr_6uD6Q&PageNumber=1&utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=MdXm68JZJz8-JpXzx5b7v..6drb_BB1l.Q

Link to Follow Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2014/01/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for_5308.html

Excerpt: “I am not afraid of you,” India said, keeping her voice even. “But I believe that Laetitia could do much better than marry a man who considers her a noodle and wants to treat her well merely because he paid for her!”

At that, he threw back his head and roared with laughter. “You’re a romantic! Under all that brass and bluster, you’re a romantic!”

India balled up her fist and struck him on the shoulder as hard as she could. He did not flinch at the blow, but he fell backward a step, still laughing. She turned to go, muttering under her breath.

He caught her arm. “What did you say, India?”

She turned her head and glared at him. “Let go of me!”

“Not until you tell me what you said.” That dimple again.

“I said that you were a bastard,” she told him, straight out.

“You’re correct.” The man was damnably attractive when he laughed. His gray eyes turned warm. And warm was dangerous because it made India feel warm too.

Review: If you like historical romance, you have to read Eloisa James. Her books never fail to make me smile and this one was fabulous!

Lady X is Lady Xenobia, I know, I felt like she should be some sort of spy, but what she was, was actually an interior decorator of sorts. Thorn is the bastard son of a duke who is searching for a wife. He has one in mind, so enter Lady X.

It is easy to see, his first choice isn't going to work because the chemistry between Xenobia and Thorn is instantaneous. I loved the letters that they exchanged while she was working at making his estate inhabitable for a gently bred lady.

Xenobia (India) and Thorn are both character with baggage from their past. Neither had what would be called "good" childhoods and that has really shaped who they are and what they want (or think they want out of life)

India seems to have a better head on her shoulders when it comes to love. Thorn on the other hand needs to be shaken a few times throughout the story.

I love the secondary characters too. When you read an Eloisa James book, you feel like the characters are old friends and family, even if you've never read one of her books.

This book is part of a series. It is actually the 7th book in that series, but it is definitely a stand alone novel, and a must read for lovers of historical romance!

Rating: 5 flowers

Author Info

New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar;" later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.

After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is a distinguished professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as Good Housekeeping and More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.

Author Links

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/86778.Eloisa_James

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eloisajames

Website: http://www.eloisajames.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EloisaJames

Rafflecopter Giveaway (A Print Copy of Desperate Duchesses #6, A DUKE OF HER OWN)

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Book Blast: Black Cats And Ballet Slippers

Black Cats and Ballet Slippers - Week Blitz

By Iva Valentino

Middle Grade Humor

Date Published: March 7, 2014

Gemma Mayfield feels like middle school is a lot to bite off and chew. School, ballet classes, and planning on how to get Trevor Davis to ask her to the Halloween Dance are a tough balancing act. On top of that, Gemma is convinced that her science teacher, Ms. Pruett, is a witch.

When things start getting fishy at school, Gemma knows that Ms. Pruett is behind it all! Students are getting spells placed on them and start to go missing. Gemma and her best friend, Izzie, vow to stop Ms. Pruett from doing any more damage. Will they be able to save Middleton Middle School from witchcraft?

EXCERPT

Okay, so something REALLY strange is going on. Boys are from a different planet, but right now a few of them at Middleton are acting like they’re from a different universe. (Wait. Does this make sense? Is there more than one universe? Ugh. Maybe I should have paid more attention last year in Astronomy.)

So, by the time I got to Ms. Pruett’s class, I had already worked myself into a super version of “I Don’t Wanna Go To Class Because I’m Creeped Out!” mode. I walked into the Science Laboratory, and I swear I felt the cold of Building 400 smack me right in the face. I’m not kidding.

Of course Ms. Pruett was at the door, acting like her sweet old lady self (ha ha, I know better), and was welcoming all the kids into the classroom. I just kept my head down and muttered a hello as I passed. Staying below the radar was the goal. Then I sat down at my lab table and shivered a bit.

Joey sat down at the table just a second later. Normally he is really loud and obnoxious, cracking jokes, and calling to the other Soccer Jocks across the room. Today he was quiet.

“Hey,” I said, trying to be friendly. I thought maybe we could commiserate on us both having spells cast on us. Joey responded with a “hey” but didn’t say much else. Hello? Was this the Joey I knew?

“So, Joey, are you feeling okay?” I asked. “You know, after yesterday…”

Joey didn’t say anything, but began writing on a piece of paper. He folded up the piece of paper and passed it to me. I gave him a questioning look. He gave me a weird look back that I couldn’t decipher. The note was as follows:

     Hey Gemma,

     Sorry I gave you a hard time yesterday about the “Cute Boy” list. It was kind of rude of me.

     Joey

That’s when it hit me that Joey hadn’t recovered from Ms. Pruett’s spell. For me it was just temporary, like a few minutes. But Joey was acting weird. It had to be the spell.

“Um, thanks,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.” I then started taking out all my school stuff so that I could look busy and not have any more awkward moments with Joey until he felt better. He was taking longer to recuperate.

After class I headed straight down toward the lunchroom. On the way there, I saw Trevor going in the opposite direction past me. Our conversation went like this:

            Me: “Hi Trevor!” (with a big smile and enthusiasm)

            Trevor: “Oh, hi Gemma.” (with zombie-like attitude)

            Me: “Okay, have a good lunch!”

            Trevor: “Okay, thanks. Bye.”

            I wondered where he was going, in the opposite direction from the lunch room when it was lunchtime. It took me another couple of moments to realize that the ONLY classroom in that part of campus was Ms. Pruett’s room. He was headed back toward Building 400!

            Yikes! I turned myself around in mid-stride and turned back the way I came. I knew there was no way possible that Trevor would be going to Ms. Pruett’s. Why would anyone in their right mind be going there by themselves?

            I didn’t want Trevor to think I was stalking him, because of course I would never do that. But just in case that’s what it appeared to be, I used as much stealth as possible. I walked in the shadows and stopped to peek out behind bushes and building walls. I saw him up ahead…just before he ENTERED MS. PRUETT’S CLASSROOM.

            My mouth fell open, and I just sort of stared at the door for a while.

            Weird things are going on here at Middleton. And I think Ms. Pruett’s behind it all!

Iva Valentino

Iva Valentino lives in Arizona with her husband and their dog, Lupo. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Education. She thinks visiting cold places is fun, but she loves living year-round in the warm desert.

Iva spent many years as a middle school teacher, where she enjoyed doing cool science experiments with her students. She currently works as a science editor at an educational publishing company. She loves travel, yoga, and photography. There is nothing that brings her more happiness than a good dance class!

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Book Review: Inherit The Word

Author: Daryl Wood Gerber
Title: Inherit The Word
Publisher: Penquin Book
Publish Date: March 4, 2014
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 

Jenna Hart moved back to Crystal Cove, California, to recapture her joie de vivre and to help her aunt Vera run the local culinary bookshop and café. But it’s hard to follow a simple recipe for relaxation when murder gets thrown in the mix…

The Cookbook Nook is set to host the town’s upcoming Grill Fest, a tasty tradition which pits local amateur chefs against one another to concoct the most delicious dishes. This year’s challenge: grilled cheese. But with competing chefs bearing grudges from past years, more mouths are running off than savoring the fare.

The expression “too many cooks” proves all too true when the eight-time champ is found murdered in the alley behind the café. Soon a local diner owner (and Jenna’s “second mother”) is suspected of bumping off the competition, and Jenna has to douse the flames before the wrong person gets burned…

Review: I am really coming to love Crystal Cove! In book two of A Cookbook Nook Mystery, a local restaurant owners is found murdered in the alley behind the shop during the annual Grill Fest.

Inherit the Word, is really a fun read and the locals of Crystal Cove are full of quirky brilliance. Oh and I would so spend all my time at The Cookbook Nook and Cafe! The foods described will have you running for snacks while you turn the pages. (Thank goodness there are recipes included)

Jenna is coming along nicely as our resident amateur sleuth. She's out to clear her friend's name of Natalie's murder, and she has a mystery of her own to solve. Oh and Natalie's restaurant is called Mum's the Word.(Great tie in with the title of the book.) She finds a key in a cat statue that her husband had given her, and she has to figure out what it opens. I liked that there is real depth to Jenna. She's fun and she cares about people, plus she's not a great cook, she's really a beginner.

The real mystery is full of suspense. There are so many people with motives and just when you think you might have a clue who did it, you have to cross them off the list. Add another murder to the mix and the story gets even more interesting.

What you'll love about Jenna and her friends has to do with the lack of obnoxiousness they display. Sure they are trying to solve a murder that is the police department's job, but Jenna doesn't act like she's smarter than the cops. She wants to help.

Oh and for those of you that like a little romance, there's always Rhett. Nice that she only has one guy in her life too!

Definitely a great foodie cozy!

Rating: 5 flowers