HOW TO LOSE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Laura Lee Guhrke

July 10, 2014

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Laura Lee Guhrke is the latest author in my quest for good romance writers, but I haven’t decided whether or not to continue reading her. Guess it will depend on what the next book is about.

This book had an interesting premise; an American heiress engages in a marriage of convenience to an English Duke. Edie’s loaded, but her reputation has been besmirched back in New York, so if she doesn’t marry in England she’ll have to go home a spinster. Stuart, the Duke of Margave, has inherited his title and his family’s enormous debt. Properties are going to have to be sold unless he can marry money.

These two come together with the understanding that this is strictly a business proposition. Edie willingly offers to pay off the debt and take care of the family and their property – all she asks in return is that Stuart leave England, go back to Africa and never return.

They agree and he goes off, until he is mauled by a lion and almost loses his life. He realizes then that there is more to life than adventure and he returns home. Edie is not happy to see him, to say the least, but women have no rights to speak of in Victorian England, so she makes him a deal; if he can get her to kiss him in 10 days, than he can stay. He has a few demands of his own, including that she spends at least 2 hours a day in his company, and take meals with him.

This is all well and good, but it turns out her baggage from New York is quite a bit heavier than her husband anticipated. Not all of this story rang true for me, especially the sex scene and the revenge story, which is the downside here. I did like seeing a strong, smart woman running this massive estate, and a Duke who was more concerned with his wife than with convention. I would think this would be good for fans of Downton Abbey.

7/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HOW TO LOSE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Laura Lee Guhrke. Avon (April 29, 2014). ISBN 978-0062118196. 384p.

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THE SWEET SPOT by Stephanie Evanovich

July 8, 2014

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This is the sequel to Big Girl Panties, which I really enjoyed. In the grand tradition of the romance genre, the sequel doesn’t follow the happily ever after of the first book, but rather is the back story of two of the minor but definitely interesting characters in that book. So really it is more of a prequel, with the possible setup of two more characters spinning off into their own book as well.

Amanda owns a very successful suburban restaurant. She comes from a politically influential and wealthy family, and her parents are very supportive. When baseball superstar Chase Walker’s nasty, supercilious agent makes a dinner reservation, she is prepared to hate Chase on sight. Instead, he falls for her and she finds him intriguing, but won’t admit to it.

He becomes a regular at the restaurant, always kind to his fans, and hanging around every night just watching Amanda. He finagles a meeting with her parents, who like him. And after a few weeks, her staff finally convinces her to give him a chance.

Their relationship sizzles from the first date, but Chase has a secret he is hesitant to reveal. He likes spanking women, but Amanda never gives him any indication that she is also into it and he finds himself in a dilemma until the night she mouths off at him. One thing leads to another, and she finds that she does like it but is afraid to admit it to herself.

This is another great romance from Evanovich, with a little humor and a lot of kinky sex. Fans of the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy should enjoy this – the writing is far superior.

7/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SWEET SPOT by Stephanie Evanovich. William Morrow (July 8, 2014). ISBN 978-0062234810. 272p.

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ONE PLUS ONE by JoJo Moyes

July 2, 2014

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It is always difficult to follow up a beloved book like Me Before You, but I think Moyes fans will be happy with her latest – I was. This is another contemporary romance, but in a more traditional way.

Jess is a single mom who is barely scraping by. Her husband walked out two years previously but is living with his mother and hasn’t sent any money or even seen his own kids. Jess’s daughter Tanzie is an 8 year old math prodigy, and she also takes in her stepson, Nicky, a teenager with some social issues who is getting beaten up on a regular basis by a neighborhood family of ne’er-do-wells.

Jess works all the time, cleaning houses by day and tending bar by night. She juggles her bills, keeping one step ahead by robbing Peter to pay Paul, and manages to keep food on the table, but just barely. When Tanzie’s math teacher calls to say that Tanzie has earned the possibility of a scholarship to a prestigious private school, Jess is dubious about even being able to pay the registration fee.

Then one of her cleaning clients, Ed, a rude dot com millionaire, gets drunk at the pub where she works. She manages to get a friend to drive him home, but when she gets back in the car she finds a wad of bills. Jess is a very moral character, but desperate for the registration fee, she takes the money and swears to herself that she will pay it back.

Ed has troubles of his own. In trying to dump a girlfriend, he inadvertently gives her inside information and she makes a killing in the stock market. He doesn’t make a dime but the cops come after him anyway.

Tanzie is offered the opportunity to participate in a math competition with prize money enough to cover the private school expenses, except it is in Scotland and Jess can’t afford the train fare. Desperate, she decides to drive, taking a an old broken down Rolls Royce that’s been stored in her garage for more than 2 years. No license and no insurance is a recipe for disaster and sure enough, the cops impound the car.

Ed happens by and stops to help. He ends up driving them all to Scotland, a four day trip, and Jess and Ed fall in love along the way. They both have a lot of baggage, but can they get past all their issues? Will these kids work out their problems?

Moyes writes great characters, and I will not be forgetting these anytime soon. This was a really enjoyable, fast read that should please her legion of fans.

7/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ONE PLUS ONE by JoJo Moyes. Pamela Dorman Books (July 1, 2014). ISBN 978-0525426585. 384p.

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ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell

June 19, 2014

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Narrated by Rebecca Lowman & Sunil Malhotra

This was the first audiobook I’ve listened to in a while that completely captured my attention to the point where I kept the car idling so I could keep listening (on more than one occasion.)

I met Rainbow Rowell of the fabulous alliterative name at the audiobook dinner at the Public Library Association meeting in Indianapolis this past March. She claimed nervousness, yet was gregarious and charming. I just adored her.

After hearing her speak (she was a last minute replacement for an ailing Walter Mosely) I was completely entranced. She talked about how she never wanted to listen to her books on audio because she already had the voices in her head. But she was asked for input on the readers for this book, so she succumbed and listened. She said these readers brought another dimension to the book that she wasn’t expecting. I was intrigued and decided to give it a listen. I’m very glad I did.

Set in 1986, Eleanor (read by Lowman) is poor, so poor she doesn’t even own a toothbrush. Her mother is married to an abusive second husband who had thrown Eleanor out of the house for over a year. She lived with friends of her mother’s, and her father was just out of the picture. She has returned to live with her mother and younger siblings when the book opens. She meets Park (read by Malhotra) on the bus when he is the only one to let her sit down. Eventually they form an uneasy alliance, which turns to friendship, and eventually to love.

Eleanor’s family life is difficult at best, and Park’s more normal family seems almost like a fairy tale to Eleanor. Her troubles grow as she is picked on in school, and on the bus, and eventually all her troubles come to a head with her stepfather. Some of this was pretty disturbing, and it is a credit to the author and the readers that I felt so drawn to these characters and their story.

Although classified as Young Adult, the themes of love, dysfunctional families and more are universal and I never found myself thinking that this book was not written for adults. The story is completely engrossing, the characters full developed, and the setting and time period were interesting and believable. I loved it.

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell. Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (February 26, 2013). ISBN 978-0385368261. Listening Length: 8 hours and 56 minutes.

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THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee

June 17, 2014

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Read through to the end to find out how you can win your own copy of THE GLASS KITCHEN or a Kitchen Aid mixer!

Portia was the perfect Texas politician’s wife – until he had an affair with her best friend and dumped her. She takes off for New York City, to an apartment she inherited from her aunt. Her sisters inherited the other two apartments in the house, but sold theirs to Gabriel, who seems shocked to find her living downstairs in the garden apartment.

Portia and her sisters grew up in Texas and after losing their parents, all three sisters lived with their grandmother who owned a restaurant called the Glass Kitchen. Portia inherited something special from her grandmother, a gift the family calls ‘the knowing.’

Portia finds herself cooking certain foods, with only the vaguest sense of why, but invariably someone shows up who needs whatever she has prepared, like the dozens of cupcakes made before knowing there was a school bake sale. But after her grandmother dies, and her husband tells her she’s crazy, she fights those impulses as best as she can. Portia just stops cooking. But living on her own in NYC has brought those feelings back, and Porita just stops fighting her gift.

There is a strong attraction between her upstairs neighbor Gabriel and Portia, and they start a secret affair, with him climbing down the fire escape into her bed at night. Gabriel has two children, the precocious 12-year-old Ariel and a rebellious teenager, Miranda. Their mother died the previous year in a tragic car accident, and Gabriel moved them to the city in hopes that would help with their healing. Portia and Ariel form a unique bond, especially after Gabriel hires her to cook for the girls, but Miranda is a much harder nut to crack.

When Portia’s sisters land in financial trouble, they decide the answer to all their problems is to open a Glass Kitchen in New York City. Gabriel is dead set against it, citing harrowing statistics about restaurant failures in the city but the women plunge ahead. Meanwhile Gabriel and Portia keep giving in to their attraction until Portia finds out he’s been lying to her, then she dumps him and hides out with a neighbor.

Romances never run smoothly, and Lee does a more than credible job here, even with the touches of magical realism sprinkled throughout the book. This is a charming, sweet and funny story with wonderful, warm characters you can’t help but care about. If you liked The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender, you should enjoy The Glass Kitchen as well – I actually liked it a lot more. Recipes are included, and the jalapeño mustard is on my list to try for sure.

If you are looking for a beach read with real heart, look no further.

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee. St. Martin’s Press; First Edition edition (June 17, 2014). ISBN 978-0312382278. 384p.

The publisher is offering up a special contest

Enter to win a Kitchen Aid mixer! 

 

If you would like to win your own copy of THE GLASS KITCHEN:

Send an email to contest@gmail.com with “GLASS KITCHEN” as the subject. You must include your snail mail address in your email.

All entries must be received by July 4, 2014. Five (5) names will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States or Canada. One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

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THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

June 9, 2014

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Read by Kate Rudd

Right up front I should mention that I have a hard time listening to audiobooks, at least adult ones. My mind tends to wander and suddenly I realize I have no idea what’s going on or where I am in the book.

That said, I read all the Harry Potter on audio (Jim Dale is simply mesmerizing) and I’ve listened to a few other children’s books and now this, a YA (Young Adult) by John Green.

I had lunch with Green, and about a thousand other librarians, at the Public Library Association conference in Indianapolis in March. And with the arrival of the film version of the book, I was, let’s call it, professionally curious. I almost always prefer the book to the movie, and frankly, I’m in no rush to see the film but I am glad I read the book.

I received the audio version as part of a swag bag at the PLA audio book dinner, so I thought I’d give it a try. Kate Rudd is an excellent reader. She held my attention throughout and sounded authentic to each character.

Speaking of characters, each is richly imagined and realized here. Hazel is a 16-year-old with a terminal cancer diagnosis. She takes her portable oxygen with her to a teen support group, where she meets Augustus Waters. Augustus has been in remission for over a year after losing his leg to cancer. They share a love of reading, and Hazel is obsessed with a book that has no ending, presumably because the narrator dies of cancer. Augustus becomes equally obsessed, and eventually they travel to Amsterdam to meet the author and learn the ending.

Things don’t go as planned but Hazel & Augustus fall in love, lose their virginity and have to deal with the deadly realities of cancer. There is humor, pathos and of course, tearjerking galore in this sweet love story that also happens to be about cancer.

As a parent, I think (I hope!) I bring a different perspective than the millions of teens who adore this book. I didn’t love it but I can definitely see it’s appeal. Green has written an engrossing tale of teen angst that adults may also enjoy.

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green. Audible Audio Edition. Brilliance Audio (January 10, 2012). ASIN B006VPAXQY. Listening Length: 7 hours and 14 minutes.

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SAVE THE DATE by Mary Kay Andrews

June 6, 2014

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Mary Kay Andrews is my go to summer read every June, and I just loved her latest!

Cara Mia Kryzik inherited the flower shop where she worked in Savannah, Georgia, when the owner decided to spend her remaining days in Florida. Turning “Bloom” into a successful business has Cara stressed, to say the least. Her only salvation is her Goldendoodle, who she bought after her divorce to keep her company. When the dog takes off one morning, Cara goes running after her, only to find a gorgeous hunk of a man has her dog, a rope tied around her neck. He insists the dog is his, and takes off with her.

Cara has to get back to work. As Savannah’s most original wedding florist, her work is starting to build demand and she has weddings lined up every weekend. Of course she runs into Jack, the dognapper, at the first wedding…and the second…and the third. Seems like Jack is related to or knows everyone in Savannah. Turns out Jack has a Goldendoodle too, and after one night with Cara’s dog he realizes his mistake.

Adding to her stress, Cara’s father lent her $20,000 but calls regularly to let her know she needs to close up shop, pay him back and move home. But despite the fact she’s living hand to mouth, her business is steadily growing, if only her old equipment would hold out.

When the air conditioner finally dies, Cara is in a quandary. Her cheap landlady died, leaving the store to her equally cheap daughter who isn’t returning any calls. A new florist has moved into town, expanding his shop and trying to put hers out of business at the same time.

Lots of angst, but lots of romance and Andrews’ trademark southern charm make this a terrific fast paced read with warm, fully realized characters, crisp writing, and a terrific storyline. I raced through it in one night and loved every page. I especially loved the little nod to her series characters that pops up.

Save the Date is the best way to kick off summer reading. Don’t miss it!

6/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SAVE THE DATE by Mary Kay Andrews. St. Martin’s Press (June 3, 2014). ISBN 978-1250019691. 448p.

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ANY DUCHESS WILL DO by Tessa Dare

May 28, 2014

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Spindle Cove (Book 4)

Pauline Simms is a serving girl in Spindle Cove, AKA “Spinsters Cove”, vacation spot for unmarried women looking for a husband. Pauline has no illusions about her life; she takes care of her challenged sister, works hard, and hopes to one day have her own bookshop. Then she meets Griffin York, the Duke of Halford.

The Duchess of Halford, Griff’s mother, has dragged her son off to Spindle Cove to find a wife. He has no interest, and decides to teach his interfering mother a lesson. She demands he picks a woman, any woman, at the tavern, and she will train her to become a duchess. Of course he chooses Pauline.

The Duchess abides by her bargain and the Duke makes a deal with the serving girl; she must submit to a week of Duchess training by his mother, and fail miserably. He will pay her enough money to move out of her father’s house and open her own bookshop.

The Duchess is nobody’s fool and even she can see that there is an attraction between her son and Pauline, but neither of them will admit to it. Shades of “My Fair Lady” run throughout, along with some light humor and some interesting sex, including a bit of S&M.

This is a well written historical, sexy romance, and a really fun read.

5/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ANY DUCHESS WILL DO by Tessa Dare. Avon (May 28, 2013). ISBN 978-0062240125. 384p.

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WOO’D IN HASTE by Sabrina Darby

May 21, 2014

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The Taming Series

Biana Mansfield has been stuck at home for two seasons now while her older sister, Kate, has been off having a grand old time. After their mother passed, their father indulged Kate’s every whim and her latest is making sure she doesn’t have to compete with Bianca for a husband. Kate convinces her father that she needs to marry before Biana debuts, and he aquieses. Bianca and Kate have a temptestuous relationship but luckily, Kate’s been away with their stepmother for months.

Their little brother needs a tutor, and when Lucian Dorlingsley, heir to the Earl of Medford, sees Bianca he is smitten. His friend convinces him to become the boy’s tutor, “Luc Dore”, insuring that he gets to know Bianca. That ruse works, until they fall in love and Bianca finds out he’s been lying to her.

This is a very quick read but could have used a little more depth. The plot is thin, the characters interesting albeit shallow, and the predictable ending lacks spark. A very quick read for sure.

5/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WOO’D IN HASTE by Sabrina Darby. Avon Impulse (May 20, 2014). ISBN 978-0062304858. 160p.

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THE SCANDAL IN KISSING AN HEIR by Sophie Barnes

May 18, 2014

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At the Kingsborough Ball (Book 2)

This is the second book in the Kingsborough Ball trilogy. The series is founded “at the Kingsborough Ball,”a lavish event at the heart of the first book in the series, The Trouble with Being a Duke, and this book begins at the same event. These books do not have to be read in order.

Lady Rebecca has been orphaned, and her aunt and uncle take her in. She is of marriageable age and their goal appears to be to marry her off to the highest bidder. She feigns madness for a couple of years to avoid this end but time runs out.

Unfortunately, the two highest bidders are both fifty years older than she is. Barnes seems to like the “trophy wife” theme, but in this case the trophy wife to be has no intention of living that life. Instead, she sneaks into the Kingsborough Ball, and meets Daniel Neville.

Neville is a notorious rake and heir to the Marquis of Wolvington. He is also orphaned and his aunt and uncle have threatened to cut him off financially unless he mends his ways and finds a bride by the end of the month. Off to the ball he goes, where he is ostracized by all the good girls looking for a husband.

Then he spots this gorgeous woman in a scandalous scarlet dress. There is a mutual attraction and need, and Daniel pursues Lady Rebecca, but finds he can’t outbid her other suitors. Things take an even more scandalous turn and then they have to live with the consequences.

There is the requisite happy ending, of course. But there are also lots of obstacles along the way and some explicit sex. It is a very fast paced story and Barnes really knows how to draw the reader in – I read it in one sitting.

I am looking forward to the last book in the series, The Danger in Tempting an Earl. The teaser of a first chapter of that book is in the back of this one.

NOTE: As of this writing, Kindle version available for $.99!

5/14 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SCANDAL IN KISSING AN HEIR by Sophie Barnes. Avon (December 31, 2013). ISBN 978-0062245175. 384p.

 

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