What I Read Last Week
Tagged: Cathryn Fox, Christina Dodd, Jeaniene Frost, Jo Davis, Julie Kenner, Kimberly Raye, Marie Sexton, Nina Pierce, Shari Anton, TA Chase, The Book Binge, What I Read Last Week, What I've Been Reading This Week
By order of King Stephen, Nicole de Leon has been confined to Bledloe Abbey since her father’s death eight years ago. As an orphaned noblewoman, she has always known that she would be married off to strengthen King Stephen’s political position. But as she reached marriageable age, she never dreamt that her extended family would come to her aid and prevent this unwanted marriage. For Nicole’s uncle, Connorap Maelgwn, has always despised King Stephen and would do anything to thwart him…even commit an act of war by kidnapping the bride the King needs to solidify an alliance. But Connor can’t charge through England with an army. He needs a warrior who’s trustworthy…a warrior like Rhodri ap Dafydd.
Rhodri ap Dafydd, a bard and warrior, has one purpose: to bring Nicole de Leon and home to Wales. He has no interest at all in politics–he’s merely helping a friend. But from the moment he lays eyes on Nicole, friendship is the last thing on his mind. With her fiery nature and her sharp tongue, Nicole is unlike any woman he has ever met. But falling in love with her was never an option. Brought together by fate but soon torn apart by war, can these two star-crossed lovers find a future together?
Thoughts/Opinion:
Nicole’s uncle sends Rhodri, a bard and warrior, to retrieve Nicole from the abbey she’s been living in for the past 13 years. He wants to marry her off to benefit Wales, while the king wants to marry her off to benefit England. Unfortunately there are many who are loyal to the king who do not want Nicole to leave England.
On the journey from the abbey, which is fraught with danger, Nicole and Rhodri find themselves learning about each other and liking what they find. They fall in love, but of course do not tell the other. Rhodri knows that she is bound to marry a prince of Wales and knows he should not interfere.
On top of all that happens on the journey Rhodri discovers that Nicole can hear dead spirits who have not moved on to the next world. I have to say that when I saw the word magic in the title I didn’t now they meant literally. However, I think the addition to the story was done well and added a nice element.
This was a typical historical romance (well, with magic involved) but a very sweet story. I loved the simple romance involved and would recommend it to anyone who loves historicals.
Score: 3.5 out of 5
Good but very busy week. Between shuttling the oldest to tutoring (which is going well), physical therapy appointments (rotator cuff issues) & school projects I’ve had very little time for anything, including reading.
Hubby and I were supposed to go away this weekend for our anniversary but his bosses (corporate) slammed him with a surprise inventory. Oh well, we’ll get away another weekend soon. We did take some time last night and went out for dinner and movie. You should have seen hubby’s face when I turned to him at the bar and asked him if my face has started to sag. OMG the look on his face. You could tell he was trying not to laugh at my question yet say the “right” thing at the same time. I finally spared him, started laughing and told him I wasn’t serious. lol
So not much in the book department this week:
First off was Kiss of Fury by Deborah Cooke. This is the second book in her Dragonfire series. I found this book to be much more interesting and entertaining than the first. There was a lot going on, but it all meshed in the end. Unfortunately I read it in stops and starts and it took me forever. I may have felt differently about the book, if I’d read it in a couple of days but I still gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Next up was a short story called Breathless by Ericka Scott. I’ve read a couple of Ms. Scott’s m/f works before and enjoyed them. I have to say that I have great respect any author who gets published. This short however was not for me. It was an m/m story with were-swans (1 with vertigo) hot air balloons, male models and vindictive ex-wives…a lot going on in 36 pages. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend the story.
Then I read a novella by Patrice Michelle. This Nocturne Bite, Scions: Perception, is a story in her Scions series. I really enjoy Ms. Michelle’s writing and this novella was no different. I’m looking forward to Scions: Revelation that comes out Dec. 1, 2008.
Last on the list was Magic In His Kiss by Shari Anton. I read this one for review The Book Binge. It was a sweet book and you can go here and read all about it.
And that’s it! See, I told you life was getting in the way! I intended to read Meljean’s Demon Bound this weekend but haven’t gotten very far in it. But what I’ve read so far is wonderful. I’ll keep you posted!
Happy Reading!