Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle



Pretty, but not my fav choice

Forever and a Day
Author: Delilah Marvelle

ISBN-13: 978-0373776368
Publication Date: December, 2011

Publisher: HQN Books

Book Length:  384 pages
Acquired by Me:  NetGalley

 

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

 

“Roderick Gideon Tremayne, the recently appointed Duke of Wentworth, never expected to find himself in New York City, tracking down a mysterious map important to his late mother. And he certainly never expected to be injured, only to wake up with no memory of who he is. But when he sees the fiery-haired beauty who's taken it upon herself to rescue him, suddenly his memory is the last thing on his mind.

Georgia Milton, the young head of New York's notorious Forty Thieves, feels responsible for the man who was trying to save her bag from a thief. But she's not prepared for the fierce passion he ignites within her. When his memory begins to return, her whole world is threatened, and Roderick must choose between the life he forgot and the life he never knew existed.”

My Thoughts:

I am dreadfully behind in posting this book review of Forever and a Day, but that hasn’t stopped me from being enthusiastic about it in the least. I am a fledgling fan of Delilah Marvelle’s for two reasons:  a) she’s an Oregon writer and b) she is a risk taker when it comes to her storylines. I love that about Ms. Marvelle. I find her writing to be a step ahead of the pack when it comes to tackling Life’s curveballs that are constantly being thrown.

I believe that I’ve read two other Marvelle novels prior to Forever and a Day. I must admit that they were someone eyebrow raising (in fact, quite singed) for a prudish miss such as myself; however, I give much respect for how the risqué subject matter was handled. Took me a little bit out of my comfort zone, but still captivating nonetheless.

Back to Forever and a Day….  Love, love this book! A mysterious swoon worthy Duke who has lost his memory and a sassy, ginger, Eliza Doolittle come together in a way that simply makes your heart sing. The Duke, aka Robinson, maintains his nobility despite being quite vulnerable throughout the book. Georgia holds him up quite well. In many ways, she’s the stronger half of the pair. A street smart, tough gal, Georgia doesn’t take any guff off of anyone. But, Robinson breaches her defenses by simply being himself – even if it is a better version of who he really was before he lost his memory.

It becomes pretty clear early on how this story is going to end. Someone has got to be transformed in some way before these two characters can earn their Happily Ever After. Again, it comes down to Georgia to make it happen. I love that part of the book and cheered her on profusely. Rank and class may drive them apart, but have no fear that Ms. Marvelle isn’t quite brilliant in bringing them back together.

I’m not going to reveal how Roderick/Robinson comes to be in New York in the first place, nor am I going to cover the mystery that weaves itself throughout the book. Rest assured, there is a point to his presence and it fits in quite well with the rest of the story.

I also want to make an honorable mention of Marvelle’s setting choice. I was bowled over by her description of New York City in the early 19^th century. The City, particularly, Georgia’s neighborhood, became a character in itself. One could almost smell the desperation of the poor confined to this small community. It is this attention to detail that demonstrates Marvelle’s clarity and purpose. Forever and a Day is not just an everyday romance; it’s a series of observations of human behavior – both its strengths and weaknesses.

I give an enthusiastic nod and recommendation for Forever and a Day. I think romance readers will find this story engaging, a bit sassy, and reflective on multiple levels.

  

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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Wordless Wednesday 02/29/12



An Okapi - just because.

Crave by Melissa Darnell

Crave
Author: Melissa Darnell

ISBN-13: 978-0373210350

Publication Date: October, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Book Length:  416 pages

Acquired by Me:  NetGalley

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

“Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….”

My Thoughts: 

Last October saw yet another teen paranormal romance series thrown in to the mix. Melissa Darnell’s Crave is the first release of the Clann trilogy. Reminiscent of the Montagues and Capulets, Crave focuses on the budding forbidden romance between Savannah and Tristan. Tristan is the stereotypical Golden Boy and Savannah is the shunned outcast of the school. Undeniably, there is a spark of connection between these two – something that has always been present since they were children. What’s the connection? Why have they been banned from speaking to one another? That’s the mystery Savannah must unravel as she begins to learn more about herself and who she really is.

In an attempt to keep her safe, from herself and others, Savannah’s family has tucked away a big secret about their lives. Light is shed on the secret as Savannah continues to develop through adolescence. Sure, there are normal “changes” that teens go through, but what she begins to endure takes the cake. And what she becomes…let’s just say that the Clann doesn’t approve. Hence, their desire to keep Tristan away from her.

Despite everything, Savannah and Tristan become creative and find ways to find one another, to the point that it feels like they are destined for each other. The book drops off on a cliffhanger when their relationship cannot be hidden any longer – giving us something to look forward to in the second installment, Covet.

Darnell’s writing style is easy going and pleasant. I thought the plot was fair enough. It has enough twists to keep one interested in what happens from here. Much of the story focuses on the tension between Savannah and Tristan, but there are good supporting characters that introduced a small amount of levity to the story. Overall, the dialogue is smart and appropriate for the subject matter. Darnell does a good job driving home Savannah’s emotional turmoil, whether it be with other students at school, her family, or with Tristan.

My first thought after reading the book was that this is a Twilighters type of story, although I wouldn’t say that it specifically resembles Twilight. But, if you like this genre, then I would recommend giving Crave a second glance. If not for the story, certainly pick the book up to admire the gorgeous cover. Striking!

Take time to visit Melissa Darnell's WEBSITE

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Until There Was You

Author: Kristan Higgins
ISBN-13: 978-0373776115
Publication Date: October, 2011
Publisher: HQN Books
Book Length:  384 pages
Acquired by Me:  NetGalley

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

“Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas….”

 

My Thoughts:

Until There Was You is a classic Kristan Higgins book. So, it cannot come as a surprise that I am in love with it. You see, Kristan Higgins is one of my most favorite, favorite Romance authors, and certainly my MOST favorite in Contemporary Romance.

I’ve given it a lot of thought as to why I love Higgins so much. The best that I can come up with is that she has the ability to take ordinary life and skew it with precision that results in a fairy tale that I can buy in to. Her heroines live charmed lives, even when they are faced with challenges – but nothing that isn’t surmountable. They feel normal and comfortable, the kind of women you’d like to be friends with because you know they’d make your life a little more interesting. 

Sounds a little like a Mayberry lifestyle? Well, it sort of is…with a touch more drama than Barney Fife ever saw. But, oh, how we love the drama because it brings us to the resolution and fulfillment of the story. I love that I can count on a happily-ever-after when I read romances and I always know Ms. Higgins will never let me down.

Now that I’ve got that bit of adoration out of my system, on to the book….

Posey and Liam are such great characters. I enjoyed waiting for them to come together at long last. Posey deserved him from the very beginning. Unbeknownst to Liam, he broke her heart as a teenager. But, sometimes girls get passed over, eh? To see him back in town again, sans wife, rocks Posey’s world a little.

Liam is the quintessential bad boy…wait…turned good. His past dealt him some rough cards, but he’s come out of the deal as a father completely obsessed (no pun intended) with his teenage daughter. She is his world. She is also of the age where Liam is painfully aware of what the world can offer her (boys like he once was).

Posey gets her second chance with Liam, but not without some stumbles along the way. There are personal hurdles to overcome for both of them, let alone what they need to overcome together. Having a relationship with someone who has a teenager isn’t always the easiest…especially if they don’t even know you exist.

Also, true to form, Higgins adds several incredible supporting characters to Until There Was You. I love this side stories, watching Posey and Liam interact with others and getting a glimpse into how they are seen by more than just themselves. It only adds to the love of Posey and the sympathy for Liam (I saw more sadness present in his past). A special note of love specifically goes out to Posey’s brother and his partner. They are a delightful and unexpected addition to the story.

It is no surprise that I am going to recommend this book on a seriously high note. It swept me away as a fun, yet thoughtful read. But, that’s what all of Kristan Higgins’ books do for me. There is enough to tackle relevant problems in life, but in a way that creates a warm and fuzzy feeling inside while you are reading it. Life isn’t always going to be positive, but at the end of the day it is what you decide to make of it. Higgins gives her heroines and heroes fortitude to turn wrongs into rights - while at the same time keeping a sense of humor and a lot of compassion.

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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Jane Austen Made Me Do It by Laurel Ann Nattress

Jane Austen Made Me Do It: Original Stories Inspired by Literature’s Most Astute Observer of the Human Heart

Editor:  Laurel Ann Nattress

Authors: An Assortment of Outstanding Women
ISBN-13: 978-0345524966
Publication Date: October, 2011
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Length:  448 pages
Acquired by Me:  NetGalley
 

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

“’My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” If you just heaved a contented sigh at Mr. Darcy’s heartfelt words, then you, dear reader, are in good company. Here is a delightful collection of never-before-published stories inspired by Jane Austen—her novels, her life, her wit, her world.

In Lauren Willig’s “A Night at Northanger,” a young woman who doesn’t believe in ghosts meets a familiar specter at the infamous abbey; Jane Odiwe’s “Waiting” captures the exquisite uncertainty of Persuasion’s Wentworth and Anne as they await her family’s approval of their betrothal; Adriana Trigiani’s “Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane” imagines a modern-day Austen giving her niece advice upon her engagement; in Diana Birchall’s “Jane Austen’s Cat,” our beloved Jane tells her nieces “cat tales” based on her novels; Laurie Viera Rigler’s “Intolerable Stupidity” finds Mr. Darcy bringing charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs, and retellings; in Janet Mullany’s “Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” a teacher at an all-girls school invokes the Beatles to help her students understand Sense and Sensibility; and in Jo Beverley’s “Jane and the Mistletoe Kiss,” a widow doesn’t believe she’ll have a second chance at love . . . until a Miss Austen suggests otherwise.

Regency or contemporary, romantic or fantastical, each of these marvelous stories reaffirms the incomparable influence of one of history’s most cherished authors.”

My Thoughts:

A WARNING to all fans of Jane Austen: This book is a must to add to your collection! Where else are you going to find so many incredible authors contributing to a single piece of literature? There is a short story for everyone to fall in love with. Are you traditional? It’s there. Are you a fan of contemporary? You can find that too. Scary, whimsical, funny – yeah, it’s all in there.

Laurel Ann Nattress is to be commended for her editing on this read. She did an outstanding job and gathered together some seriously strong talent. I believe her love for Austen really shines through her work. I have followed Nattress’ blog for several years now (www.austenprose.com). When I first learned that Jane Austen Made Me Do It was in the works, I instinctively knew that Laurel Ann’s book would reflect the level of quality that she has earned a reputation for on Austenprose. She understands Jane Austen on a level that few others can achieve. It is more than merely enjoying her writings; it is her intelligence that allows her to comprehend even the subtlest of suggestions and opinions.

Let Jane Austen Made Me Do It be your guilty pleasure purchase or pick it up for a friend as inspiration for a cozy day spent reading at home. It feels just right with a cup of tea and a blanket thrown across your legs. And for those who live a busier lifestyle – savor smaller moments when you can delve into a single short story for a quick escape, set the book down and come back later when you have the time to jump into the next one. However, I really do prefer the cozy method much more.

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)
Author:  Julie Kagawa

ISBN-13: 978-0373210367

Publication Date: October, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Book Length:  386 pages

Acquired by Me:  NetGalley

 

Description Courtesy of Goodreads:

“Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

My Thoughts:

Julie Kagawa’s Iron Knight rounds off a book series that has been a pleasure for me to read over the past year. Without a doubt, it ranks as one my favorite collections in both Adult Fiction and Fantasy. Kagawa wove a thought provoking tale that subtly touches on modern issues, yet still maintains a whimsical hold on the tried and true love triangle of one girl choosing between two boys – at throughout the first three books. In Iron Knight, the story diverges from the heroine’s perspective and instead focuses more on Ash, the one she ultimately chose, but also let go for a whole host of reasons I won’t divulge.

Ash’s story is a journey of self-discovery. He faces his demons, both literally and figuratively, in order to find a soul. His soul is what he needs in order to be reunited with Meghan, who is separated from him by a world of iron, a land he cannot exist in. Friend and rival, Puck, accompanies Ash on his journey and the two set out to do what has never before been accomplished.

I was pleased with the dynamic between both heroes. I thought Kagawa played them off of one another very well and tied up some loose ends regarding their turbulent relationship. She also threw in a surprise that I should have seen coming, but didn’t, that added more intrigue to Ash’s progress in the book. Hard decisions to be made at a few stages in his journey. Great ideas and creativity on the author’s part.

One thing that struck me immediately when reading Iron Knight is that this is not a book about Meghan. She rarely present in the book, although she is eluded to constantly. You can imagine that she figures more prominently towards the end and its resolution. This read is much more masculine than the previous installments – something I really enjoyed. I love seeing events through the eyes of the hero rather than listening to the heroine analyze what his thoughts must be.

One part of this particular story that I was not enamored with was the pseudo-ending that takes place. It is hard to explain without throwing spoilers left and right, but suffice it to say that there is a part that takes place that feels extremely surreal and quite awkward. I am sure some readers loved it, but I wasn’t overly taken with the scene. I do think the ending made up for it though and was very satisfied with the outcome of the plot.

I don’t mind saying that I am sad to see the series end, but happy to have had the chance to follow its tale. I think it is an exceptional read for teens. I’ve passed the word around to all that will listen that they have to pick these books up. I highly recommend them!

The thoughts expressed in this post are solely based on my personal opinion and have not been influenced by any other entity or being. Use of my statements may not be reproduced without permission from me, the author of Fall In Love With Books.

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Long Overdue

Well, I've been on a very long hiatus and now it is time to get back into the swing of things. Posts will be forthcoming shortly. I've got a ton of reviews that I need to share with everyone. Although I spent the past year going to school, somehow I still found time to read. Who would have thunk it?

I'm also excited to announce that my sister, an avid fantasy romance fan, is going to be contributing to Fall In Love With Books. Her introduction and posts will be coming soon.

Finally, I had a miserable experience trying to switch my blog over to Wordpress last year - which is part of the reason why I took so long to get back to blogging. I didn't want to expend the energy to untangle the mess I found myself in. I recently spent some time unraveling the problems that came along with the transition and, luckily, have found myself back up an running again on Blogger. Lessons learned is all I can say!

That's all I can add for the moment, but I'm very keen on getting started up again! Until next time!!