Wednesday 30 September 2009

Amy's Honeymoon by Julia Llwellyn
A RISI swap and only because it's set in Rome! Gorgeous setting, totally unrealistic meet with a film star, but well written and paced and I adored the descriptions of Rome...I must get there soon! Pretty good overall and better han many holiday reads!

Saturday 19 September 2009

Hex and the Single Girl by Valerie Frankel
Don't bother...just not my taste. tried too hard to be cute, the main character was simply annoying and the love interest was rich and well endowed...but had little else in his favour. Maybe i just prefer British chick-lit, but definitely, not for me.

Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak by Julie Cohen
Again, competent but not amazing...different set up to many others with the fake psychic angle. Okay.

Just Say Yes by Phillipa Ashley
Not the best one by this author, but a competent chick-lit. Nice setting, but not a lot else to make it stand out.

The Italian Matchmaker by Santa Montefiore
Another fab one by this author. took a while to get going and of course everyone is terribly good looking, rich and well connected with huge estates in the country or Italy, but it's well done and I really enjoyed it!

Bridesmaids by Jane Costello
Fairly predictable chicklit, based around Evie and her friends weddings. All the usual disasters, break-ups and one "Hello" type do. Disliked how the fat and frumpy friend becomes transformed into an exercise junkie and husband stealer material...does a diet do that?! Nothing amazing and not even particularly recommended. Average.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Have to 'fess up and say I love this series. I'm actually forcing myself to have a break and read a couple of differentbooks before I carry on...this is for two reasons, firstly I don't want to finish them too quickly but secondly, I didn't enjoy the last two quite as much and I hope it's not due to familiarity.
I thought this would be one of my favourites...in previous books Colin, although he didn't appear too much, was a very engaging character and seemed like fun. However, his "darker" side and need to find himself was a bit of a pain at times, I think I like the charmer better. Obviously, my taste in heroes goes for the moody, brooding types...blame Austen and Darcy! Penelope started off alright but didn't totally convince as the mysterious writer...particularly from such a young age. Overall, it was an enjoyable read but I prefered the first two books and Anthony still remains my favourite Bridgerton so far. (Even if he seems to have gone a bit soft in this one)

Saturday 12 September 2009

More romance...

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
The third Bridgerton story that tells of how Benedict gets married. It's a Cinderella story, that gradually evolves from the original fairytale. Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who becomes a maid when her father dies and she's left to the mercies of her stepmother. She has a heavenly two hours at a masked ball and instantly falls in love with Benedict. Two years later their paths cross again. Not my favourite of the three so far, but I did enjoy it. Benedict is lovely, the "artistic" brother and although not a witty or abrasive as Anthony he comes across well. It was Sophie's "dilemma" with who she was that got monotonous and she made problems where it wasn't necessary. Violet (the mother) is a complete star!

The Viscount who loved me by Julia Quinn
How Anthony gets married...I loved this! Anthony was great in the Duke and I with his brooding protectiveness and that's what comes through with this book too. The way the Viscount who has cleverly managed to avoid getting married through several seasons gets caught out by a bee sting was funny and the developing relationship between him and Kate was touching. Throw in a manic dog a near death experience and it's a brilliant book. Total romantic slush, but I'm a sucker for it!

Wednesday 9 September 2009

September again...

Celebrity Bride by Alison Kerwin
Okay, but not what I'd hoped for. Main character is weakand pretty dim, the boyfriend alludes to being a Hugh Jackman type character but disappears for large sections of the story. Elodie is evil (yes, she's meant to be) but it all became a bit tedious. Overall it fell a bit flat.

Saturday 5 September 2009

More...

The Kinsella Sisters by Kate Thompson
Enjoyed it - not really what I expected but a cosy read.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Fab...regency romance with a sexy edge! Think I'll be completely addicted to this series...already ordered ore from Amazon.

Wednesday 2 September 2009

Start of September...

Wish You Were Here by Phillipa Ashley
Not as good as the previous one, but sparky heroine and lush setting. Typical modern romantic fiction, but well written.

Decent Exposure by Phillipa Ashley
Sligtly trite premise of mountain rescue men posing for a nude calendar to raise funds, but well written and very hot! type of book I would have loved even more 10 years ago!