Posted on by Maureen

It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

51nkmep4ttlI have been a big fan of Julia Quinn’s historical romance novels for almost fifteen years. I own paperback copies of every single one of her books, but if a Kindle deal comes along, I will always buy it. Because why not? In addition to making my collection portable, this also often gives me the option to purchase the Audible edition at a reduced price. I’ve been trying to walk 10,000 steps a day, so having audiobooks to listen to helps me meet my goal while I walk around the neighborhood.

I recently listened to It’s In His Kiss. This is the 7th entry in her Bridgerton series, which features eight alphabetically named Regency era aristocratic siblings. It’s In His Kiss is Hyacinth Bridgerton’s story. Hyacinth agrees to help Gareth St. Clair translate his late grandmother’s diary from Italian into English, but she had no idea that the diary might contain secrets. When the diary insinuates that there might be a valuable treasure hidden in the St. Clair London home, Hyacinth sees an opportunity to a grand adventure. Read more

Posted on by Maureen

The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston

514z8rcwvmlThe Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior was an impulse purchase. I have some of author Jennifer McQuiston’s other books on my Kindle, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. I also enjoy following her on Facebook. I was at the grocery store- of all places- when I spied The Spinster’s Guide to Scandalous Behavior on an endcap with some other new release books. Well, much to my surprise, the book just hopped right into the cart!

This is the second entry in the Seduction Diaries series, and features Lucy, the younger sister of the protagonist from Diary of an Accidental Wallflower. As the story begins in 1853, Lucy receives her late Aunt E’s diary. But wait, there’s more- she also receives the key to Aunt E’s home. Lucy’s first season is approaching, and she wants no part of the endless social obligations. She sees the cottage as an opportunity to live the life that she wants to live; one that does not revolve around finding a husband with a title.

Lord Thomas Branston is prepared to buy the cottage from Lucy. Her father assures Thomas that there will not be any problems, and that there will be a quick and uncomplicated sale. There’s one unexpected catch: Lucy was not consulted about this, and insists on seeing the house for herself before agreeing to sell it. Read more

Posted on by Maureen

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

519w09dr4xl._sy346_

 

It’s probably not mandatory to read Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl before reading Carry On, but it certainly helps. Fangirl’s protagonist Cath struggled with going away to college, being separated from her twin for the first time, and the role that Simon Snow fanfiction played in her new reality. Fangirl featured excerpts of both “canon” Simon Snow, and Cath’s fanfic spin on the global literary phenomenon.

Carry On is a full length Simon Snow novel. Simon Snow is similar to another series with a famous boy wizard, but that is where the similarities end. Simon Snow’s world is wholly original. Carry On takes place during Simon’s eighth year at Watford, a school for magical children. Simon plays a unique role in the World of Mages; he is seen as the Chosen One, who will deliver them from evil. Namely, the Insidious Humdrum, who takes on the form of Simon as an eleven-year-old boy. Read more

Posted on by Maureen

Heart of Ice by Sibelle Stone

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was not familiar with Sibelle Stone, but when I had the opportunity to read her novel Heart of Ice, I was intrigued by the premise and the combination of several genres. The story is set in 1910- in Iceland, which is rather unique. Lucinda Stafford is a young woman who is not ready to return to her home in New York. She applies for the position of governess. She has never worked as a governess before, but she had one growing up, and that’s pretty much the same thing, isn’t it? Read more