SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab the novel/novella your currently reading
Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
Share the SECOND sentence from that page
Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want
Her ice cold hands barely felt the keys in her hands.
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!
Today I'm turning my blog over to Judy Serrano author of "First Blood," which happens to be the SECOND BOOK in her Linked Series!!
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will from March 2 - 26, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until March 27, 2015]
"First Blood" [Linked Series, Book 2] by Judy Serrano
Author's Book Description :
Linked ~ First Blood (Book 2)
Diamond never asked to be a vampire. Unfortunately for her, her transition requires her to have her first blood given to her by a full-blooded, male vampire. Her father takes her to Dante, the kingpin of the vampire mafia, who is a close and old friend of the family, to do the job. After much resistance, Dante accepts and their worlds are turned upside down. Dante unexpectedly links to Diamond, causing a connection that appears to be unbreakable. The only known cure for vampirism is when a vampire links to the soul of a human: the soul that once belonged to them.
Diamond is discovered to have a special and unique bloodline, which makes her extremely valuable to the vampire species. As more and more vampires become aware of her gift, the race is on to see who can gain control of her first. With her first blood gone, her new love hovering, and a rival gang hanging in the midst, it is all Diamond can do to stay safe. Will her link to Dante save her, or put her in more danger than she can handle. Sometimes true love is worth the risk.
** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **
About the Author :
Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is currently working on finishing up her masters degree and becoming a certified teacher for high school English. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. She is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications and writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, The Linked Series, and "Ivy Vines, Visions."
Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, five dogs and now one cat. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when able.
I am not a vampire, but the voices in my head tell me otherwise. My cold skin, my hunger for red meat, it was all a sign. My sister, Sapphire, seemed to miss the whole experience. No symptoms at all. No waking up at night in cold sweats, no sores in her mouth, or pain in her teeth. Why did she always get so lucky? It wasn’t fair.
The rain drizzled before us as a thick fog enveloped the taxi. I looked out the window, trying to steady my hands before we arrived. The guards let us through a tall, Iron Gate, and my sister reached over and grabbed my hand. “It’ll be okay, Diamond. This is what she wanted.” I nodded. It was always about what she wanted. No one else had any say.
“She’s right, you know,” my father added. “You’ll like him. Everyone does.”
I nodded again, still unable to speak. My father’s best friends accompanied us. Ashley, Kyle, and Rex. He wasn’t sure how Dante would take the news and he needed some backup. Kyle was ridiculously sexy. Broad shoulders and muscles other men envied. He had dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, with the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Rex was tall and slender with short spiked, blond hair. Also handsome but he may as well have had “womanizer” stamped on his forehead. He knew nothing of commitment and wore it well. Ashley was blond and gorgeous. I couldn’t understand how none of them ever claimed her. She was about 5 foot 6, thin, and tough as nails. Personally, I had always thought she was in love with my father, but my mother didn’t like to talk about her, so it was just speculation on my part.
The car pulled up to what looked like an old mansion. It was something you might see in an old movie. Terror ripped through me as the car stopped. My dad got out and held the door open for us. We approached the entrance, and my father rapped on the door using an old doorknocker. There was no bell.
A man opened the door and looked at my father. “Cliff,” he started. “You look well.” Then his face dropped. “Oh no… I’m sorry, Cliff. We hadn’t heard.”
“Thank you,” he answered. “Is Dante home? I need to see him.” [CLICK HERE to read more of this excerpt]
Today I'm turning my blog over to Diana Green, with a review of her novel "Dragon Wife," which happens to be the FIRST BOOK in her Dragon Clan Series!!
ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from March 10 - 31, 2015 -- Giveaway will run until April 3, 2015]
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 218; Kindle Edition - File Size: 470 KB | Expected Release Date: August 11, 2014 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions
"Dragon Wife" [Dragon Clan Series, Book 1] by Diana Green
Author's Book Description : The clan is waking. After centuries of spellbound sleep, dragon-shifters are returning to the mountains. They are few in number, and the outside world has become overrun with humans.
Huroth, the dragon chieftain, recognizes a need for his kind to adapt, by forming alliances and mate-bonds with humans, but his clan is divided.
From the first time she meets him, Lady Orwenna is drawn to the magnificent chieftain. The mind link he forms with her is both fascinating and frightening, as is the powerful attraction she feels for him. If only she knew what was in his heart.
Does he want her for the woman she is, or for her magical abilities? When war breaks out between kingdoms and ancient enemies of the dragons resurface, the clan will be tested. In the midst of uncertainty, can Huroth and Orwenna find their way together?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Set in a mystical world where old world nobility meets magic and dragon shutters, you follow two individuals who connect during remarkable circumstances and who are trying to carve out better paths for themselves by whatever means they can.
I was intensely drawn to this novel from its prologue and onward. So much so, that I completed reading it in a day! With its fascinating plot and fun characters, I could not get enough! In addition, I really liked how Orwenna (Wen) & Huroth fell in love. Especially I liked that Wen was able to hold onto her new scene of self and purpose throughout the time she was falling for Huroth and how he liked her even more for it.
I definitely recommend this novel to those who like paranormal slightly historical (in their values and traditions) romances.
-- On a side note –-
If you liked reading about "mind linking" type of novels--like Ms. Cantrell's "Mindlink" novel--I'd also recommend this to you!
“I don’t have to explain myself, not even to you. It was my decision to come here, and while it may have been rash, everything has worked out. I found you, and now you know of the invasion. Story over.”
“Story not over,” he corrected. “You still have to make it out of these mountains with your skin intact. I don’t want your blood on my hands.”
“It won’t be!”
“If I leave you alone now, knowing the situation, I’m as good as digging your grave. I’ll have to come with you.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Is that so?” He let out a dry laugh. “Right now, you don’t even have a horse.”
“Whose fault is that?” she snapped, almost immediately looking sorry.
“Forgive me,” she said, taking a deep breath. “That was unfair. I called you here, and you’re only concerned for my safety. My nerves are just a little thin right now.”
“Not surprising, all things considered.”
Privately, he respected her stamina. It was no small thing, making a solitary trek through these mountains, and still having fire power enough to argue at the end of the day. ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Diana, then please check out her website.
About the Author :
Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while continuing to write as a hobby. After she developed chronic fatigue syndrome, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become a professional author.
Diana’s books are mostly paranormal romance, in the fantasy and science fiction sub-genres. She has been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest. At present, she lives in beautiful Washington State, where she writes for the Wild Rose Press.
Book Excerpt :
The gathering grew quiet as sounds of boot heels on stone echoed from the entryway. A man strode in alone, though to call him a man seemed less than sufficient. There was such raw power about him, such majesty in his bearing. No one could mistake his identity. This was the black dragon, shifted to man-like form, just as legend described. Orwenna felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.
“I am Huroth, son of Huren,” he announced, his voice rich and deep. He faced the king, down the long silent hall. “I am chieftain of the dragons who dwell in the Drake’s Teeth Mountains. We offer an alliance to the kingdom of Rhelaun. How do you answer?”
“You are most welcome, honored guest.” The King bowed as he spoke then beckoned the chieftain. “Please, come and talk with me, so we can decide how this alliance should be arranged.”
As Huroth advanced towards the throne, he made an impressive picture. He was tall and broad shouldered, wearing dark leather armor and a heavy fur-lined cloak. His hair tumbled in a thick black mane, his eyes the pale blue of glacier ice. They swept over the courtiers, coolly assessing.
When those eyes came to rest on Orwenna, she felt time slow. Everyone else, all her surroundings, faded to nothing.
And who might you be?
She heard the words in her head, as surely as if he’d spoken aloud. Without consciously choosing, she responded in kind.
Orwenna.
His eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-step. Apparently, he had not expected her to hear his musing nor be able to answer.
There is an aura of magic about you. He sent the thought, his gaze on her as sharp as a hawk’s.
That’s from my mother. She didn’t know how she spoke directly into his mind. It made her a little dizzy, like too much wine.
Who is your mother?
Sister to the king and the mage, Vardis.
I see.
He considered a moment, before nodding respectfully to her and continuing down the hall. Those nearby gave Orwenna odd looks, and she realized how strange her encounter with Huroth must have seemed. To everyone else, they would have appeared to be simply standing, watching one another without speaking.
How long had it been…one minute…five? She couldn’t guess. All she knew was that it changed her. Reality had shifted and would never be quite the same again. Dragons lived, breathed, and walked upon the land like lords of men. She had spoken mind to mind with one, his fierce eyes locked on hers. It was not an experience she would soon forget.
"The One You Want" [The Original Heartbreakers Series, Book 0.5] by Gena Showalter
Author's Book Description : Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome her bad-girl past in Gena Showalter's "The One You Want." Dane Michaelson is rich, sexy and plays hard, exactly the kind of guy she needs to avoid, but he's used to getting what he wants, and he wants her.
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Childhood acquaintances, because of their parents’ longtime affair, Dane & Kenna (Freckles) find that they have a stronger connection to one another then they would have expected once they meet again years later. However, will their budding relationship be able to withstand small town gossip, their parents’ remarks, and the distance that is already between them?
As I was already, a fan of Ms. Showalter before I read this novella it was hard not to enjoy it. So, I wasn't surprised that Dane, Kenna, and their story quickly enraptured me. It was erotically sweet and had a great buildup for its upcoming series. In addition, Kenna's fun/silly bucket list that Dane tried to assist with made this novella even more enjoyable to read!
Even though it wasn't a "main plot point," the only part where I feel this novella is left a bit hanging about Dane’s mother as I think there should be another interaction with her because of everything she did to knock Kenna down a peg. As she went out of her way to hurt Kenna's financial stability and other then having it being noted there wasn't much else done about it in the novella, which felt a bit wrong.
Nevertheless, I recommend this novella and series to those who like contemporary romances! I cannot wait to see where this series will take us next!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
"I'd like a moment of your time," he said.
She opened her mouth, closed it, then took a step away from him. He got the distinct impression she meant to refuse him, which amazed him. Women more often than not did whatever he asked. Of course, they either worked for him, so he was paying them, or they were dating him, so he was screwing them.
"Please," he added, and the word felt foreign on his tongue.
Her shoulders slumped just a little. "Oh, all right."
He almost grinned. Almost. "Your enthusiasm is heartwarming." ~ within Chapter 2
Jessie Kay rolled her eyes. "Go bang the hottie. We'll be fine."
"What does bang mean?" Norrie asked.
"It means to punch him," Kenna said, and told herself it wasn't actually a lie. "But that would be rude, so I'm not going to do it."
"You're so nice, Momma." ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Gena, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 150; Kindle Edition - File Size: 316 KB | Expected Release Date: April 24, 2014 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: NetGalley
"Copper King" [Takhini Shifters Series, Book 1] by Vivian Arend
Authors' Book Description :Originally published in the Alphas After Dark Boxset
Three things make billionaire Jim Halcyon’s to-do list: women, work…and more women. It’s a perfect agenda for a rich shifter who has no problem letting his inner grizzly out to play. From the bright lights of Vegas, to the sophisticated action of New York—he’s got the money and the power to do anything he wants.
Anything, except resist the lure of Lady Luck, an ancient copper coin he gambles yearly to possess. Jim is determined to regain control of the pretty penny, and damn if he’ll let any bit of eye candy distract him from his goal. Not even the mesmerizing woman in the middle of the casino floor with the shimmering hair and enormous green eyes.
With a life-changing move ahead of her, Lillie’s finagled a temporary layover en route to her future. She’s got five days to soak in new experiences, and while Vegas is too big and shiny and loud for her shy bear self, she’s eager to do this up right. It’s the last chance she’s got to let her hair down.
Until his challenge begins, Jim is more than willing to oblige Lillie’s wish for a final fling. Only Lady Luck has some twists of fate planned for them both…
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! While on a yearly meet up with his best friend, Jim, runs into a woman who sparks up his life, but without them realizing their relationship seems to be growing into something more than a fling. But are they ready to settle down, or will the choice be suddenly taken out of their hands?
Lillie & Jim's connection is instantaneous and I loved how they playfully got to know one another. In addition, how their relationship finally ended up was very sweet!
I recommend this to those who are fans of Ms. Arend and/or like paranormal romances!!
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
She wanted someone to sweep her off her feet and rock her world all night long.
Like that was ever going to happen.
Her gaze stuttered to a stop at the approach of one of the finest masculine specimens she'd seem in her life, as if her fantasy man had come to life. Maybe this was like Disneyland, where all her dreams could come true. When you wish upon a star...
Dream or not, watching the dark-haired man stalk down the casino aisle was an exercise in sheer pleasure. ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Vivian, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: 516 KB | Expected Release Date: December 1, 2014 | Publisher: Harlequin : American Romance | Obtained: NetGalley
Moving to Horseshoe, Texas, to become guardian of her half sister has been rewarding for Lacey Carroll. But raising a six-year-old-especially one who has stopped believing in Santa Claus-has its challenges. Lacey’s goal is to bring holiday wonder back into the child’s life, which isn’t going to be easy with a grinch like Gabe Garrison next door. The man is mean, rude…and hurting.
After losing his son, Gabe shut out the world. But his privacy is invaded by the quirky, dynamic blonde and her kid sister, who are single-handedly filling his solitary life with love. When Lacey enlists him in a holiday campaign for Emma’s sake, he can’t resist. Will Lacey’s unique brand of healing magic make this a season of second chances-for all of them?
My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! Two sisters help their neighbor overcome his grief while getting through their own and dealing with the holiday season.
I found this novel to be very sweet and touching. Especially with the way, Lacey goes about helping Gabe get over his debilitating loss of his son while Emma keeps them both in the present with her views about Santa. I liked them all together. I just wish I liked the last 25% of the novel just as much as I liked the rest of the book. As I understand why Gabe had to go away, yet I wish it could have gone over better than it did. In addition, once Gabe finally understands what he really wants I didn’t like the way Lacey seemed to just accept it, even if it was because she wanted him back in her life.
Overall, I still recommend this novel to those who like to read about holiday contemporary romances.
"I'm hopeless."
"Have you never cooked?"
Her eyes narrowed, and he was expecting a whole lot of attitude, but she replied, "Not really."
"Why?"
The eyes narrowed even more. "Don't push your luck. I'm not in a good mood."
"I'm just asking a question."
"I liked it better when you were quiet."
He leaned forward. "I know very little about you. Is your mother still living?"
She laughed, a bubbly sound that lifted his spirits.
"What's so funny?"
She pointed a finger at him. "You wanting to talk." ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Linda, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 636 KB | Expected Release Date: March 1, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin Presents | Obtained: NetGalley
"The Sheikh's Sinful Seduction" [Seven Sexy Sins Series, Book 2] by Dani Collins
Authors' Book Description :Ruled by duty…
A king among men, Sheikh Zafir cannot allow emotion or feelings to color his judgment. His carnal desires must be curbed for the sake of peace in his kingdom. But his control is tested by the feisty Fern Davenport; Zafir must have her.
Driven by desire…
Innocent Fern Davenport tries to resist the sheikh's skillful seduction—she knows that he could never marry her. But under the blistering sun an incendiary thirst awakes, and one incredible night results in a very lasting consequence.
Now this sheikh must claim his heir and his bride!
Seven Sexy Sins
The true taste of temptation!
From greed to gluttony, lust to envy, these fabulous stories explore what seven sexy sins mean in the twenty-first century! Whether pride goes before a fall, or wrath leads to passion that consumes entirely, one thing is certain…the road to true love has never been more enticing!
So you decide: How can it be a sin when it feels so good?
Sloth—Cathy Williams - "To Sin with the Tycoon"
Lust—Dani Collins - "The Sheikh's Sinful Seduction"
Pride—Kim Lawrence - "The Sins of Sebastian Rey-Defoe"
Gluttony—Maggie Cox
Greed—Sara Craven
Wrath—Maya Blake
Envy—Annie West
Seven titles by some of Harlequin Presents’ most treasured and exciting authors!
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! A possessive Sheikh becomes enthralled with his sister's governess, but will getting to know her and having a little fling be worth all the risks and opposition they have against them?
I thoroughly enjoyed the earnest way Fern and Zafir fell for one another! Fern is sweetly naive and she counterbalances Zafir's fierceness enough to make their relationship that much more fun to read about. In addition, I really liked how Zafir came to his senses and went about winning Fern over, as it was so forthright and honest.
Other than it dragging a bit in the middle, I have no real complaints with this novel. I recommend it to those looking for a contemporary "Middle East Princess" Cinderella-type romance!
Fern woke to a pleasant awareness of the flesh between her legs and a memory of holding the sun as it went supernova in her hands. Afterward, as they'd leaned there, shaking, his arm locking her to his pounding heart, he'd whispered, "It's probably best we don't go all the way, Fern. If might kill us." ~ within Chapter 4
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dani, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1015 KB | Expected Release Date: January 6, 2015 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley
"The Trouble with Texas Cowboys" [Burnt Boot, Texas Series, Book 2] by Carolyn Brown
Authors' Book Description :Can a girl ever have too many cowboys?
No sooner does pint-sized spitfire Jill Cleary set foot on Fiddle Creek Ranch than she finds herself in the middle of a hundred-year-old feud. Quaid Brennan and Tyrell Gallagher are both tall, handsome, and rich...and both are courting Jill to within an inch of her life. She's doing her best to give these feuding ranchers equal time-too bad it's dark-eyed Sawyer O'Donnell who makes her blood boil and her hormones hum...
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Two people are thrown together not knowing that it’ll be the best thing that had ever happened to them...
This novel wasn’t what I expected, since per the book description, I thought there would be more animosity between Sawyer & Jillian (Jill) than there really was. Yet, I really liked how they seem to quickly grow their relationship into something where they can stick up for one another without question and, through it all, it makes them fall in love even when they are trying to avoid a relationships at all costs. These two had an instant connection that was hard not to enjoy, especially as you read about them growing closer while maneuvering around the feuding mess that is on both sides of Jill’s family ranch.
With the way the feud was described and with how the lead up to who the next books in this series will contain it’ll be interesting to see where everything and everyone will end up!
I recommend this novel and series to those who like contemporary cowboy romances!
"Holy shit!" Jill said. "What's going on?"
"News travels fast in a small town. They know you have arrived, and they're going to swamp you with dates," he said.
"But why?"
"Fiddle Creek, and you're a damn fine-lookin' woman."
"But why you?"
"They just want to get rid of the treat. If one of those women can snag me, then that's one cowboy out of their way," he said.
"You sure about that?"
A heavy knock landed on the door.
"I bet you dollars to cow patties that's a Gallagher wanting to take you to Sunday dinner," he said.
She grimaced. "Maybe it's for you."
"If it is, tell the woman I've got the plague." ~ within Chapter 1
"Where's my rose? Did you put it in water?"
He pointed to the kitchen table. "Yes, ma'am. I aim to please."
She gasped. "Sawyer O'Donnell!"
"You said to put it in water. I did that, didn't I?"
There is sat, crammed down into a Mason jar, blossom on the bottom, the stem sticking up in the air with the paper still around it. "You got to admit, it looks fine for a rose. If it had been a daisy, it would be right-side up. Now it will be drowned by morning, and you can toss it over the pasture fence without feeling guilty." ~ within Chapter 7
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Carolyn, then please check out her website.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 400; Kindle Edition - File Size: 523 KB | Expected Release Date: March 31, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : MIRA Books | Obtained: NetGalley
"This Heart of Mine" [Whiskey Creek Series, Book 8] by Brenda Novak
Author's Book Description :First love. Second chance?
As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him—especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.
Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob’s father isn’t exactly welcoming.
Riley doesn’t trust Phoenix, doesn’t want her in Jacob’s life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he’s about to find both!
My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! After 17 years away a wrongly accused woman is released from prison, heads back home, and hopes to connect with her son. Yet as she grows closer to her son, she also grows closer to his father too. Will she be able keep her heart intact through it all or will she loose it along the way?
I was instantly addicted to this novel!! I loved the main and sub plots!! In truth, even though I loved its plot along with Riley and Phoenix's relationship, I don't think they would've been able to have as meaningful of relationship with one another when Phoenix first got pregnant, as they are able to now. Therefore, while I don't like that Phoenix had to go to prison for a crime she didn't commit, I think the time away from Riley helped their relationship for the better. I couldn't get enough of Phoenix & Riley, didn't want their novel to end, as it was all I could've hoped for and more! Their story made me laugh, it made me tear up a lot, and most of all made me wish for a man like Riley too. In addition, I liked the ending because of its redemption without the huge fallout that I worried would have happened and how Riley & their son protected Phoenix the whole way through.
I can't wait to see where Phoenix, Riley, Jacob, Callie, Levi, and Kyle's stories will go next! I HIGHLY recommend this novel to those who are fans of this series and/or like dramatic contemporary romances!
"I have a better plan," he said, straightening.
Her eyes lowered instinctively to his chest and the muscles that rippled beneath his skin, but she jerked them up again. "What's that?"
"I'll pick the lock."
"You can do that?"
"I don't see why not. My tools are here."
True. They were hanging on the leather belt that rode low on his hips. "You don't mind?"
"Stop being so damned polite!" he snapped.
"Okay."
"It's driving me crazy." ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brenda, then please check out her website.
Author's Book Description :How to Woo a Gentleman and Weaponize Dessert
Romance novel junkie Eliza Pepper always thought she was born too late, but now she really is stuck in the wrong time. Tasked with mending a tear in the timeline, she’s trying desperately to fit into 1873 London. But dang it, mucking out a fireplace while looking like the lunch lady from hell is hard.
If she can just keep from setting the floor on fire and somehow resist her growing attraction to the master of the house, she’ll be fine. All she has to do is repeat her mantra: “He’s nothing like Darcy. He’s nothing like Darcy.”
William Brown has always taken pride in his mastery of English decorum, but his new maid is a complete disaster, has thrown his household into chaos…and he finds her utterly captivating.
Though he’s willing to endure extreme physical discomfort to keep their relationship in proper perspective, her arrival has brought out a side of him he never knew existed. And Eliza has an innocently erotic knack for coaxing that decidedly ungentlemanly facet of himself out to play…
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A historical romance novel fan gets the deal of a lifetime, an offer to travel back in time to help with a "mission"---of which she really knows nothing about---for a short while. Now if she can just obey the rules, especially the biggest one ... not to form any lasting connections and not fall in love.
This was an interesting take on reading about the 'Victorian Era.' I liked that Ms. Meeker held back no punches in not romancing London during that time period, showing how subservient life really was for those who were in those roles. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it all from Eliza's (Bessie) viewpoint, with her quick wit, it was very amusing the way she described everything around her and how her time-period’s "common phrases" seemed to flummox those around her.
As for William, while I agree he wasn't Darcy, he had such a sweet way about him that once he let out his "inner bad boy" I liked him just as much as Eliza did! Also, it was refreshing for this type of novel to have a hero (William) who was so open to Eliza's eccentricities. They worked well together and it felt like as long as they had on another they could've taken on the world.
Yet, while I liked the ending, I wish it wrapped up a bit "sweeter" or just more fleshed out, I guess. Nevertheless, thus far this has been my favorite time travel novel that I've read.
I recommend this novel to those looking for an intriguing historical romantic dramedy!
She struggled info her still unfamiliar clothes, her head numbed with sleep. After struggling with the strange, split-crotch pantaloons, she pulled her maid's uniform over her head.
"Not-so-little black dress, I hate you already," she grumbled. "It's like my life is being directed by Tim Burton. With any luck, William's best friend will turn out to be Johnny Depp and he'll be my mission here. He's American, after all. A girl can hope." ~ within Chapter 6
"A toast. To William!" She gave him a wide grin. "For slaying the Great Uncle Dragon."
He laughed. "I hardly think that I---"
"No. You stood up to him. You looked him in the eye and told the old windbag to fuck a duck."
To have carnal relations with poultry? Her mind truly went to the most amazing places. He tried to come up with a response, but she placed her fingers on his cheek.
"I was so proud of you." She raised her glass to drink and he joined her in the toast. ~ within Chapter 23
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Terri, then please check out her website.
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MY Second Sentence Saturday :
