Tag Archives: Historical romance

Saint James’ Way by Jean Johnson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of time travel romance book cover

Title: Saint James’ Way
Author: Jean Johnson
In: The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Historical romance, Time travel
Dates read: 28th October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “If my shoes weren’t falling apart, I would hasten in a more seemly manner,” Phinneas countered out loud.

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Synopsis

A time travelling anthropologist is fascinated by one of the men in her study cohort. But she can’t change the past… or can she? Has she finally found true love?

Thoughts

Love, love, love the idea of a time travelling anthropologist! After all, anthropology is all about participating and observing. In studies today, we mostly have to tell our participants that we are actually observing them… but if we travelled back in time? Before anthropologists existed? Well, I can understand not telling people that you’re observing them, after all, anthropologists aren’t something that exists yet.

I thought that the attachment between Anne and James was incredibly cute and sweet. But it wasn’t overwhelmingly lustful. They simply found each other intriguing, and intellectually fulfilling. For me, that’s something that I find far more powerful than physical attraction – the ability to find a partner who will intellectually stimulate you as well as physically. Anne and James are perfect for this. They’re so intellectually in tune, that the physicality comes second.

Really, who doesn’t want a knight in somewhat shiny armour in their lives? James manages to fulfil this fantasy far more than I had ever expected. I’ve never truly wanted a knight, until reading this short story. Now… I can imagine my partner dressed as a knight riding up on a white horse… somehow don’t think he’d go for it though…

 <- Pilot’s Forge ReviewThe Troll Bridge Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Luisa’s Desire by Emma Holly

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Fantasy

Title: Luisa’s Desire
Author: Emma Holly
Series: Midnight #0.5
In: Fantasy (Christine Feehan, Sabrina Jeffries, Emma Holly & Elda Minger)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 12th September
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Stop tempting him and you’ll have earned your freedom from the blood.

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Synopsis

From the depths of the dark unknown…
…a child of midnight has arrived in a spiritual Tibetan refuge to rid herself of wicked desires. Here this ageless beauty meets the one man who can save her – or damn her soul forever.

Thoughts

Although there is no point in this story in which it is stated that Luisa is a vampire. Or really anything akin, but that’s definitely the vibe I got from this novella. A vampire who wants to live blood-free and without having to rely on anyone else. The fact that she goes to an obscure hideaway in the mountains of Tibet to find a monk who can help her to do this… well, it was just such a different take on an old favourite.

The double meaning to this title was really fun. For starters, there’s Luisa’s desire to be something more than what she is. Find a way to not use other people to survive. On the other hand, her desire is something far more lustful and sinful. And way, way, way more fun. After all, the desire to not rely on others is honourable. The desire for another man… well, that’s just spine tinglingly fun. Or at least, that’s how I found it.

I don’t know if I’ve ever read a story – romance or otherwise – which involves a monk as a lead. It’s just not a way of life and character that I tend to find in many of my stories. Plenty of nomads. Plenty of hermits. Plenty of outcasts. But a man who wants to pledge his life to a monastery? Not something that I’ve come across. And it was something that I found surprisingly enjoyable. Especially when partnered with a lady of the night. As with many enjoyable surprises I seem to be finding in my reading lately… it was something I just didn’t know that I needed!

This isn’t a story filled completely with lust. There’s enough of it that you maybe wouldn’t want to read it on a bus, or in front of your in-laws. But it’s not as intense as some of the other paranormal romance tales I’ve been reading lately. There is a little less lust, and a lot more suspense…and now there is another series to add to my every expanding wishlist…

 <- The Widow’s Auction ReviewMr. Speedy Review ->
Image source: Christine Feehan

The Scotsman and the Vamp by Jennifer Ashley

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: The Scotsman and the Vamp
Author: Jennifer Ashley
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 12th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Promised to him since his birth.

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Synopsis

The Roaring Twenties and the movie scene of LA make a beautiful backdrop to a short story about the turn of the century. A woman is running from her past, and her fiance, but when he finally catches up to her, will she realise that the scotsman might be her perfect forever partner?

Thoughts

There is something that has always seemed kind of fun about the Roaring Twenties. Maybe it’s just the clothes. I’m not really sure. But a short story based in this time period, in LA, with a woman who is just starting to embrace the new reality of feminism… well, I was sucked completely in from the first fun scene with a party and dancing, and a vampire bride on the run…

I liked the idea that the vampire in this was the woman. So many of the paranormal romances I read involve a male vampire, with a chosen female bride and then they ride off into their happily ever after. Most of this did happen, just with that nice little gender reversal that was really quite refreshing. Especially since she is running away from a man who would seem for all intents and purposes kind of dreamy – and incredibly sexy. All so that she can live her own life and have a modicum of freedom in her daily life.

I’m not big into stories which feature a damsel in distress who needs rescuing. It’s a little too cliché and not something that immediately tends to draw me in. However, this story does not fit that niche. Actually, that is the biggest hurdle in the relationship – that she doesn’t need him, and so why should he hang around? Rather, in the end, they both rescue each other. Which, for me, is just how it should be.

 <- Trust Me ReviewI Need More You Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

The Widow’s Auction by Sabrina Jeffries

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Fantasy

Title: The Widow’s Auction
Author: Sabrina Jeffries
In: Fantasy (Christine Feehan, Sabrina Jeffries, Emma Holly & Elda Minger)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Romance
Dates read: 28th August 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: They’d made love on the floor before the fireplace, writhing on the fur rug like cats in heat.

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Synopsis

Though Isobel Lamberton, the widowed Lady Kingsley, is confounded by her dealings with the obstinate Justin Antony, Lord Warbrooke, his commanding presence sparks something deep within her. But such romantic thoughts are for naught. For Justin’s political aspirations always come first. And Isobel’s own secret past could damage both of them permanently.

So when Isobel’s friend talks her into participating in a scandalous auction of masked widows at a gentleman’s club, she reluctantly agrees…and soon begins to relish being an object of desire. But none desire her more than Justin, who recognizes the outspoken Isobel in disguise and sets out to teach her a lesson worth far more than money…

Thoughts

This was not really the story that I was expecting. The name made it sound a little more raunchy. And, since it is found in a book that is more of the paranormal romance kilter – I was expecting a werewolf or vampire thrown in there. I did not expect to read a story about a widow and her philanthropic choices in life. Her slightly unorthodox upbringing. Or even about the man that she eventually falls for. None of the aspects of this story were as expected, even when I read the blurb. And I certainly didn’t regret picking this up in the slightest. It was a lot of fun, and incredibly cute.

We all have different faces that we show to the world. It doesn’t matter if that’s just our own personal face and a more professional one that we show at work, or something more. Everyone does it. Which made it kind of fun to read a novella which played with this idea and built a beautiful romance around it. I especially loved the fact that even when the truth about who she is is revealed, she is still loved and cherished. Showing that sometimes our first instincts and assumptions just aren’t correct, and we can find love in the most unexpected of places.

The Widow’s Auction is a great start to the Fantasy collection of novellas. It is sweet and lustful. Fun and filled with hope for a happily ever after. The entire story, you are guaranteed to be gunning for the heroine and wanting her to find a way to thrive in a world that is more skewed towards men. Luckily for my love of happily ever afters, that’s exactly what you get. This novella is one that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your tired, world-worn face.

 <- Fantasy ReviewLuisa’s Desire Review ->
Image source: Christine Feehan

Crimson Kisses by Diane Whiteside

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: Crimson Kisses
Author: Diane Whiteside
Series: Texas Vampires #3.25
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 7th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Oh no, no, no.

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Synopsis

She’s found the man that she wants to spend the rest of her life with. But her father has decided he wants to keep her under his thumb for a little bit longer. A daring escape, a failed rescue and a year spent apart has just helped to harden her reserve.

Thoughts

This was a little bit too short for me. It had the feel of a plot that could have extended out for an entire novel. Especially since the hapless couple try to escape, realise they can’t and then plan to rendezvous. Afterwards, they manage to mess that up, but eventually find a way back to each other again, just a little bit later than had been anticipated. All that in less than thirty pages? It made for a great, fast-paced read, but I really wanted much more background information.

With a title like Crimson Kisses, I was kind of expecting a lot more… well, kissing. There wasn’t as much lustful passion in this storyline as I’ve been gaining from some of the paranormal romance stories that I’ve been sticking my little literary nose into. But it did have a great feeling of sweetness and everlasting love. It certainly made me hope that the wonderful leads would be able to have a happily ever after…

 <- Butterfly Kiss ReviewVampsploitation Review ->
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The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance edited by Trisha Telep

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Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of scottish romance book cover

Title: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance
Author: Trisha Telep, Heather McCollum, Patricia Grasso, Marta Acosta, Jackie Ivie, Elle Jasper, Jacquie D’Alessandro, Debbie Mazzuca, Julianne MacLean, Susan Sizemore, Lois Greiman, Kimberly Killion, Anne Gracie, Leah Marie Brown, Donna Kauffman, Terri Brisbin, Annette Blair, Sandy Blair, Jackie Barbosa, Donna Grant & Connie Brockway
Series: Mammoth Books
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 23rd November 2018 – 16th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: His hair was deep chestnut, a little long and brushed back from a widow’s peak, and his shoulders were wide in an inky black-blue suit.

Synopsis

Real Men Wear Kilts.

Enough to make even the hardiest Highlander blush, here you will find the steamy romantic history of Scotland laid bare. With swords, through sorcery and in the course of some of the hottest nights ever experienced on the Inner Hebrides, Scottish heroes stake their claims, both in the bedroom and out. Dreams come true and legends are born as ancient prophecies are fulfilled by time travellers from the future, in a Scotland where real historical figures exist side by side with pagan magic and werewolves. Dashing lairds and Scottish barbarians fight for love and honour in a wild, magical world.

Thoughts

Oh my gosh. I loved this collection! It had everything in it that I kind of love in the world – romance, Scotsmen and passion. I normally read short story collections because they are easy to put down… that wasn’t the case with this one. It was almost impossible to walk away from it and I now want to find other Scottish-inspired romances that give this same intensity of beautiful feelings.

Whilst the majority of the stories in this collection can be classified as historical romance, there are a sprinkling of contemporary romances scattered throughout. I did buy this collection with the intent of reading historical romances, but it’s kind of nice to have a hint of something a little more modern. It provides a great ability to change the pace of the stories and gives a little more variety.

I’ve read a few Mammoth Books now, and I love the variety of stories they provide under the same umbrella. These collections also run the gambit for story length – the tales in this collection are slightly longer than some other collections and I kind of loved that fact. It meant that I connected to the characters on a deeper level because I got to spend more time with them. And it made my heart skip a beat all the more quickly.

<- The Mammoth Book of Sea BattlesHighland Heart ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Wedding Knight by Kathryn Smith

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for weddings from hell book cover

Title: The Wedding Knight
Author: Kathryn Smith
Series: Brotherhood of Blood #3.5
In: Weddings From Hell (Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey & Kathryn Smith)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 27th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Fiction
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Neither Eliza nor I want to see anything happen to either of us.

Synopsis

Payen Carr has reappeared at a most inconvenient time: on the eve of Violet’s wedding. But Payen desperately needs her help, for his immortal life is suddenly at stake… and Violet’s mortal one as well.

Thoughts

This was a bit slow to start with. A little too typical and vampire-y. A theme that I don’t completely love, and one that I do tend to take quite a while to warm to. Luckily for me, this does heat up pretty quickly and it sucked me right into the storyline and pages.

I really enjoyed the Victorian era setting in which this story takes place. The fact that it acts as a backdrop for a strong, independent woman who is quite determined to get what she wants (once she figures out just what that is) makes it an even better timeframe to place it in.

I’ve been a little obsessed with historical romances lately, and more than a little fascinated by secret orders. Both of these play heavily on the storyline, and now I can’t wait to find the rest of the books in this series and find them a nice, snug place on my overflowing bookshelf.

<- Ghouls Night OutWeddings From Hell ->

Image source: Harper Collins

The Laird’s French Bride by Connie Brockway

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of scottish romance book cover

Title: The Laird’s French Bride
Author: Connie Brockway
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Historical romance, Scottish romance
Dates read: 16th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “I said, not a word,” Rob repeated.

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Synopsis

Rob needs to make this marriage work for the good of his clan, but he’s really not sure what to expect from his mystery bride… will the French-raised woman meet his expectations, or dash them into the dirt?

Thoughts

This was such a cute story to end this collection on. It had a little less going on, and it wasn’t as intense as some of the other tales. But it was so much fun. And it centred beautifully on just the couple. There were other characters mentioned, but they almost faded into obscurity moments after they were mentioned. Which was kind of nice. It was all about Rob and Jeanne.

Although I knew that the lead couple were going to end up together, the journey to the end was still really fun. I’ve said it before, but sometimes the simplicity and sweetness of the moment is all that you need to create an amazing tale. And this is certainly a tale I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

 <- Forever Mine ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Science Fiction Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia

Forever Mine by Donna Grant

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of scottish romance book cover

Title: Forever Mine
Author: Donna Grant
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Scottish romance
Dates read: 16th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d been fighting Niall for two years.

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Synopsis

He’s been fighting a tyrant for years, but when Niall takes a hostage, his life is going to change in ways that he just didn’t anticipate. And couldn’t ever imagine.

Thoughts

This short story kind of had it all – romance, conspiracy and a fair amount of action. I was only going to read a page or two (since it was a little bit of a longer short story), but then I found that I just couldn’t put it down. The sprinkling of action and conspiracies throughout the romance, all set against a great Scottish background made me walk into a wall (actually) since I found it so difficult to tear my gaze away.

I love that although this is a romance, the story was also one of revenge and reclaiming ones’ heritage. It was about finding your own power and taking care of others. Concepts that I always enjoy, but I don’t always find so strongly intertwined with a romance. I was actually quite disappointed that this was a short story for this reason… after all, there was so much room for a greater storyline that interweaved the powers of passion and revenge.

 <- The Reiver ReviewThe Laird’s French Bride Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia

The Reiver by Jackie Barbosa

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of scottish romance book cover

Title: The Reiver
Author: Jackie Barbosa
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Historical romance, Scottish romance
Dates read: 12th March 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: But surely you should have brought me to a priest if that was your intent.

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Synopsis

The head of a Scottish clan captures the reiver who has been taking his livestock. But, it isn’t until he discovers who, and what they truly are that life begins to take a far more interesting twist.

Thoughts

Alright, so it’s incredibly easy to tell that there is going to be a romance from the very beginning. Like every other romance story that you have the privilege of reading. But, it was still kind of cute how it worked out. And I wasn’t fully expecting how the story unfolded. Yes, some parts where they fall in love was completely expected, but there were other aspects which just weren’t that predictable…

This was a great, cute and entertaining short story. It was just long enough that it felt like there was a little more substance to it than some other short stories I’ve been reading lately. But it also made me feel happy, curled up and believing in the power of love. Something that not many novels really seem to manage… novels give me all the other kinds of feels, but if they were all about the sappy love like this short story I’d be bored and *retch*.

 <- Her MacKinnon ReviewForever Mine Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia