Thursday Book Trailer…Sense and Sensibilities and Sea Monsters
Last week I shared the book trailer to Seth Grahame-Smith's Abraham Lincoln's: Vampire Hunter, this week I found Amazon's 2009 Best Book Trailer - Sense and Sensibilities and Sea Monsters by Jane Austen & Ben Winters. Enjoy!
Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters expands the original text of the beloved Jane Austen novel with all-new scenes of giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other biological monstrosities. As our story opens, the Dashwood sisters are evicted from their childhood home and sent to live on a mysterious island full of savage creatures and dark secrets. While sensible Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, her romantic sister Marianne is courted by both the handsome Willoughby and the hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon. Can the Dashwood sisters triumph over meddlesome matriarchs and unscrupulous rogues to find true love? Or will they fall prey to the tentacles that are forever snapping at their heels? This masterful portrait of Regency England blends Jane Austen’s biting social commentary with ultraviolent depictions of sea monsters biting. It’s survival of the fittest—and only the swiftest swimmers will find true love! - FROM AMAZON.COM
To Conquer Mr. Darcy, Abigail Reynolds – Review
What if...
Instead of disappearing from Elizabeth Bennet's life after she refused his offer of marriage, Mr. Darcy had stayed and tried to change her mind?
What if...
Lizzy, as she gets to know Darcy, finds him undeniably attractive and her impulses win out over her sense of propriety?
What if...
Madly in love and mutually on fire, their passion anticipates their wedding?
In To Conquer Mr. Darcy, instead of avoiding Elizabeth after his ill-fated marriage proposal, Mr. Darcy follows her back to Hertfordshire to prove to her he is a changed man and worthy of her love. And little by little, Elizabeth begins to find the man she thought she despised, irresistible... - FROM AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Abigail Reynolds is a lifelong Jane Austen enthusiast and a physician. In addition to writing, she has a part-time private practice and enjoys spending time with her family. Originally from upstate New York, she studied Russian, theater, and marine biology before deciding to attend medical school. She began writing From Lambton to Longbourn in 2001 to spend more time with her favorite characters from Pride & Prejudice. Encouragement from fellow Austen fans convinced her to continue asking ‘What if…?’, which led to four other Pemberley Variations and her modern novel, Pemberley by the Sea. She is currently at work on another Pemberley Variation and a sequel to Pemberley by the Sea. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two teenaged children, and a menagerie of pets. - FROM AUTHOR SITE
Follow Abigail Reynolds BLOG , FACEBOOK , WEBSITE
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...I have to be honest, I just couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. I'd try to read, then would put it down, tried to pick it up again, then would put it down. It was rather an annoying cycle. I just couldn't get into this read. Is there a reason I couldn't get into it? I'm not quite sure. I did find the "new" Mr. Darcy a bit annoying as he went after Elizabeth and tried apologizing for his behavior (at least that's what I got from what I did read). He seemed to act like the lost puppy to me. Perhaps because I like the mysterious "bad boy" on the outside, softy on the inside when you get to know him. Am I saying the book was bad? Absolutely not! I just couldn't get through the first part of the book. Someone else might enjoy this adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.
I DID however, enjoy her other book The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice which you can read more about here.
I received a copy of this book for review from SourceBooks.
All opinions are of my own.
TBT…The Truth About Lord Stoneville
He'd always been driven by the fear that a mistress might tempt him to let down his guard and reveal his secrets.
Then even his family would desert him, and he couldn't bear that.
~ The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries ~
Grab your current read. Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. Don't forget to tell us the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Mailbox Monday…08.02.10
Mailbox Monday is where other bloggers write about the books they received the previous week. The Printed Page is the host of the Mailbox Monday meme. Visit her blog to see what books made it her way and get a chance to get one of her books once she's done reading it. You can also see who all is participating this week and read about all kinds of new books.
**It's been some time since I last posted (7/12 to be exact) so I thought I'd do a bit of catch up as well as share some of the books I've picked up from others or purchased myself. You'd think with all the books I receive for free I'd keep myself from buying more books (or so my husband would hope) but on occasion I just can't help myself! This list is lengthier than usual so this round there won't be summaries but I did include links for more book information.**
Chic-Lit
Holly Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Dunham
Home
Paula Deen's Savannah Style by Paula Deen (Upcoming tour this month)
Contemporary Fiction
The Book of Eli by Sam Moffie
Classic (Buy)
The Arabian Nights (Barnes & Nobles Collection; I just LOVE their collection of leather bound books! Beautiful artwork on each.)
SciFi/Fantasy/Paranormal (All Buys)
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell Hamilton (wanted to start the Anita Blake series)
Swallowing Darkness by Laurell Hamilton (re-read but I need my own to go with my Meredith Gentry series)
Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell Hamilton
Violin by Anne Rice (re-read but I had to get the hardback copy)
Historical Romance (Buy)
The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries
Suspense (Buy)
Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell
And today I leave a special treat...the book trailer for Haunt Me Still by Jennifer Lee Carrell...
The Fire Lord’s Lover, Kathryne Kennedy – Review
If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...
In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father-until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever...
Unless his fiancée kills him first...
Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...
Then Dominic and Cassandra together uncover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save... - FROM AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Kathryne Kenedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She's lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: KathryneKennedy.com.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Kathryne Kennedy had me enchanted with her half human, half elf fire lord. Oh my! He could definitely keep me ablaze anytime (if only he were real)! Truly an enchanting love story with lots of fire (pun intended in all purposes!) and action. The mysterious hero who's heart finally blazes with passion and love for another who's just as heroic. The heroine is not your prissy gal but an independent and determined woman. LOVED it! If only it could be in hardback with silver gilded pages it would sit on my shelves forever for later re-reads.
One Dance with a Duke, Tessa Dare – Review
In One Dance with a Duke—the first novel in Tessa Dare’s delightful new trilogy—secrets and scandals tempt the irresistible rogues of the Stud Club to gamble everything for love.
A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke—until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck.
In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love? - AMAZON.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Tessa Dare is a part-time librarian, full-time mommy and swing-shift writer living in Southern California.
Tessa lived a rather nomadic childhood in the Midwest. As a girl, she discovered that no matter how many times she moved, two kinds of friends traveled with her: the friends in books, and the friends in her head. She still converses with both sets daily.
Tessa writes fresh and flirty historical romance, a blog, and the stray magazine article. To the chagrin of her family, Tessa does not write grocery lists, Christmas cards, or timely checks to utility companies. She shares a tiny bungalow with her husband, their two children, a dog, and many dust bunnies.
Tessa enjoys a good book, a good laugh, a good long walk in the woods, a good movie, a good meal, a glass of good wine, and the company of good people.
FIND TESSA AT... Her website, on Facebook, on Twitter, blogging in her diary, and on Myspace.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...A novel filled with secrets, passion, and a mystery. The "Duke of Midnight" is one Duke I'd love to come across at the stroke of midnight. He's breathtaking, mysterious, and passionate. Characters from different backgrounds come together and had me turning page after page wondering what was going to happen next. I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest in the trilogy.
And the best I save for last...her fun book video introducing the trilogy! Now this is a style I've not yet seen...
Follow her book tour with TLC Books here...
Tuesday, Jun 1st: The Book Binge
Monday, June 7th: Borders True Romance Blog
Tuesday, June 8th: Life of a Busy Wife
Monday, June 14th: Pop Culture Junkie
Tuesday, June 15th: Rundpinne
Thursday, June 17th: Book Junkie – interview and giveaway
Thursday, June 17th: Book Junkie – review
Monday, June 21st: Book-Lover Carol - guest post
Monday, June 21st: Book-Lover Carol – review
Wednesday, June 23rd: Princess Bookie
Thursday, June 24th: Excess Baggage
I received a copy of this book for the TLC book tour. Receiving a copy in no way altered my opinion of this book.
The Making of a Duchess, Shana Galen – Review
A very dangerous attraction...
Julien Harcourt, duc de Valère, is more than willing to marry the lovely young lady his mother has chosen. Little does he know, she's been sent to prove him a spy and a traitor.
And an even more dangerous secret...
Sarah Smith's mission is to find out whether the duc's trips to the Continent are as innocent as he claims, but the way he looks at her is far from innocent...
Their risky game of cat and mouse propels them from the ballrooms of London to the prisons of Paris, and into a fragile love that may not survive their deceptions...
The first in a trilogy of three brothers struggling to reconnect and restore their noble heritage in the aftermath of the French Revolution, each losing his heart along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Shana Galen is the author of five Regency historicals, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne's Bride. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city.
Now she writes full time. She's happily married to an incredibly supportive man she likes to call Ultimate Sportsfan, and she have a beautiful daughter and two spoiled cats.
FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON...
Her Website - Facebook - Twitter - The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...In the blink of an eye we watch the orphan girl turned governess turn into spy and into a real Duchess. LOVED it! Enjoyed the cat and mouse play between Julian and Sarah - because we all know that the predictable is always so boring. Passion is much more fun to watch when there's some play involved. I now look forward to reading Galen's 2nd book in the brother trilogy called The Making of a Gentlemen.
An Earl to Enchant, Amelia Grey – Review
HE’S DETERMINED NOT TO BE A HERO . . .Lord Morgandale is as notorious as he is dashing, and he’s determined no woman will tie him down. But from the moment Arianna Sweet appears on his doorstep, exhausted after a grueling journey, he cannot resist the lure of the fascinating beauty, her exotic wardrobe, or tempting green eyes . . .
SHE HAS A DEADLY SECRET . . .Arianna Sweet never imagined the significance of her father’s research until after his untimely death. Now she is in possession of his groundbreaking discovery, a discovery that someone would kill for. She can’t tell Lord Morgandale her secret, but she knows she needs his help, desperately.-FROM THE BOOK BACK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.
Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.
Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Enjoyed the 3rd book in The Rogues' Dynasty trilogy. There's mystery, passion and excitement to go along with the thrill. Arianna was my favorite heroine in the trilogy for her uniqueness, determination, and intelligence. Morgandale is equally fascinating in a dangerous sort of way.
My favorite book in the trilogy; A Marquis to Marry (2nd) or A Duke to Die For (1st)? Hmmm...An Earl To Enchant for sure! I enjoyed the 1st of course which wanted me to keep reading the trilogy, loved the way she had the characters in A Duke to Die For play with each other's minds (although I wish the mystery with the pearls was a little bit more than it was), and now I can't wait to read about the cousin's guardian's "boys" (so we may think they are)...
This book was provided to me for review by Sourcebooks. Receiving a copy in no way altered my opinion of the book.
Uncertain Magic, Laura Kinsale – Review
A man damned by suspicion and innuendo
Dreadful rumors swirl around the impoverished Irish lord known as "The Devil Earl." But Faelan Savigar hides a dark secret, for even he doesn't know what dreadful deeds he may be capable of...
A woman cursed by the gift of "sight"
Roderica Delamore fears no man will ever want a wife who can read his every thought and emotion, until she encounters Faelan. As the two find their way to each other against all odds, Roddy becomes determined to save Faelan from his terrifying and mysterious ailment. But will their love end up saving him...or destroying her?
A breathtaking historical romance filled with poignancy, darkness, love, and an unexpected twist of Gaelic magic... - FROM THE BOOK BACK
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...Strong start that had me turning pages quickly. I just love contrasting characters who fall in love. I enjoyed the characters that Kinsale created. I found the story emotional and fun in the beginning and middle but out of sync towards the end. So out of sync that I found myself a bit disappointed of the ending. Still a fun read and one perhaps someone else might enjoy more than me. 2.5 stars because of the ending.
I did enjoy her latest book Lessons In French and you just might too. Read the REVIEW HERE. Find Laura here: Website and Twitter.
This book was provided to me for review from SourceBooks. Receiving a copy did not alter my opinion in any way.
The Highlander’s Sword, Amanda Forester – Review
TITLE: The Highlander's Sword
AUTHOR: Amanda Forester
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Casablanca
PUBLICATION DATE: March2, 2010
PAGES: 352 pages
GENRE: Fiction, Historical Romance
Against the backdrop of 14th-century Scotland, the talented Forester has constructed a highly entertaining debut romantic comedy of miscommunications and misunderstandings. Highlander Sir Padyn MacLaren stopped trusting women after his French fiancée betrayed him to the English, but when he agrees to marry Lady Aila Graham and guard her clan and Dundaff Castle, he discovers that some women have true honor. Strong-willed Aila has spent her whole life preparing to be a nun, but she gives it up to protect her clan. As Aila and MacLaren humorously struggle to find a time and place to consummate their marriage, they learn to trust each other, uncover a traitor, and discover the joys of love. Though the long-awaited sex scene doesn't justify the buildup, entertaining secondary characters and plenty of intrigue keep the reader cheering all the way. - FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY
FROM THE BOOK FAERY REVIEWS...The Publisher's Weekly took my thoughts right from my head. 
My thoughts exactly. You find yourself liking or disliking one of Forester's character as should be as she creates their mannerisms just right. Lots of misunderstandings between key characters that eventually get sorted out - even if a tad late. The adventures in the meantime make you want to grab a sword and join in the fight. While this is a historical romance I didn't think it was heavily romantic as in truth the two main characters are rather inexperienced and burned by a previous love. For those looking for a light read filled with fighting adventure, grab a copy of this book. I give it 3 stars only because it was fun to read but one I'd pass on to another for a light reading adventure.
You can read my interview with author Amanda Forester here.
A copy of this book was provided for review from Sourcebooks Casablanca. Receiving a copy of this book in no way affected my opinions.
Google FriendsConnect
