the collectors of dying breaths by m.j. rose

Title: The Collectors of Dying Breaths
Author: M.J. Rose
Pages: 384
Rating: 3/5
Cover rating: 4.5/5
Summary:A lush and imaginative novel that crisscrosses time as a perfumer and a mythologist search for the fine line between potion and poison, poison and passion…and past and present.

Florence, Italy—1533: An orphan named René le Florentin is plucked from poverty to become Catherine de Medici’s perfumer. Traveling with the young duchessina from Italy to France, René brings with him a cache of secret documents from the monastery where he was trained: recipes for exotic fragrances and potent medicines—and a formula for an alchemic process said to have the potential to reanimate the dead. In France, René becomes not only the greatest perfumer in the country but the most dangerous, creating deadly poisons for his Queen to use against her rivals. But while mixing herbs and essences under the light of flickering candles, Rene doesn’t begin to imagine the tragic and personal consequences for which his lethal potions will be responsible.

Paris, France—The Present: A renowned mythologist, Jac L’Etoile, is trying to recover from personal heartache by throwing herself into her work, learns of the 16th century perfumer who may have been working on an elixir that would unlock the secret to immortality. She becomes obsessed with René le Florentin’s work—particularly when she discovers the dying breathes he had collected during his lifetime. Jac’s efforts put her in the path of her estranged lover, Griffin North, a linguist who has already begun translating René le Florentin’s mysterious formula. Together they confront an eccentric heiress in possession of a world-class art collection. A woman who has her own dark purpose for the elixir… a purpose for which she believes the ends will justify her deadly means. This mesmerizing gothic tale of passion and obsession crisscrosses time, zigzagging from the violent days of Catherine de Medici’s court to twenty-first century France. Fiery and lush, set against deep, wild forests and dimly lit chateaus, The Collector of Dying Breaths illuminates the true path to immortality: the legacies we leave behind.

My 2 Cents:
Frankly speaking, it took me quite some time to finish the book. I think the story is like being dragged a bit. Or maybe I just didn't find enough interest in it to enjoy it. It lacked the suspense and a solid story that I like and left some holes that bothered me. The characters quite shallow, not well-developed or just awkward. Description of science, theories sometime quite extravagant for me, as well architecture and surroundings, the general story line tended toward a weak excuse to write a weird and quite awkward romance novel. Perfume making is quite weird with manipulating  body perfumes and there was a lot of incidents quite interesting but I cant really connected to it, just saying that awkward sex scenes and all. But I have to admit that my enjoyment reading the book is because how amazing things that so awkward can be very interesting to other people.

For me, this book is suitable for person who love thrills, mystique and sex with extra punch of chills.

About the Author

M.J. Rose is the international bestselling author of fourteen novels and two nonfiction books. She is a founding board member of International Thriller Writers and founded the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. Rose lives in Connecticut with composer Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled dog, Winka. To learn more about M.J. Rose and her work, visit her website at: www.mjrose.com.

rasputin's shadow by raymond khoury

Title: Rasputin's Shadow
Author: Raymond Khoury
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
On a cold, bleak day in 1916, all hell breaks loose in a mining pit in the Ural Mountains. Overcome by a strange paranoia, the miners attack one another, savagely and ferociously. Minutes later, two men—a horrified scientist and Grigory Rasputin, trusted confidant of the tsar—hit a detonator, blowing up the mine to conceal all evidence of the carnage.

In the present day, FBI agent Sean Reilly’s search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mindcontrol spook who brainwashed Reilly’s son, takes a backseat to a new, disturbing case. A Russian embassy attaché seems to have committed suicide by jumping out of a fourth-floor window in Queens. The apartment’s owners, a retired physics teacher from Russia and his wife, have gone missing, and further investigation reveals that the former may not be who the FBI believe him to be.

Joined by Russian Federal Security Service agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, Reilly’s investigation of the old man’s identity will uncover a desperate search for a small, mysterious device, with consequences that reach back in time and which, in the wrong hands, could have a devastating impact on the modern world.

My 2 Cents:
Let me get this straight, I had so struggle so much to while reading the book. There was time when I felt giving up to read, but thank god I keep on reading it to the end. Patience was what I need. The book for me, at the beginning of it, too hard to feel connected to. It was like so much things going on and with lack of my understanding of different language, I need more help to understand. English is not mother tongue and leave me quite a time to understand other language as well. But, no pressure.The good part is, this book had so much intrigue and elements of interest.I actually liked the fact that the author chose to incorporate the life of Grigory Rasputin into the story. He's really is something. Mystery and sometime mean. The whole story is quite slow for me, not that fast-pace and all. But the fact that there's so many facts incorporated in it, made me wants to know all and everything about the characters. All in all, it was a new experience for me. Might as well check his other books to check his other writing styles.

About the Author

RAYMOND KHOURY is a New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including The Last Templar, The Templar Salvation and The Sanctuary. Born in Beirut, Khoury and his family fled to Rye, New York when he was 14 to escape Lebanon’s civil war. Khoury worked as an architect and investment banker before becoming a successful screenwriter and producer for networks such as BBC. Today, he focuses on his writing career. Rasputin’s Shadow is his sixth book.

shadow music by julie garwood

Title: Shadow Music (Highland's Laird #3)
Author: Julie Garwood
Pages: 438
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Back Cover):

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows–skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England’s most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Gabrielle’s marriage to a good and gentle laird. But this marriage will never take place. For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom–when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.

Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle’s bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle’s body nor heart is safe.

My Review:

I was surprised by how interesting the story is. It's just not about romance as what I like most of the book is the history that being described in the book. I've never read about Scottish settings before and this one really amazed me. It's quite slow at the beginning, telling the myth of St. Biel and all about so many competitive barons, lairds and even the King of England is portrayed as ruthless and arrogant. It sounds pretty fierce of how they fight each other to own others land and kingdom. But it really works for me.

Gabrielle character is witty, stubborn, hard-headed but kind, gentle, naive and really brave. She saved Colm's brother from grave danger, nearly being cut into half, and tend him to a healer but keeping it secret to save the predicament of saving him from starting a war between the Highland's Lairds. Her act of random kindness put herself in a shame as she being accused, but she decided to not defend herself. Being banished from her country, her father and her homeland left her alone except 4 guardians and Colm's wing man, apparently Gabrielle's husband's cousin suggested that he takes her under his protection.

Colm is a warrior, never do love as he thinks love is woman's talk. He's mysterious, bold and I can't stop imagine him in a Scottish outfit. Every time at the parts when he avoided to see or meet Gabrielle are the most cute part and it's funny how it makes Gabrielle crazy just to have a moment to talk to him whenever he keeps avoiding her. Their characters are in a perfect chemistry and I feel connected to them. Their love is sweet, gentle and honest. The only flaw, it has so many secondary and even tertiary characters to remember. It's quite distracting.

All in all, it's a pleasant read and very enjoyable. Recommended to all historical fiction/romance.

Credit: This book review is link up to Book Review Party Wednesday at Cym Lowell Blog.

love only once by johanna lindsey

Title: Love Only Once (Malory Family #1)
Author: Johanna Lindsey
Pages: 344
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Amazon):

The exquisite niece of Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory, Regina Ashton is abducted by Nicholas Eden an arrogant seducer hardened by a painful secret from his past. Reggie has vowed to marry the golden-haired rogue who has besmirched her good name and succeeded to make her heart beat faster than any man could make. But her beauty only stirs Nicholas's passion giving rise to dangerous misunderstandings and a love that can live only once in a lifetime. Things really start to pick up as Nicholas does his best to escape matrimony and Regina tries her hardest to make him love her. There are numerous misunderstandings, painful words and harsh feelings between them and things really get complicated when it turns out Nicholas has a very dangerous enemy. As the story unfolds, you'll find the pages nearly turn themselves.

My Say:

I really have problems when I'm writing a historical romance review. Sometime I found them very stereotype and most of the stories have the same thing. A very handsome guy and a very beautiful woman. However, every time I read one, I still love and enjoy it in any way.

Nicholas is of course as stated, a very arrogant and it started when he thought he kidnapped his mistress but he kidnapped Regina instead. Things could go worst as he kind of insulted Regina physically and Regina thinks she has to make Nicholas her husband.

Nicholas character is somewhat mystery as I can't help to wonder what happened to him in his past. He keep everything to himself and never try to be open with his feelings with his newly wed wife Regina. Soon, Regina is left alone after her wedding, pregnant and has to deal with Nicholas's strict and cold-hearted mother. I really like it every time Regina is facing her mother-in-law's tantrum (Do MIL always that mean?). Regina is strong-hearted, witty, bright and very intelligent. She just know how to win her husband's heart.

Not only is the story of Regina and Nicholas excellent on it's own, the secondary characters are great (her Uncles) and I think they should have their story part themselves and they actually have. I have a few books of the series but not in orderly sequence but I think each book is great even as a stand alone book.

It's an enjoyable read and passionate too. Recommended to all historical romance fans!

Note: The review is also take part in Radiant Reviews hosted by Chrissie at Chrissie's Corner. Click HERE for more information.

written in the heart by judith stacy

Title: Written In The Heart
Author: Judith Stacy
Pages: 296
Rating: 3.8/5

Summary (Back Cover):

She could read between the lines, and Caroline Sommerfield knew at a glance that business mogul Stephen Monterey had written off any prospect of joy for himself. But working for this very private man convinced her that her true talent was a gift for living, one she was more than willing to share with Stephen. Given the choice, Stephen Monterey would prefer to remain tied to his desk, hard at work, rather than spend his time with frivolous amusements. But that was before Caroline Sommerfield danced her way into his ordered existence, creating her own special chaos and determined to rewrite the story of his life.

My Thought:

I grow fond of this book when the Caroline is such a witty, bold and very independent woman like I want every female character would be. She never let Stephen charms melt her heart easily. She's very disciplined, organized, and also a handwriting interpreter! There's a part which I like most;

"The writer of this," she said, turning to the final sample, "is confident, enterprising and ambitious. But also obstinate, pigheaded and...sexually frustrated." (she said that with a straight face). Stephen glared over her shoulder. "That's my handwriting."

LOL! Stephen is so obsessed with works and it blinds him to focus on his family. He lost hope in love when his father died, left him and his brother with his crucial uncle who sees wealth and bond by blood as an important empathy to survive in high society.

Apart from that,the storyline was well established, the main characters also well presented and so does the settings. Both main characters relationship is quite well developed from the start towards the end. I also love the secondary characters of Stephen's assistant and his nephew's nanny. Other than that, his aunt has quite annoying character and irritated me very much. I feel like I want to skip reading her parts but of course, I remained proceed. However, I enjoy reading it thoroughly and it was a pleasant read.

guilty pleasures by laura lee guhrke

Title: Guilty Pleasures (Guilty Series #1)
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Pages: 384
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

One of Daphne Wade's guilty pleasures is to watch the Duke of Tremore as he works, shirtless, on the excavation site of his ducal estate. Anthony Courtland is by far the most exciting and handsome man she has ever known, and she dreams of one day being able to speak with him without getting tongue tied.

Anthony, meanwhile, only sees Daphne as a hard worker on his excavation team. He considers her a plain young lady and says so in a careless remark to a friend, unaware that Daphne is outside the library door, her heart shattering to pieces. So Daphne decides she will not be so silly any longer. She begins to be tutored in the social graces, forcing Anthony to see the beauty who has been right in front of his eyes.

My Say:

I really have a wonderful time reading this book. Although I never know it is actually a series, the book completely stand out and could be a stand alone book. The plain Daphne finally caught Anthony interest when Daphne asked for resigning the post of a restorer (it's more like an archeologist). Anthony desperation to make her stay finally has a change of heart when he really close and learn about her as her friend.

The connection of the character is superb and believable. Daphne become so stubborn and quite hard headed as she promised herself never let her guard down to Anthony or else, her love will grow deeper and she can't leave the place soon. Pleasurable romance blended nicely and heartwarming. The love story between them really melt my heart and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. This will not be the last and I will be looking for her next book in the series.

the ravenscar dynasty by barbara taylor bradford

The Summary (Amazon):

Set at the beginning of the twentieth century, the novel opens with a tragedy: the death of 17-year-old Edward Deravenel's father and brother in a mysterious fire. Edward is the true heir to the family company, but for the past 60 years it has been controlled by another branch of the family, the Grants. Edward's cousin Neville also lost his father and brother in the fire, and the two make a pact to reclaim the firm. Because Henry Grant, the current head of the company, is barely sane, the true power resides with his conniving wife, Margot, and several board members. Edward leaves Oxford to work for the company, but life isn't all work for the handsome playboy as he begins a passionate affair. Edward's enemies are determined to keep him from seizing power, and he faces both a devastating loss and a stunning betrayal.

My Thought:

I have a bit difficulties with historical romance and I know it. This book is an example of why I seldom read historical romance/ historical fiction. It's not that I don't like it, but normally I try to avoid choosing it to be read. But, I really want to diverse my mind in reading different kind of genres, like broaden your mind, right? And this time I tried Barbara Taylor Bradford. This is my first time to read one of her books.

However, my problems with the book is the name changes are the least of its troubles. Ned is a despicable character; he has few redeeming qualities other than what BTB tells us is his good looks. He has abandoned (well he at least never tries very hard to look for her) one lover, who bears his child and presumably dies; the child ends up on the street; she becomes the daughter of man who eventually betrays him and he never seems to care about this; he uses women like yesterday's shirts; has no compassion for a man who was a family friend for many years (but BTB conveniently kills him in a car accident *spoiler*); and another lover and baby are killed in an accident. I think I couldn't hold my breath writing this. So much drama, yet make my head spin to understand plus at least 2/3 new characters in every chapter?

And is there a female character in the book that isn't a complete insane? Cecily has little to say about Ned's misadventures, Lily is all too willing to be used, Tabitha runs away, Jane divorces her husband, Elizabeth is a neurotic baby machine and her mother is even worse. If the saga goes on, I don't know what kind of woman and sex manipulation she'll write. I love romance, and I do read romance novel. But this is not like a romance novel should be. Am I too harsh? Well, I'm sorry. I'm kind of very disappointed with the book. I could stop and give up reading the book earlier, but I want to know the ending and what's the verdict. Luckily, I like the ending. There's at least one good thing about the book after all. Thank goodness!

I did enjoy at some of few chapters, but overall, I think I should choose her other bestselling novel instead, later. One thing for sure, not every bestselling book/author is actually a best. I've learned my lesson.. *sob*

My Rating: 2/5 (I'm sorry!)

Have you ever read any books by Barbara Taylor Bradford? I love to hear your opinion or leave a link to your review about her book (if you have) in the comments. Thanks!

the clayborne brides by julie garwood

Title: The Clayborne Brides
Author: Julie Garwood
Pages: 568
Rating: 3.5/5

the summary (Google books):

First introduced in Julie Garwood's magnificent New York Times bestseller For the Roses, the Clayborne brothers of Blue Belle, Montana, have been embraced by millions more through this trio of #1 bestselling novels. Now collected in one volume for the first time, these stories tell of three spirited brothers -- once a mismatched gang of street urchins -- who learn that love flourishes in the most unexpected places....

1)One Pink Rose- Headstrong Travis takes a journey that opens his eyes to the splendor of his beloved West -- and his heart to Bostonian Emily Finnegan.

2)One White Rose- Steady, quiet Douglas will do anything to protect a creature in need -- and that includes the strong-willed Isabel Grant.

3)One Red Rose- Thoughtful Adam learns a powerful secret from the irrepressible Genevieve Delacroix -- that true freedom only comes when you trust your heart.

what do i think about this?:

I never read anything by Julie Garwood, honestly. Well, the book compiled 3 mini series of Claybornes brothers, and I finished in less than a day. I like all the series in it but I couldn't say I'm enthralled with the book.but reading it was ok and enjoyable.

Each story of the Clayborne brother was really short as ever as each story comprehended in less than 300 pages (with big prints too). Characters development were vulnerable and their love chemistry/development is too quick although i know it was created as love at first sight..The storyline also was like rushing into something, the end maybe? But of course, I met my expectations when they all lead to a happy life in the end.

All in all, it was a fast read as I could finish in less than a day and I recommend it to all Historical Romance fans..It should be entertaining and breathtaking =)


p/s: I cheated on my other book that I'm suppose to read (Here on Earth). Technically, I don't mean it. I left it at my friend's house and ended up reading with her book instead. Ha!