black venus by james macmanus

Title: Black Venus
Author: James MacManus
Pages: 368
Rating: 3.5/5
Book Description:
Addictive as opium the voluptuous Haitian cabaret singer Jeanne Duval tortured and inspired Charles Baudelaire to create poetry that would forever change the world of literature. Their love played out against the backdrop of 19th-century Paris in the Left Bank cafes and taverns frequented by such giants as Édouard Manet, Honoré de Balzac and Alexandre Dumas.  Reviled by Baudelaire’s family, friends and publisher, Duval was Baudelaire’s muse, leading him to create the poetry whose dark and passionate imagery forever changed and influenced modern literature.

Baudelaire was squandering his small fortune on alcohol and women when he met Duval, who he called Black Venus and claimed as his mistress. Their fiery relationship became the catalyst for his work—without her he couldn’t write a word. Ironically, Duval scorned Les Fleurs de Mal—The Flowers of Evil—the slim volume of poems she inspired that outraged French morals causing Baudelaire and his publisher to be forced into a scandalous public trial for obscenity.  What hold did she have on him that he allowed her to betray him in every possible way, driving him into debt and opium addiction even as she openly slept with his friends?

My Say:
The book is totally a jurney that I thought it would never end. So much depth in it. I was facing a quite hard time to finish the book. It started quite boring at first and slowly blooming into something I love to be in. I love the Paris setting in it. The story brought me to many lovely places that I wish I would be. Paris is just lovely and I think it's a good place for some romance story to take place. Relationship between Charles and Jean for me, is so complex. The storyline is more than just about a person, its about how the character lived and move on. Charles went through so many hardships and scandalous moments. There were times I felt the book is so flat and there's so many details like been dragged too much. Nevertheless, I love reading a new thing like a historical romance/story.

About the Author

James MacManus, who was born in London, began his career with The Guardian first as a reporter in the London office and then as a foreign correspondent in France, Africa and the Middle East. Following a position on the diplomatic staff of the Daily Telegraph in London, he joined The Times, eventually rising to Managing Editor then Managing Director of The Times Literary Supplement. In 2006 his first screenplay became the major motion picture, The Children of Huang Shi, and in 2010 his critically acclaimed first novel, Language of the Sea, made its debut.

once a princess by johanna lindsey

Title: Once A Princess
Author: Johanna Lindsey

Pages: 432
Series: Cardinia's Royal Family #1
Published: September, 2010
Rating: 3/5
Source: Own
Get your copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Summary (Goodreads):

A bold and brazen prince came to America to claim his promised bride. But the spirited vixen spurned his affections while inflaming his royal blood with passion's fire, impelling virile Stefan Barany to take in sensuous and searing conquest the love Tatiana vowed never to yield. Born a princess in a politically unstable eastern Europe, Tatiana is wisked away to America for her own safety, where years later, the prince to whom she was betrothed as a babe finds her working as a servant in a Mississippi tavern.

My Two Cents:

A story of Tanya, a girl who never knows that she's a princess or her true name, Tatiana until a barbaric guy came to rescue her from an abusive tavern-owner, whom she believed her father and her family. As the King Sandor's men came to take Tanya, is finally able to gain control of her life where she was barely better than a slave will soon be hers. Tanya learned that she is betrothed to the King's son, Vasili as told by Stefan without knowing that Stefan is actually the king's son. He has no desire to marry a woman he never met or even worse, a beautiful woman. Unlike most heroes we met, Stefan's face is disfigured, scarred physically and emotionally, but still, I think he's handsome even though with scars. The story mostly took place with their journey to Europe and it's really not that all interesting when they mostly quarrel and having lots of misunderstandings, sometime with annoying conversations. The misunderstandings were quite dragging too. Although I have to admit that I like Tanya's attitude; witty, brave and strong, and independent, as well as Stefan's character; quite okay but sometimes I can't figure him and lost. The book actually has a very good storyline, but I found it lost its spiciness, and the ending was wrapped up too quickly. I feel no empathy and affection towards this book. I loved Johanna Lindsey's other books, but this one did just okay for me.

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 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!