What to Read Next - The Dilemma!

Damn, I can't choose.

After finishing the Duke and I, I have the uttermost duty to pick a next book to read. Because, God forbid, I would never go a day without a book on my currently reading shelf. I have this urge to read something really good and romantic, and I have narrowed down my bookshelf to these three.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Faking it by Cora Carmack
Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

All of the books are from a series, and all over them are really good and romantic. I read the synopsis of all three of them and the first 4-5 pages. My heart seems to be leaning on the Viscount Who Loved Me and Scandal in Spring. It's yearning for another good historical romance. Oh dear I can't pick. Might as well read all three. xD

How do you guys pick the next book to read? :)

Do you find it as hard as picking your favorite? 

[Review] Bridgerton #1 - The Duke & I by Julia Quinn

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgerton (book 1)
Genre: Historical Romance

Synopsis

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it's all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.
But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her... but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke... for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love..
Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke? — Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813 - Goodreads

Review

It took me a surprisingly long time to finish this book. I thought, since it was a historical romance, I'd finish it faster.

The Duke and I is a witty, heart clenching, laugh out loud kind of book. There were many instances where I'd be literally bursting out with laughter. But ironically, I didn't feel the book like I do with other historical romances until I got within spitting distance to the ending. Don't get me wrong, it's a really good book, it was really interesting, and a definite page turner, but I couldn't grasp the world of the Bridgertons' tight enough to become apart of it.

Fortunately, as I got towards the ending, I couldn't put it down. Cocooned in my blanket, reading into the night and getting drawn into the world of the Bridgertons' was utterly relaxing. I'll be picking up the next book of the series soon.

I recommend this to all those who enjoy the pleasure of historical romance. Every historical romance addict should get a glimpse of Julia Quinns writing, because she is said to be one of the best historical romance writers out there

 

[Books] Wallflower #3 - The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads | Booklikes
Nov 26 - Dec 5, 2013

Synopsis 

A Devil's Bargain

Easily the shyest Wallflower, Evangeline Jenner stands to become the wealthiest, once her inheritance comes due. Because she must first escape the clutches of her unscrupulous relatives, Evie has approached the rake Viscount St. Vincent with a most outrageous proposition: marriage!

Sebastian's reputation is so dangerous that thirty seconds alone with him will ruin any maiden's good name. Still, this bewitching chit appeared,unchaperoned, on his doorstep to offer her hand. Certainly an aristocrat with a fine eye for beauty could do far worse.

But Evie's proposal comes with a condition: no lovemaking after their wedding night. She will never become just another of the dashing libertine's callously discarded broken hearts --- which means Sebastian will simply have to work harder at his seductions ... or perhaps surrender his own heart for the very first time in the name of true love.

Review 

The Devil in Winter is the third book of the Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas. The book started off with a continuation of an event that happened in the second book; It Happened One Autumn.

Let me just say that I've had my suspicious of St. Vincent from the very beginning he was introduced in IHOA. He has the reputation of ruining the good names of women who happen to fall into his lustful and sexy traps. And what a perfect woman for St. Vincent to challenge his womanizing nature than to use Evangeline Jenner as a subject. Evie, is the shy, quiet, and insecure one among the wallflowers. I wondered how on earth would she be able to find a husband without a boost of self-confidence, and Evie certainly surprised me with how she has bloomed from a shy flower bud into a beautiful glowing and confident flower.

I love this book to death. I would read it before bed and there were multiple times when I would fall asleep reading and end up hugging the book tight so that it wouldn't fall off my bed. It has become my favorite from the series so far, right above Secrets of a Summer Night.

This book was exciting, heart warming, comical and humorous, and is purely beautiful. Both characters were perfect, and watching them grow and change is always so enchanting. This book isn't the regular historical romance where a woman and man despise each other and then later on fall it love. I think this is something different. It has a bit of mystery and action on to it, but it doesn't over flow the emotional-romance side of it. It all fits perfectly into a 300 page book of perfection.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy a fascinating story of how a womanizer tries to seduce an insecure wallflower who wants nothing but freedom from him. It is also a much better read for the winter time.

  

 

[Books] Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Synopsis

Orphaned, penniless, Jacob Jankowski jumps a freight train in the dark, and in that instant, transforms his future.
By morning, he's landed a job with the Flying Squadron of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. By nightfall, he's in love.
In an America made colourless by prohibition and the Depression, the circus is a refuge of sequins and sensuality. But behind the glamour lies a darker world, where both animals and men are dispensable. Where falling in love is the most dangerous act of all... 

Goodreads 

Review

I bought this book a couple of years back, and it's been on my shelf for ages. I recently found the audiobook I thought might as well read and listen at the same time to make things faster.

This was the kind of book that I thought would bored me bu I was surprised that I really enjoyed it. It was the same feeling I had when I read The Help, it sucked me in from the very first words. Though it did take me quite a while to finish the book, I just wasn't in the reading/listening mood for the past few weeks. 

I've grown to love these kind of book that not only focuses on the romance part but focuses on everything and has meaning behind it all. 

The book focuses on Jacob Jankowski and his life when he runs away from his home town and joins a circus. 

I immensely enjoyed this book. It was intriguing, adventurous and a slightly easy read. The characters were very diverse and fun; hence circus. 

As for the narrators of the audio version, they were fantastic and did a great job. They kept the listener listening. And the production was delightful, with all the soothing music that I swayed along to for that couple of seconds

Water for Elephants is a great novel, I would read it again in time. And I definitely recommend this novel to anyone, absolutely anyone who enjoys reading something outside their genre. Though I have to warn those who want to let younger readers read this, it has explicit sexual content.

[Books] Wallflowers #2 - It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads

August 12 - 21 2013

Synopsis

Four young ladies enter London society with one necessary goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So they band together, and a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
It happened at the ball...
Where beautiful but bold Lillian Bowman quickly learned that her independent American ways weren't entirely "the thing." And the most disapproving of all was insufferable, snobbish, and impossible Marcus, Lord Westcliff, London's most eligible aristocrat.
It happened in the garden...
When Marcus shockingly—and dangerously—swept her into his arms. Lillian was overcome with a consuming passion for a man she didn't even like. Time stood still; it was as if no one else existed...thank goodness they weren't caught very nearly in the act!
It happened one autumn...
Marcus was a man in charge of his own emotions, a bedrock of stability. But with Lillian, every touch was exquisite torture, every kiss an enticement for more. Yet how could he consider taking a woman so blatantly unsuitable...as his bride?

Review

They are two different people, who are very alike, but are exact opposites. Despising each other since they were acquainted, annoyed at each others presence each time one walks in the same room as the other. But sudden attraction grows once they've gotten close, close enough for a kiss.
It happened one autumn. It did happen one(multiple) autumn day/s. 

The second edition to Lisa Kleypas's absorbing Wallflower series; It Happened One Autumn, is filled with romantic tension and time behind bushes with a splash of humor and suspense.  

Lilian is a stubborn, sharp-tongued, and is filled with pride but she has a strong heart, and Marcus, Lord of Westcliff is a handsome fellow who seems to feel attracted to a certain young American woman who appears to despise Marcus's sometimes arrogant ass. 

Marcus is definitely attracted to her but knows that he shouldn't be because he stuck on the idea that he should marry a noble English woman, not an American. Don't you just love love when the love just goes on unnoticed. It's like you just want to scream at their faces that that it's is right in front of them. As for Lillian, she apparently hates and is irritated by Marcus, but I honestly don't see it. The whole time they were arguing, I didn't feel the hatred or the displeasure. It actually looks like they enjoy arguing with each other. (perfect match indeed)

As much as I enjoy reading about Marcus's thirst for Lillian, I sometimes think that he's doing it a little too much and going over board. It actually made me think that it was the perfume doing its thing, and thinking to myself, "I should really get my hands on that perfume". Marcus definitely needed to get laid. :3

I grew to like St Vincent, he seemed like a very very sweet fellow towards Lillian. He respected her...ish. As I read on towards the ending, he creeped me out a little bit, like a stalker pedophile kind of creeped out. Oh please, I hope I'll enjoy your book once I get my hands on it! I'm very curious on what will happen with you...

This is my second Lisa Kleypas book, and what I've noticed is that Lisa Kleypas always seems to make things exciting and nerve wrecking towards the ending of this series. I'm not sure if she does that with her other books, but I think it's such a great way to spice up a good romance novella.

As much as I would really want this book to give me sleepless night; just as the first book, unfortunately it didn't. I did enjoy this book, a lot, but not as much as I did the first book (Secrets of a Summer Night)

It Happened One Autumn is a funny, hot, absorbing, tense book filled with beautiful details of gardens. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the fascinating writings of historical romance that's filled with a pinch of humor and a whole lot of teasing in what seems to be in every 3 or 4 chapters.

[Books] The Cousins' War #3: The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

Goodreads

August 7 - 12, 2013

Synopsis

Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.
Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke's squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke's death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.
The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the queen turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty.
A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, "The Lady of the Rivers "tells the story of the real-life mother of the white queen.
Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.

Review

The third book of The Cousins' War series by Philippa Gregory; The Lady of the Rivers. In this book we get a view of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, the known descendent of the river goddess, Melusina, and her life before her daughter Elizabeth became queen of England. 

I expected the book to start out from when Elizabeth and King Edward met, and that we would get a different point of view of the same storyline just like the past 2 books. Here we get to read about Jacquetta from her childhood up to adulthood and also when the War of Roses first started. 

Surprisingly, if you think about. This book doesn't really focus on Jacquetta's personal life much. I mean, the story line is set on Jacquetta's life, whereabouts and what she's been through but all that seems to be covering the book is Margaret of Anjou and Jacquetta's loyalty to her. There were times when I would feel tempted to shout out "plaayaaaa" at Margaret of Anjou for having a secret affair with Edmund Beaufort.

All I thought about when I went through the book was "How will Jacquetta turn her coat (as they say) from the House of Lancaster to the House of York?" "How does that happen?". At slightly shocking turn of very simple events, she does turn her coat from Queen Margaret to King Edward. I expected a lot more blood to be shed at this point. But Jacquetta is a very powerful woman, no matters where her loyalties lay, her gifts would always find a way to save her.

I really admire the love of Jacquetta and her husband. They have the love that is so deep that nothing can tear them apart from each other. Even death can't break them. (I just had to put that out there). Her husband would leave to go to war, and then come back safely. He sure is lucky. 

In conclusion, the Lady of the Rivers is a good book. It is fascinating, intriguing and slightly confusing book (just when it comes to the all the names). If you've read the first two books of the series, reading this book will fill out a bit of holes that needed to be filled out about Jacquetta and the early ages of the War of Roses.

I recommend this lovely book to those who enjoy reading a small part of the history of England, and to those who enjoy reading about the medieval times. Because I recently found out that I do xD

When I finished this book, I quickly picked up book 4. Determined to finish at least until book 4 before the series ends. xD

[Books] The Cousins' War #1: The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

Goodreads

July 27 2013 - July 28 2013

Synopsis

Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.
The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills.
With The White Queen, Philippa Gregory brings the artistry and intellect of a master writer and storyteller to a new era in history and begins what is sure to be another bestselling classic series from this beloved author.

Review

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory tells a story about a commoner; Elizabeth Woodville, who falls in love with the King of England; Edward IV, they marry and she becomes Queen. This is also during the time of the Cousins' War, where cousins' fight over the throne of England. 

I started watching the TV Series that was based on this book, and I loved it. I made others watch it, but unfortunately they don't love it as much as I do... :( 

Being the impatient person that I am, I wanted to know what would happen next and what would happen in the ending of the series, so I decided to read/listen to the books. 

The TV series did a great job sticking to the books, I am pleased about that. But as for the rest of the episodes that haven't been released yet, we still have yet to see if they really did stick to the books or not. 

The book is from Elizabeths; the Queen herself, point of view, so everything is told through her eyes, her emotions, her thoughts. Her husband King Edward IV, has his own POV in the book, but for only a few paragraphs. 

Now what makes this book so engrossing to me is how things happen so fast. What seemed like multiple wars would be won by the King and multiple babies would be born in the entire span of 20 years. 

I listened to the audio version; the narrator did a great job by the way, for the majority of the book, that may be the reason behind it being fast paced. 

The book ended with such a really big "OH MY GOSH!" and a really hard face palm. 

The book made me worry and fear for the life of Elizabeths family and her royal children. It made me gasp and say "No!" making people around me think I'm going crazy and it made me smile sweetly. It has somewhat of romance and a lot more of suspense. 

I will definitely read the entire Cousins' War series, and I recommend it to everyone who loves reading historical fiction. This is the book for you!

Have you guys read any of Philippa Gregory's books?

Have you read the Cousins' War series? 

Have you all watched the TV Series? 

Let me know!

I would love to hear about it! xD

[Books] When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James

Goodreads | Bookdepository | Amazon

Synopsis

Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty... Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.

Linnet is not just any woman.

She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.

Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.

If she decides to be very wicked indeed... what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Review

When Beauty Tamed the Beast, a novela based on the classics by Gabriella Villeneuve's Beauty and the Beast. Its tells a story of how a Beauty, like Miss Linnet Thrynne falls in love with a Beast; Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant. It tells a story of how their love grew from infuriating each other to the bones and the sexual tension that floats in the air between them. 

I really really really enjoyed this book, it made me laugh, made my eyes go wide, made me gasp, and made me tear up a little bit towards the end. 

Linnet is a great character, very strong and confident in whatever she does. That's probably because her beauty gave her most of the confidence she needed. She knew what she wanted and she would get what she wanted. She was determined to gain Pier's love and finally make him commit into marrying her. 

Piers is a sarcastic arrogant bastard. But a sexy one at that. I expected the beast to just be extremely rude with anger management problems, that he is but what else came with that temper and rude mouth was something I didn't expect. He was a cripple, but was a strong determined one I could say that. This had a great impact on the entire storyline.

Every romantic story starts out so well, and it gets even better in the middle, but there always seems to be something bad that will happen towards the near conclusion of the book that gives the reader a great bang and relief when they finish the book. 

There is always a point whenever I would pick up books like these, when I would fall asleep reading and when I wake up the next morning, it is the first thing I think about and can't fight the urge to pick it up and continue where I left off. 

In conclusion, this book got me sitting on my bed for more than an hour, just reading and doing nothing else, which I've missed for so long. This is a great book that I definitely think anyone with a great interest in romance with a small bit of humor in it. 

If you enjoy reading your favorite fairly tales but want something a little bit more, than I completely recommend this fairy tale series. 

Pick up your own copy now at Amazon or Bookdepository. The links are below the book cover! :)

[Books] Wallflowers #1 - Secrets of A Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads

Started on: December 27, 2012

Finished on: December 30, 2012

Synopsis
Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their feminine wit and wiles to find a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.
Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing—and persistent—admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistible pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition...but it is impossible in the face of such skillful seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entice a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon—and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses...and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

Review

~ Warning: This review may contain SPOILERS ~ 

Secrets of A Summer Night, I was obligated to buy this book because I bought the second book of the series instead of the first one by accident. This book has also been sitting on my shelf for almost 2 years gathering dust. I thought it was time for me to read it.

And once I picked it up and read the first page, I simply couldn't put it down.

Secrets of A Summer Night is about a woman or four women (wallflowers) to be precise, who have gathered up for the purpose of helping each other in finding husbands. I thought, "alright, this is going to be fun". Four wallflowers hunting for rich men.

Annabelle is in her mid-twenties, and she needs to find a husband fast before her family becomes even more poor than they already are, and will be unable to pay for her brother Jeremy's schooling.
Mr. Simon Hunt is a rich underclassman, who is a son of a butcher. One does not expect a son of a butcher to be filthy rich do they. But things happen. He is fully interested in making Annabelle his mistress and have no interest of becoming her husband, until he spends more time with her than he did in the past 2 years of knowing her.

As I've said what seems like multiple times already, this book was just simply unputdownable. On the nights when I was reading until I was slowly drifting to sleep, I've had dreams about the book. Just by dreaming about a book just makes it so much better! I barely slept well because of it. I just had to pick it up and read what'll happen next.

Usually in historical romance books or any romance books in general, the protagonists admit their undying love for each other, they get married and that's it. But I was surprised that this book provides detail on what happens after their marriage and how both characters; Annabelle and Simon, gradually get to know each other even more, and really understand their feelings for each other.

The ending was no expected at all. I knew something was going to happen since there were still about 150 pages left of the book after the marriage, but I thought they were going to get into a big fight then realize their love for each other is stronger than ever. I didn't expect that someone was almost going to die. DAMN, I really thought he was going to die.

I love this book, it was a just so absorbing! I am not going to pick up the second book because I want proper sleep. This series is going to make me sleep deprived, I just know it.

I recommend those who love read romance, and books that are unputdownable to pick this book up and give it a try! You wont regret anything after you're done.

PS: Did anyone know that this book has a manga! Seriously! I'm so happy! Secrets of a Summer Night Manga