Disappointed in Lastest Historicals
As I stated in my last post, I've found the last few historicals I've read lacking. Some of my favorite authors have recently published: Joanna Bourne, Elizabeth Hoyt, Candace Camp, and Anne Mallory. None of these books are bad; they just didn't resonate with me. And yes, I'm very well aware that a lacking Joanna Bourne book is sooo much better than most. Actually, regarding hers, I should never have reread The Forbidden Rose so close to release of The Black Hawk. The Forbidden Rose is brilliant, and one of my all-time favorites. I'll reread The Black Hawk later. As for the other authors, they may not be Joanna's class, but they are accomplished. But there's … [Read More...]
Steampunk Romance
Okay, I've been in a bit of a funk lately. I haven't really liked any of the historicals that I've read. Not that they've been terrible, but there's nothing about them which has inspired me to write about them. They've all been pretty much the same. Nothing special. Nothing unique. So, I've decided to talk about an emerging romantic genre that I started reading last year - steampunk romance. Yes - steampunk romance. What is it? Well, steampunk is science fiction sub-genre, often set in Victorian England or the American West, which creates an alternative history using steam-based technology and clockwork powered automata. So add romance, and voilà: steampunk romance! And if … [Read More...]
Review: His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander
Is there an author that you really enjoy reading, are excited for their next book, they write a good book, and you're still a bit disappointed? That's my dilemma with Victoria Alexander's new book, His Mistress by Christmas. This is book 4 in the Harrington series. I've really enjoyed this Victorian series, and I enjoyed the book. There was nothing wrong with it, but I think it could have been better. It could have been something more. Yes, I know, that's vague. The plot is straight forward. Widowed woman decides she wants a lover, not a husband, and sets her sights on the cousin of one of her best friends. This confirmed bachelor decides he wants a wife, not a … [Read More...]
Website redesign
I want to warn everyone that my website will be undergoing some changes over the next few weeks. I've been thinking about doing this for a while, and it's now time to implement. Unfortunately, you'll get to see all the bumps in the road since the site is hosted by Wordpress. I can't work offline and implement. You'll see it all! Sorry for any inconvenience. Thanks for the patience! … [Read More...]
Review: Beau Crusoe by Carla Kelly
One of things that I appreciate most about Carla Kelly is that her characters are from the time period where her stories are set. Many times, authors write "modern" characters and set them in the past. And while that's okay, it's enjoyable to read a romance where the reactions of the characters are fitting for the time period. Another interesting choice is the story is told, for the most part, from the hero's point of view. Romances are rarely told from a man's perspective but the choice really works in this case. Lieutenant James Trevenen, first mate of His Majesty's Orion, is shipwrecked and stranded alone on a desert island for five years, and while he survives and is … [Read More...]
