eyes.2c Reviews

The Last Chance Christmas Ball by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley et. Al. An enjoyable mix of stories wound around a common thread. Some more than others. Overall they threaded together admirably, giving cohesion and expressing the hope of the Christmas season. Jo Beverley sets the scene. It's post the French wars in regency England. Napoleon has been routed at Waterloo. For those returning, that coming home is a harrowing undertaking.  Fate has cast more than a few nettles across the path of true love but it's Christmas time and perhaps more than Yuletide longings and good cheer are at work. The Dowager Countess of Holbourne has decided to give her Last Chance Ball (for spinsters to seize the moment) at Holbourne House. The stories are centred around those would be guests.  My True Love Hath My Heart by Joanna Bourne. A longtime love is rekindled, with a chance to strike at injustice, a future to determine and jewelry theft thrown in for good measure. A Scottish Ca...

The Oncoming Storm (Angel in the Whirlwind Book 1) by Christopher Nuttall   Ok, I really enjoyed the beginnings of this space opera. A tad midshipman Honor Harrington meets a young Herris Serrano. I know the plot is somewhat familiar but that didn't lessen my enjoyment one iota. It's 2040 and war is on the horizon for those with eyes too see between two empires, the protectionist Commonwealth, a loosely democratic empire espousing free trade, and the Theocracy governed by religious fanatics whose main object is to convert the masses to their religious beliefs at any cost including of course mass death and destruction. (Nuttall's comments on social engineering were illuminating.) Katherine 'Kat' Falcone, daughter of a powerful industry magnate has fled the family trappings to carve out her own destiny as a naval officer. Kat suddenly finds herself in command of the navy's latest warship 'Lightning' having been leap frogged over others higher up t...

Corridors of the Night: A William Monk Novel (William Monk #21 ) by Anne Perry This story does indeed begin in the 'corridors of night' when Hester discovers a young child traversing the hospital corridors looking for help for her brother. Another complex Perry plot evolving around the selling of children, kidnapping, medical experiments and related ethics, and of course betrayal and murder, that is  centred around the stalwart Monk and Hester. A daughter is betrayed, and Monk is betrayed by someone from his past. This is Hester's story though and the tragedy and betrayal  that Monk is part of seems to slip into the background as Hester's plight is brought to the fore. Responding to a friends request to cover her night dirty times at a local hospital, Hester is unwittingly drawn into a plot involving medical experimentations with blood transfusions, using unwilling young children. When it is known that Hester has uncovered their transgressions, Hester is kidnap...

The Madness of Lord Westfall (Order of the M.U.S.E., #2) by Mia Marlowe  Having been declared mad as a boy because he claimed to hear voices, Pierce Langdon, Viscount Westfall, a telepath, was subjected to the most abominable treatments devised. Placed in Bedlam by his uncle, the tortuous methods used to 'heal' him were more akin to torture .  The descriptions of the supposed healing methods are outrageous. That was in the past. Today he is a member of the Order of the M.U.S.E.  (Metaphysical Union of Sensory Extraordinaires). A highly secret organization comprising people with extra sensory gifts and headed by His Grace, the Duke of Camden , committed to the protection of King and Country. Prinny, the Prince of Wales, is in danger. There is a move afoot to have him controlled through a substance, Fides Pulvis. M.U.S.E. is tasked to find the substance and uncover those behind theplot. All roads lead to Lord Albemarle and his mistress the breathtaking Lady Nora C...

The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels #1) by Kerrigan Byrne   Oh my! This was a startling declaration of love enduring. A riveting tale of a 'lost boy' reclaimed by love. A fairy tale if you will (parts of it for more than just one denizen of Newgate as it turns out). A Beauty and the Beast story with a twist. I enjoyed this immensely.  Farrah Leigh and Dougan MacKenzie  meet as children in an orphanage in 1855, Dougan, the illegitimate son of a Scottish Lord continually bares the brunt of harsh punishment. Farrah has been left as an orphan by a sleazy Mr Warrington until she grows up, when he will mary her. Farrah, Dougan's 'fairy' befriends him and over a time and contact that friendship grows to love. Ick! The scenes of Dougan and Farrah as children together in that awful place tended by harsh taskmasters are overlaid with compassion and tenderness.  As preteens almost, Dougan and Farrah hand fast to each other in the orphanage chapel and declare their undying ...

The Prince and I (The Oxenburg Princes #2 ) by Karen Hawkins  Certainly reading this you encounter humerous moments in this tongue in cheek play on Maid Marion and Maid Murian who admits to Max (a Prince of Oxenburg) her penchant for Robin Hood. This is definitely not a serious contender as a Robin Hood remake, but is an enjoyable read. I loved Max's grandmother Natasha. She stole the show. It was absolutely in character and hilarious that she gambled away that which she not--all in a good cause. Even more hilarious that she would not tell Max just exactly what she'd done and just exactly what he was searching for. So of course the gallant Max ends up aiding and abetting the beguiling Murian in her quest, especially as they have a common enemy. A NetGalley ARC *** 1/2

The Highlander's Bride (Highland Trouble ) by Amanda Forester   There's more to Marie Colette than meets the eye as Gavin Patrick comes to know. In many ways Colette is the original little girl lost who comes through in a resounding manner. Gavin has to swallow his disappointment and pledge to escort Colette and her hapless women to Scotland into the arms of her waiting fiancé. That proves to be no easy task. Colette grows into the woman she is meant to be as together she and Gavin escape past the English lines and on into their respective fates. A satisfying medieval romance with an stalwart, trustworthy hero and a winsome heroine who responds to the unusual situations she faces with courage and openness. A NetGalley ARC ****

What To Do With A Duke (Spinster House Book 1 ) by Sally Mackenzie  An amusing tale with serious overtones. Curses follow the Dukes of Hart. They are condemned to marry, beget an heir, and die within a short time after that event. And thus it has been for five generations. Marcus, the current Duke of Hart has determined to live his life fully, marry later in life and dodge the curse for some goodly years. That is until he met Miss Isabelle Catherine Hutting, a spinster vying for the chance to live out her years at Spinster House in Loves Bridge. Marcus is the decision maker in the matter of whom shall inhabit Spinster House. Isabelle thought she was a shoe in, that is until two other contenders came forward...and there's no denying the attraction between Isabelle and Marcus. However, Isabelle is determined that Spinster House should be hers! But, the best laid plans of mice and men etc. etc. Now Isabelle is caught in a conundrum and Marcus is wondering just how short his li...

The Winter Crown: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine #2 by Elizabeth Chadwick  One cannot help but be inspired and awed by Alienor (Eleanor) of Aquitane. In this telling of her story, Chadwick has given her the very human face of wife, of mother and of queen, filled with hope, dashed by the continual betrayal by Henry on all fronts. Love betrayed turns to icy repudiation and fear. One cannot read this without feeling the heights of Alienor's passion and the depths of her helplessness at Henry's plays for power. Henry is portrayed as a wilful man of intense passions, a conqueror's arrogance and little compassion. How to hold what he has conquered and take what he hasn't consumes him.  It is difficult to see where the blame might lay for Henry's sons' greed and ambition. Alienor gives us insight into their characters. What we might look at doubtfully she doesn't. As she intimates at one stage when as children Harry and Richard fight over a toy sword, these ...

Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts Book #2) by Dina L. Sleiman   The Arthurian legend swirls around this story of Gwendolyn and Allen. Gwen is looking for a way out from under a brutish father who is determined to marry her to a similar example of manhood. Allen is looking to make his fortune. They both become caught up in a prophecy that will place Allen as a duchy's saviour and Gwen as the sacrifice. Of course jousts, sword fights, enlightened characters and despicable villains add to the adventure. Lady Merry makes a further unexpected appearance. The place of women within the society at this time and the Christian faith is examined from the supposed standpoint of the characters. Certainly the issues of justice and grace and love, and the biblical tenets about the role of men and women are to the fore. Interesting from this viewpoint. Gwen is definitely an wonderful character, as is Allen. Both struggle with their relationship with God and their understandings of how their fait...

The Brigadier's Runaway Bride (Dukes of War Book 5) by Erica Ridley   Pregnant to another man, Sarah Fairfax is about to marry her dead fiancée's comrade when the church door bursts open and the not so dead fiancée, Brigadier Edmund Blackpool returns to claim his bride. Be still my beating heart! Here is heady excitement, a tale to hang on! Unfortunately my beating heart cooled somewhat as I read on. The promise portrayed by this exciting premise fizzled into disappointment. The execution of a great plot just wasn't quite there. My enthusiasm was quenched. For me, The Brigadiers Runaway Bride didn't reach the potential it could have or the standard set by previous 'dukes' stories. Despite, this those of us following the Dukes of War series will want to read it. A NetGalley ARC **

The Rogue You Know (Covent Garden Cubs #2) by Shana Galen  Is so enjoyed this Covent Garden Cubs issue. Gideon Harrow is the original bad boy, the lost boy with a hidden generous soul. When he avoids pursuit inside Lady Susanna's house, he little knows that his life just took a turn for better and for worse. Always a disappointment to her over protective mother, Lady Susanna Derring is the put upon daughter who decides, just this once, to seize the moment and have at least one grand adventure before being handed off in some unknown in marriage. So living up to her surname with an added 'do', as in derring-do, Susannah opts for blackmailing her new rogue acquaintance to achieve her dream--a visit to Vauxhall Gardens. And what an adventure it turns out to be. I enjoyed the improbable impact Susannah has, not only on Gideon, but the other denizens of the rookeries she meets upon her way. I loved Susanna's attitude, her fortitude and her loyalty. And of course ...

Irona 700  by Dave Duncan In some ways the storyline's premise becomes more intriguing as the plot continues. The charting of Irona 700's life is filled with flashes of brilliance, personal disappointments, hard slog, politicking and degenerate wars.     Irona Matrinko, daughter of a fisherman, is chosen at an annual ceremony at the city of Benign, by the blind goddess Caprice. She becomes Chosen, Irona 700.  A major question must be what part do the gods really play? Where does freedom of choice enter the equation? Is Irona chosen by the goddess or by chance and in this case can the two be really separated? After all look at the goddess' name! 'Caprice was patron of the city, goddess of the sea, of chance, and the only divinity ever shown in human form. Caprice was worshiped. Most of the others were feared. Maleficence [is] God of evil.'  Fitting into what turns out to be the top strata of society that is adept at politicking, moving up the rung of succ...

Possession of a Highlander by Madeline Martin   It's 1606 at Angus in the Scottish lowlands, although close to the highlands. Intrigue and love stalk each other. Brianna Lindsay fights the stigma of possible illegitimacy and enforced marriage to her cousin, Lord a Robert. Disguising the fact that her father has died, Brianna continues as the lady of Edzell Castle, hoping to delay the nefarious actions of her uncle and his son. Colin MacKinnon, a highlander, comes seeking land and a wife. Brianna is his choice. Although their way of marriage is not what he'd sought, marry Brianna he does and he is determined to be a good Lord. He didn't count on falling in love with his wife. Treachery is but a hair's breath away and both Colin and Brianna must go through the refining fires of doubt and agony before truly finding each other. Brianna is an interesting character with her inclination towards intellectual pursuits, languages and willingness to learn everything, incl...

Lady Beresford's Lover (The Marriage Game #8) by Ella Quinn When Rupert, the Earl of Stanstead, spies Vivian, the widowed Countess of Beresford, across the crowded ballroom, he cannot take his eyes off her. Vivian, has fled to London to avoid the importuning of her husband's cousin, the new Lord Beresford, for her hand in marriage. Her marriage had been such a disaster that Vivian has determined to never remarry. Belittled by him, Vivian is convinced that she is less than desirable and somehow deformed. It takes the careful courting and loving of Rupert for her to come into her own as a woman. After a masquerade ball, where Vivian attends as Cleopatra and Rupert as Anthony, Vivian decides to enter into a clandestine affair with Him as her alter ego, Cleopatra. Vivian is convinced that Rupert doesn't know her true identity. Rupert of course knows exactly who she is. I must admit that this is where I am bemused by Vivian's thinking. How does she think Rupert wi...

Undercover with the Earl (Entangled Scandalous) by Robyn DeHart  Evelyn Marrington is decidedly 'spinster author' material. That's according to her view on things.  After all she's the shortest and least ethereal of all her sisters. Evelyn is busily picturing pursuing her career in a rose covered cottage as her mother is attempting to marry her off. Even if it is to an aging noble with ten children. When duty calls in the form of one Bennett Haile, the autocratic Earl of Somersby, Evelyn does have to think twice. It seems Evelyn looks remarkably like the young Queen Victoria and she's needed. Bennett is not so sure that this is a good idea. However his superior has made the call and Bennett is already in trouble for following his intuition rather than his orders. Spirited away from home and hearth by her cousin Ellis, and Bennett, both members of the Brotherhood, an undercover agency that protects Queen Victoria, Evelyn decides to acquiesce to their request ...

The Other Daughter: A Novel by Lauren Willig   Set between the wars 'The Other Daughter' occasionally brought a near tear to my eye. CertInly far more going on here than at first glance. After her mother's death, Rachel Woodley finds out that her father is not dead as she has been told all her life. Neither is he a botanist. Far from it. He is an Earl with a family. That makes Rachel illegitimate. Rachael is determined to confront him, to find out where the loving man she'd supposed dead had gone to. But should Rachel in the guise of her alter ego Vera Merton, 'Walk away...leave her father to his other life. Pretend that she and her mother had never existed?' Gossip journalist Simon Montfort (and cousin of some sort it seems) offers her his assistance. But what are his motives? Does Rachel have what it takes to blaze her way through the razz-m-tazz of the bright young society things, into the home of her father? And what of Rachel's Uncle David? H...