Mademoiselle Boleyn
Robin Maxwell
NAL, Nov 2007, $14.00
ISBN: 9780451222091
At eight years old Anne Boleyn accompanies her family to the Netherlands where she is deserted at the court of Archduchess Margaret of Burgundy. Feeling all alone she learns to cope as the foreigner in a strange place; even teaching herself to understand French. A year later, after a brief respite back home, she is sent to live at the French King Louis XII’s court as part of Princess Mary’s retinue when she wed the French monarch. Unlike her previous regal stay, Anne learns to fit in even as her homeland is at war with her current country. The most valuable lesson a young female can have is to gain knowledge that can be used to counterbalance the power of men have over women; to do that she learns the lesson of being in plain sight yet remain indistinguishable from the rest of the retinue. She observes how women are nothing except chattel as her father “sells” her then eleven year old sister Mary to serve as mistress to the French King and she is expected to spy on the French rulers who treat her with care and respect unlike her own family. Over the next eight years she stayed on the continent where Anne concludes that unless a woman marries into power as Princess Mary Tudor did when she wed her ancient French monarch, she is subject to abuse by all males; not just her spouse, father, or brother. Anne learns her lessons well when King Henry comes for her.
MADEMOISELLE BOLEYN is one of the best biographical fiction works of the year. The insight into how Anne learned survival techniques in a male dominant world will shock the audience as females are sexual pawns even when they are as young as eleven years old and expendable as eight years old. Robin Maxwell further supports her premise with a deep look at the royal support cast and the Bolyn family. Sub-genre readers especially those who appreciate the Henry the Eighth era will want to read this powerful look at the fifteenth century and know “we’ve come a long way baby”, but not far enough.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Trilby-Diana Palmer
Trilby
Diana Palmer
Harlequin, Oct 2007, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373772261
In 1910 Miss Trilby Lang left her Louisiana home to move on a ranch she recently inherited in the Arizona Territory. For Trilby the move meant leaving behind her beloved Richard Bates and her proper lady-like lifestyle to start anew near the Mexican border.
Rumors about the newcomer spread like wildfire as everyone assumes a single female stranger must be loose. Her neighbor rancher Thornton Vance likes what he sees and makes an indiscreet proposition that angers Miss Trilby. She rips his skin off as only a Louisiana bred woman could do. Feeling remorseful for his heeding spiteful gossip and still wanting her, Thornton tries to court Miss Trilby although he struggles not to touch and kiss her senseless. They ultimately marry even as Richard arrives to claim Miss Trilby as his.
TRILBY is a reprint of an interesting early twentieth century Americana ranch romance starring a courageous heroine and a repentant neighbor who fall in love, but have doubts all the way especially when Richard arrives. Except for a fabulous secondary romance between two seemingly star-crossed lovers (Richard’s educated sister and a classy Apache), the other subplots feel unnecessary padding or underdeveloped. Still fans of Diana Palmer will enjoy her latest tale although it is not up to her usual bar of excellence in spite an entertaining prime love story.
Diana Palmer
Harlequin, Oct 2007, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373772261
In 1910 Miss Trilby Lang left her Louisiana home to move on a ranch she recently inherited in the Arizona Territory. For Trilby the move meant leaving behind her beloved Richard Bates and her proper lady-like lifestyle to start anew near the Mexican border.
Rumors about the newcomer spread like wildfire as everyone assumes a single female stranger must be loose. Her neighbor rancher Thornton Vance likes what he sees and makes an indiscreet proposition that angers Miss Trilby. She rips his skin off as only a Louisiana bred woman could do. Feeling remorseful for his heeding spiteful gossip and still wanting her, Thornton tries to court Miss Trilby although he struggles not to touch and kiss her senseless. They ultimately marry even as Richard arrives to claim Miss Trilby as his.
TRILBY is a reprint of an interesting early twentieth century Americana ranch romance starring a courageous heroine and a repentant neighbor who fall in love, but have doubts all the way especially when Richard arrives. Except for a fabulous secondary romance between two seemingly star-crossed lovers (Richard’s educated sister and a classy Apache), the other subplots feel unnecessary padding or underdeveloped. Still fans of Diana Palmer will enjoy her latest tale although it is not up to her usual bar of excellence in spite an entertaining prime love story.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Blackthorne's Bride-Shana Galen
Blackthorne's Bride
Shana Galen
Avon, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061124976
In 1801 London, the four preadolescent female cousins vowed to never marry. They form the Spinster’s Club.
Ten years later, two of the members have had “Misadventures in Matrimony (see NO MAN’S BRIDE and GOOD GROOM’S HUNTING). A third one Madeleine, tired of insincere proposals, plans to run away with scholarly Conlon Dover, a father of two. However, the fourth member, still unmarried Ashley jumps into the coach with them. Dover tells Madeleine they need a chaperone anyway; she asks why since they are eloping.
At a café, Marques John Martingale quietly drinks coffee when his brother Nicholas arrives. Nick explains that he humiliated Duke Bleven by calling him a rapist at a party. Bleven sent thugs after Nick, who explains that he also quoted Jack as calling Bleven an asshole. A moment later Bleven and his armed thugs arrive. Jack and Nick flee. As Ashley, Madeleine and Dover are leaving, Jack with his nose bloodied and clothing stained by coffee dives into their coach. Nick replaces the coachman and drives. Jack is instantly attracted to Madeleine who demands he take them to Gretna Green; Jack says no. Madeleine is attracted to the roguish Jack, who steps out of the coach only to find Ashley’s dad has caught them. Nick jumps her dad. Jack insists he must marry Ashley as they jump back into the coach and flee for Gretna Green with two dads, Bleven accompanied by his thugs, and who knows who else in pursuit.
This amusing Regency romance will have fans in stitches as the runaways land in one predicament after another. The lead couple is a nice pairing while her cousin and his brother provide strong support once the audience understands their bickering started from meeting one another prior to this romp. Although the villain is dispatched too easily; making the climax too fast and weak, readers will appreciate this hilarious historical.
Harriet Klausner
Shana Galen
Avon, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780061124976
In 1801 London, the four preadolescent female cousins vowed to never marry. They form the Spinster’s Club.
Ten years later, two of the members have had “Misadventures in Matrimony (see NO MAN’S BRIDE and GOOD GROOM’S HUNTING). A third one Madeleine, tired of insincere proposals, plans to run away with scholarly Conlon Dover, a father of two. However, the fourth member, still unmarried Ashley jumps into the coach with them. Dover tells Madeleine they need a chaperone anyway; she asks why since they are eloping.
At a café, Marques John Martingale quietly drinks coffee when his brother Nicholas arrives. Nick explains that he humiliated Duke Bleven by calling him a rapist at a party. Bleven sent thugs after Nick, who explains that he also quoted Jack as calling Bleven an asshole. A moment later Bleven and his armed thugs arrive. Jack and Nick flee. As Ashley, Madeleine and Dover are leaving, Jack with his nose bloodied and clothing stained by coffee dives into their coach. Nick replaces the coachman and drives. Jack is instantly attracted to Madeleine who demands he take them to Gretna Green; Jack says no. Madeleine is attracted to the roguish Jack, who steps out of the coach only to find Ashley’s dad has caught them. Nick jumps her dad. Jack insists he must marry Ashley as they jump back into the coach and flee for Gretna Green with two dads, Bleven accompanied by his thugs, and who knows who else in pursuit.
This amusing Regency romance will have fans in stitches as the runaways land in one predicament after another. The lead couple is a nice pairing while her cousin and his brother provide strong support once the audience understands their bickering started from meeting one another prior to this romp. Although the villain is dispatched too easily; making the climax too fast and weak, readers will appreciate this hilarious historical.
Harriet Klausner
In My Wildest Fantasies-Julienne MacLean
In My Wildest Fantasies
Julienne MacLean
Avon, Nov., 384 pp., $6.99) HOT
ISBN: 9780060819491
In 1870 heiress Rebecca Newland refuses to marry the man chosen by her family. She decides to find her dream lover Devon Sinclair, the heir to a dukedom as she has never forgotten him although she has not seen her hero in four years since he saved her life in a runaway coach.
Devon’s father the duke is irate with his hedonistic ways; he demands his son marry by Christmas or lose everything. He searches for a biddable bride when Rebecca finds him. He knows she hero-worships him so figures he can bully her to do his bidding in bed and with her money. However, he soon admires her and falls in love with his new wife; she has loved him for four years but recognizes her hero has flaws.
The first Pembroke Palace Victorian romance is a warm charmer starring a likable lead couple although readers will need time to warm up to devious delectable Devon and realize that Rebecca is not a worshipping bonehead. The story line is simply fun with the hero beginning to understand the treasure he obtained when he married is not his wife’s wealth, but is her. Julienne MacLean provides an enjoyable late nineteenth century romp.
Harriet Klausner
Julienne MacLean
Avon, Nov., 384 pp., $6.99) HOT
ISBN: 9780060819491
In 1870 heiress Rebecca Newland refuses to marry the man chosen by her family. She decides to find her dream lover Devon Sinclair, the heir to a dukedom as she has never forgotten him although she has not seen her hero in four years since he saved her life in a runaway coach.
Devon’s father the duke is irate with his hedonistic ways; he demands his son marry by Christmas or lose everything. He searches for a biddable bride when Rebecca finds him. He knows she hero-worships him so figures he can bully her to do his bidding in bed and with her money. However, he soon admires her and falls in love with his new wife; she has loved him for four years but recognizes her hero has flaws.
The first Pembroke Palace Victorian romance is a warm charmer starring a likable lead couple although readers will need time to warm up to devious delectable Devon and realize that Rebecca is not a worshipping bonehead. The story line is simply fun with the hero beginning to understand the treasure he obtained when he married is not his wife’s wealth, but is her. Julienne MacLean provides an enjoyable late nineteenth century romp.
Harriet Klausner
Not The Marrying Kind-Hailey North
Not The Marrying Kind
Hailey North
Avon, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780060582470
New York artist Harriet and her son Zach are going to Doolittle, Arkansas to visit his maternal grandmother for the Christmas vacation. In Doolittle Ted "Colonel" Porter plans to propose to the retired schoolteacher he met over the Internet. Finally Ted’s son Los Angeles music producer Jake Porter is coming to town at the bequest of his dad to meet his fiancée.
At the local B & B Jake does not recognize Harriet as the nerd he met at Doolittle High School sixteen years ago and took to the prom. All he knows is that he is attracted to this sophisticated woman. However, she knows him as the boy she loved in high school, who vanished the morning after the dance. As Jake tries to make Harriet his, she remains aloof although deep in her gut she realizes she still loves the cad who broke her teenage heart.
The Doolittle B & B is host to a couple of second chance at love romances that fans will enjoy especially that of the younger set. Insisting he is “NOT THE MARRYING KIND”, Jake cannot convince cynical Harriet that he needs her as she remembers the first rejection as if it was yesterday. Although relationships especially between Jake and Harriet feel a bit forced as she has no reason to trust him with her heart, readers will enjoy spending Christmas in Doolittle.
Harriet Klausner
Hailey North
Avon, Nov 2007, $5.99
ISBN: 9780060582470
New York artist Harriet and her son Zach are going to Doolittle, Arkansas to visit his maternal grandmother for the Christmas vacation. In Doolittle Ted "Colonel" Porter plans to propose to the retired schoolteacher he met over the Internet. Finally Ted’s son Los Angeles music producer Jake Porter is coming to town at the bequest of his dad to meet his fiancée.
At the local B & B Jake does not recognize Harriet as the nerd he met at Doolittle High School sixteen years ago and took to the prom. All he knows is that he is attracted to this sophisticated woman. However, she knows him as the boy she loved in high school, who vanished the morning after the dance. As Jake tries to make Harriet his, she remains aloof although deep in her gut she realizes she still loves the cad who broke her teenage heart.
The Doolittle B & B is host to a couple of second chance at love romances that fans will enjoy especially that of the younger set. Insisting he is “NOT THE MARRYING KIND”, Jake cannot convince cynical Harriet that he needs her as she remembers the first rejection as if it was yesterday. Although relationships especially between Jake and Harriet feel a bit forced as she has no reason to trust him with her heart, readers will enjoy spending Christmas in Doolittle.
Harriet Klausner
Deadly Sexy-Beverly Jenkins
Deadly Sexy
Beverly Jenkins
Avon, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061246395
Successful Jessi Teresa "JT" Blake is wealthy, pretty and intelligent so even the toughest male athlete is intimidated by her; as no one messes with Lady Blake as she is referred to by her rivals. When her car breaks down on a California freeway in the Bay area, trucker Reese Anthony stops and offers the beautiful lady in distress a lift to Oakland, which she gladly accepts.
Reese initially hides from her that he is a former cop turned investigator looking into a murder in professional football. When someone threatens JT’s life, he tells her who he is and offers to protect her. Although she feels confident that nothing will happen to her, she gladly accepts as much because she wants him as an undercover bodyguard protecting her as she wants him under the cover guarding her body close up.
DEADLY SEXY is an exhilarating sports romantic suspense with the emphasis on the romance. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as they exchange barbed tongues throughout the humorous story line. Whereas the two mysteries provide supporting subplots and the sports milieu serves as a backdrop, the prime focus is on the feisty Lexus driver and the tough truck driver falling in love.
Harriet Klausner
Beverly Jenkins
Avon, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780061246395
Successful Jessi Teresa "JT" Blake is wealthy, pretty and intelligent so even the toughest male athlete is intimidated by her; as no one messes with Lady Blake as she is referred to by her rivals. When her car breaks down on a California freeway in the Bay area, trucker Reese Anthony stops and offers the beautiful lady in distress a lift to Oakland, which she gladly accepts.
Reese initially hides from her that he is a former cop turned investigator looking into a murder in professional football. When someone threatens JT’s life, he tells her who he is and offers to protect her. Although she feels confident that nothing will happen to her, she gladly accepts as much because she wants him as an undercover bodyguard protecting her as she wants him under the cover guarding her body close up.
DEADLY SEXY is an exhilarating sports romantic suspense with the emphasis on the romance. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing as they exchange barbed tongues throughout the humorous story line. Whereas the two mysteries provide supporting subplots and the sports milieu serves as a backdrop, the prime focus is on the feisty Lexus driver and the tough truck driver falling in love.
Harriet Klausner
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lady Betrayed-Nicole Byrd
Lady Betrayed
Nicole Byrd
Berkley, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780425218433
The Viscount saw the nearby gazebo as the place to stay out of the heavy rain. However when he steps inside its shelter, Adrian Carter immediately sees he is not alone, lying unconscious on the floor is Madeline Applegate. Through the freezing wet night, he keeps her warm the only way he can by holding her close. In the morning they are caught in this compromising position that saved her life, but irregardless of his good intentions, he does the honorable thing especially since they are caught hugging one another.
To his shock, she rejects his proposal. He warms her through the night, and when they're found the next morning, Adrian honorably proposes marriage. Madeline knows her lot in life is to take care of her invalid father rather than marry the caring hunk. When they make love, she knows she cannot let him go. Adrian admits to her that he is no prize since a duel went bad; as his ruthless cousin wants him dead. When Madeline and her friends begin suffering from suspicious accidents, Adrian believes his time of reckoning has past.
LADY BETRAYED is an enjoyable historical romantic suspense starring two nurturing individuals with issues to contend with if they are to marry. Although both loves one another, neither one believes they are worthy of their beloved as each carries baggage. Fans will appreciate Nicole Byrd’s tense thriller even if his cousin is too deviously cartoon evil.
Harriet Klausner
Nicole Byrd
Berkley, Nov 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780425218433
The Viscount saw the nearby gazebo as the place to stay out of the heavy rain. However when he steps inside its shelter, Adrian Carter immediately sees he is not alone, lying unconscious on the floor is Madeline Applegate. Through the freezing wet night, he keeps her warm the only way he can by holding her close. In the morning they are caught in this compromising position that saved her life, but irregardless of his good intentions, he does the honorable thing especially since they are caught hugging one another.
To his shock, she rejects his proposal. He warms her through the night, and when they're found the next morning, Adrian honorably proposes marriage. Madeline knows her lot in life is to take care of her invalid father rather than marry the caring hunk. When they make love, she knows she cannot let him go. Adrian admits to her that he is no prize since a duel went bad; as his ruthless cousin wants him dead. When Madeline and her friends begin suffering from suspicious accidents, Adrian believes his time of reckoning has past.
LADY BETRAYED is an enjoyable historical romantic suspense starring two nurturing individuals with issues to contend with if they are to marry. Although both loves one another, neither one believes they are worthy of their beloved as each carries baggage. Fans will appreciate Nicole Byrd’s tense thriller even if his cousin is too deviously cartoon evil.
Harriet Klausner
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