Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2)

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Publisher: Dell 2001

Genre: Historical Romance/Fantasy

Pages: 947

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - NPR Scifi/Fan; Read My Own Damn Books; Popsugar - Over 600 pages

With her now-classic novel Outlander, Diana Gabaldon introduced two unforgettable characters — Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser—delighting readers with a story of adventure and love that spanned two centuries. Now Gabaldon returns to that extraordinary time and place in this vivid, powerful follow-up to Outlander....For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to Scotland’s majestic mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth as stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones ... about a love that transcends the boundaries of time ... and about James Fraser, a Scottish warrior whose gallantry once drew a young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his....Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful copper-haired daughter, Brianna, as Claire’s spellbinding journey of self-discovery continues in the intrigue-ridden Paris court of Charles Stuart ... in a race to thwart a doomed Highlands uprising ... and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves....

Confession time: I have been reading this book off and on for about 4 months now. And I have no idea why I kept putting it down because I loved it! Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed Outlander and this is just more of the same. This volume we get to follow Claire and Jaime as they try to thwart Charles Stuart's ill-fated attempt to regain his crown. My favorite section of the book was the part set in Paris. I loved meeting some new interesting characters (Fergus! Mother Hildegard and Bouton! Master Raymond!) and seeing Claire and Jaime in a different environment. And of course we all knew that Jack Randall would reappear at some point. Really loved where the story went in this volume. Makes me more excited about reading the third book sometime soon. (Although I might need a break from the 600+ page behemoths in this series. Maybe in March?)

Outlander

#0.5 Virgins
#1 Outlander
#2 Dragonfly in Amber
#3 Voyager
#4 The Drums of Autumn
#5 The Fiery Cross
#6 A Breath of Snow and Ashes
#7 An Echo in the Bone
#7.5 The Space Between
#8 Written in My Own Heart's Blood
#8 A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Title: Chocoat (Food Trilogy #1; Chocolat Trilogy #1)

Author: Joanne Harris

Publisher: Doubleday1999

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 321

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Book to Movie; Popsugar - Europe

In tiny Lansquenet, where nothing much has changed in a hundred years, beautiful newcomer Vianne Rocher and her exquisite chocolate shop arrive and instantly begin to play havoc with Lenten vows. Each box of luscious bonbons comes with a free gift: Vianne's uncanny perception of its buyer's private discontents and a clever, caring cure for them. Is she a witch? Soon the parish no longer cares, as it abandons itself to temptation, happiness, and a dramatic face-off between Easter solemnity and the pagan gaiety of a chocolate festival.

I loved this book. Between the descriptions of the chocolate making and the great characters, I couldn't put it down. I loved the switch off between Vianne and Reynaurd's narration. The two perspectives was a nice literary device to help the reader dive into the characters. Armande is hands-down the best character, but I also enjoyed Luc and Guillaume and Josephine. I'm intrigued by sequels that I never knew about. Hopefully I can get to those this year.

Movie:

The movie retains the concept of the plot, but so many changes. I really enjoyed the movie, but so many changes! Judi Dench is a treat as Armande and I really liked Alfred Molina as the antagonist. I love how the chocolate is so central to the movie. It was a nice focus that didn't always come through in the book. The scenery is also very lovely. And there's Johnny Depp, back when he wasn't so crazy and definitely gorgeous. I like his Roux more than the Roux from the books. Crazy talk, but it's the truth. A great movie. I'm glad I finally got around to reading the book to compare.

Food Trilogy:

#1 Chocolat
#2 Blackberry Wine
#3 Five Quarters of the Orange

Chocolat Trilogy:

#1 Chocolat
#2 The Girl with No Shadow
#3 Peaches for Father Francis

The Heart of Christmas

Title: The Heart of Christmas

Author: Mary Balogh, Nicola Cornick, Courtney Milan

Publisher: Harlequin 2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Pages: 378

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Popsugar - Guaranteed to bring me joy

A Handful of Gold
Not only is Julian Dare dashing and wealthy, but he's the heir to an earldom. So what do you get a man who has everything? Innocent and comely Verity Ewing plans on giving Julian her heart—the most precious gift of all.

This story was very cute. I loved Verity and her plan to help her family. My problem with the story was that I wanted to see it as a full length book instead of a novella. I felt like the story has much more left to be told...

The Season for Suitors
After some close encounters with rakes in which she was nearly compromised, heiress Clara Davenport realizes that she needs some expert advice. And who better for the job than Sebastian Fleet, the most notorious rake in town? But the tutelage doesn't go quite as planned, as both Sebastian and Clara find it difficult to remain objective when it comes to lessons of the heart!

This story was my favorite of the collection. I loved the will-they or won't-they romance between Clara and Sebastian. They were great characters! Definitely enjoyed reading this one.

This Wicked Gift
Lavinia Spencer has been saving her hard-earned pennies to provide her family with Christmas dinner. Days before the holiday, her brother is swindled, leaving them owing more than they can ever repay. Until a mysterious benefactor offers to settle the debt. Innocent Lavinia is stunned by what the dashing William White wants in return. Will she exchange a wicked gift for her family's fortune?

My least favorite of the stories, I still enjoyed the story of Lavinia and William. I just didn't quite fall in love with this couple.

American Vampire Vol. 4-7

Title: American Vampire Vol. 4-7

Author: Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, Jordi Bernet, Dustin Nguyen, Matias Bergara, Dave McCaig

Publisher: Vertigo 2014, 2014, 2014, 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Pages: 208, 280, 144, 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Library; Popsugar - Library

AMERICAN VAMPIRE flashes back to two very distinct points in American history. The first tale comes from the early 1800's with the "The Beast in the Cave" featuring art by the legendary Jordi Bernet (Torpedo, JONAH HEX). Learn about the original American Vampire, Skinner Sweet, and his involvement in the brutal Indian Wars, and an ancient evil hidden in the heart of the Old West. Plus, more about the man Skinner used to call his best friend - James Book! The second tale comes straight from 1950s America, where AMERICAN VAMPIRE is terrorizing the suburbs with hot rods, teenyboppers and fangs! "Death Race" focuses on ferocious new vampire hunter Travis Kidd - but what is his connection to Skinner Sweet? As the story comes to a violent end, a sworn enemy's identity is finally revealed, and lots of blood is spilled!

Such a great volume! I really loved the story set in the 1950s, but even more the story that ending the volume "The Nocturnes." That was one hell of a way to leave the readers on a cliffhanger. So good!

Vol. 5 In the first story, series mainstays Skinner Sweet, Pearl and company return to Hollywood in the '50s during the Red Scare. In a time where America was on the lookout for the next Communist threat, was the real danger something far more insidious? A major turning point in AMERICAN VAMPIRE lore begins here! In the second tale, familiar face and vampire hunter Felicia Book is "retired" from vampire hunting when she gets called back into action to track down and kill the most powerful vampire of all time. The hunt takes our heroes through post-war Europe, behind the Iron Curtain and into the heart of Russia to track this deadly enemy...

These two stories really moved the story and mythos forward. We get to meet an iconic vampire and learn more about what the various characters have been up to. Plus, we get some tantalizing hints at what's to come. I can't wait to see where this story leads.

Vol. 6 You are cordially invited to a party--to die for! This volume of American Vampire collects eight amazing stories set in the world of American Vampire, with "lost tales," new characters and old favorites. Also collected here is the stand alone tale of Fan-favorite character Travis Kidd--the vampire hunter who likes to "bite them back" in AMERICAN VAMPIRE: THE LONG ROAD TO HELL.

This was a nice collection of side stories to compliment the larger tale. I really enjoyed the story featuring Travis Kidd. And we got a few more hints about the Grey Trader. I can't wait for the big reveal in the next volume!

Vol. 7 When we last saw Pearl in the 1950s, she had lost her love Henry in an attack on the vampire hunting organization, V.M.S., by a coven of Hollywood vampires that nearly wiped the organization off the face of the planet. Devastated and alone, Pearl is determained to leave California and all its painful memories behind. When we meet Pearl again, it is in 1960s Kansas, an era fraught with fear of nuclear war, angry demonstrations, and vast social change. What has changed in the years since the V.M.S. attack and where is Skinner Sweet?

Holy cow! That was one hell of a volume. I can't believe everything that happened in the span of a few hundred pages. I'm stoked to see more from Pearl and Cal and the reappearance of Skinner. This was the most disturbing volume so far, but I mean that in a good way. It was fascinating to learn more about the big bad and its minions. Can't wait until Volume 8.

The Manhattan Projects Vol. 2

Title: The Manhattan Projects Volume 2

Author: Jonathan Hickman, Nick Pitarra

Publisher: Image 2013

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Read My Own Damn Books; Graphic Novel; Popsugar - Graphic novel

"THEY RULE" The second amazing volume of the SCIENCE, BAD book of the new millennium. The battle for global supremacy is underway and the bad men of the Manhattan Projects will only accept one outcome: World domination Collecting issues #6-10 the coolest new series of the year into one super science package.

Another interesting alt-history volume. I really enjoyed seeing the Soviets and the Americans work together against the great evils (internal and external). As if Volume 1, my favorite characters is Feynman. Love his naiveté and energy. He's a great counterpoint to Fermi and Einstein. Plus we get some great backstory into the how the Soviets acquired some of their technology. Can't wait to read Volume 3.

Fairest: The Clamour for Glamour

Title: Fairest 5: The Clamour for Glamour

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2015

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 168

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel Challenge; Fairytale Retellings; 52 Books in 52 Weeks -- W1

A nice ending to the Fairest series. We get conclusions for a few characters. We get more of what was going on at the farm during the events of Fables Vol. 21. We meet a few new characters that contribute to the story. I'm sad that the Fables world is ending, but have really enjoyed the main series and all of it's spinoffs.

Fairest:

Fables: Happily Ever After

Title: Fables 21: Happily Ever After

Author: Bill Willingham

Publisher: Vertigo 2015

Genre: Fantasy Comics

Pages: 197

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 52 Books - W52

Holy cow! I am floored by this volume. I know there's only one last volume in this series, but wow! There were so many ends and revelations in this volume, I have no idea how this one ends. But I can't wait to read it! Now to see if the local library has it on the shelves...

Fables

:

Body and Soul by Stacey Kade

Title: Body and Soul (Ghost and the Goth #3)

Author: Stacey Kade

Publisher: Hyperion 2012

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 316

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Challenge; Ebook; 52 Books - W51

Alona Dare is now trapped in Lily Turner's body, and no matter how many psychics she and Will Killian visit, it looks like she won't be getting out anytime soon...

One of those series that I've been wanting to finish if only to say that I finished it. And I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this series ender. Alona and Will are intriguing characters. I liked following their journey after the events of Queen of the Dead. Plus we get appearances from Misty and other former friends of Alona's. A nice enjoyable two day read for my Christmas vacation.

Ghost and the Goth

Soulbound by Kristen Callihan

Title: Soulbound (Darkest London #6)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2015

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 366

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Ebook; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W50

Once two souls are joined . . . When Adam's soul mate rejected him, there was more at stake than his heart. After seven hundred years of searching, his true match would have ended the curse that keeps his spirit in chains. But beautiful, stubborn Eliza May fled-and now Adam is doomed to an eternity of anguish, his only hope for salvation gone . . .
Their hearts will beat together forever No matter how devilishly irresistible Adam was, Eliza couldn't stand the thought of relinquishing her freedom forever. So she escaped. But she soon discovers she is being hunted-by someone far more dangerous. The only man who can help is the one man she vowed never to see again. Now Adam's kindness is an unexpected refuge, and Eliza finds that some vows are made to be broken . . .

An enjoyable volume in this series. I wasn't a fan of Eliza or Adam in the previous books, but they definitely grew on me over the course of this one. I really came to pull for them throughout the book. The storyline was fun. The ending was satisfactory. But my favorite part was encountering all the previous characters in the series. The little glimpses of Ian and Archer were great. And I liked seeing more from Lucien and Sin. The ending left the series open for another book. At least I hope so...

Darkest London

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

Title: The Masque of the Black Tulip (Pink Carnation #2)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 464

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; 52 Books -- W49

...But now she has a million questions about the Pink Carnation's deadly French nemesis, the Black Tulip. And she's pretty sure that her handsome onagain, off-again crush, Colin Selwick, has the answers somewhere in his archives. But what she discovers in an old codebook is something juicier than she ever imagined.

I think I liked this volume even more that the first. Really it came down to the characters. I really enjoyed Henrietta and Miles as our main characters. They were incredibly likeable and fun. Plus their romance was very believable. I enjoyed the furtherance the larger storyline while giving more attention to a few specific characters. And of course, I enjoy the little glimpses into Eloise and Colin. I'm taking a bit of a break from their series while I travel, but I fully intend on continuing in late January.

Pink Carnation:

#1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
#2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
#3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
#4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
#5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
#6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
#7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
#8 The Orchid Affair
#8.5 Away in a Manger
#8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
#9 The Garden Intrigue
#10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
#11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
#12 The Lure of the Moonflower

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

Title: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation #1)

Author: Lauren Willig

Publisher: New American Library 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 426

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction

Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rains cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she’s always the one thrown into some stranger’s lap. Plus, she’s had more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, ever since she realized romantic heroes are a thing of the past, she’s decided it’s time for a fresh start.
Setting off for England, Eloise is determined to finish her dissertation on that dashing pair of spies, the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. But what she discovers is something the finest historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation—the most elusive spy of all time. As she works to unmask this obscure spy, Eloise stumbles across answers to all kinds of questions. Like how did the Pink Carnation save England from Napoleon? What became of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian? And will Eloise Kelly escape her bad luck and find a living, breathing hero all her own?

Another book that has been sitting on my shelf for years... and I have no idea why I haven't picked it up before now as I loved this one! Amy and Richard are amazingly fun characters. I loved all the side characters from Miss Gwen to Delaroche. And Eloise was a great person to connect to for the modern time period. The storyline took a few liberties with history, but kept the spirit of the time period that I appreciated. I can't wait to see more from Eloise in the sequels. And of course, I want to hear more about the League of the Pink Carnation.

Pink Carnation:

#1 The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
#2 The Masque of the Black Tulip
#3 The Deception of the Emerald Ring
#4 The Seduction of the Crimson Rose
#5 The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
#6 The Betrayal of the Blood Lily
#7 The Mischief of the Mistletoe
#8 The Orchid Affair
#8.5 Away in a Manger
#8.7 Ivy and Intrigue
#9 The Garden Intrigue
#10 The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
#11 The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla
#12 The Lure of the Moonflower

Warrior Women by Jeannine Davis-Kimball

Title: Warrior Women: An Archaeologist's Search for History's Hidden Heroines

Author: Jeannine Davis-Kimball

Publisher: Warner Books 2002

Genre: Nonfiction -- History; Archaeology

Pages: 268

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); Ebook; 52 Books -- W48

Davis-Kimball weaves science, mythology and mystical cultures into a bold new historical tapestry of female warriors, heroines and leaders who have been left out of the history books-- until now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the subject matter and wanted to learn more. I loved that I learned so much about groups of people that I have only heard mentioned in other texts. What i didn't love was the writing style. I just couldn't get behind her dry sentences and asides about her own personal life. I would have liked a more straight forward archaeology/history book.

The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd

Title: The Prince Kidnaps a Bride (The Lost Princesses #3)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books

Genre: Romance

Pages: 362

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; A to Z: P; Seriously Series

Betrothed in the cradle, Princess Sorcha and Prince Rainger were destined to rule their countries together. Then revolution sent Sorcha to a remote Scottish convent—and Rainger into a dungeon so deep rumor claimed he was dead.
Now danger threatens, and Sorcha must travel home with a simple fisherman as her companion—Prince Rainger in disguise. Changed by his imprisonment from a careless lad to a dangerous man, he's determined to win back his kingdom—and the woman he wants more than life itself. But can he protect a woman who believes every person she meets is her friend, every tavern is an opportunity to sing bawdy songs, and each turn in the road hides new adventure? To keep his princess safe, he must resort to his most treacherous weapon: seduction.

Well I finished the trilogy. This wasn't the best at all. I hated Sorcha and Prince Rainger annoyed me in this volume. The entire set-up of their relationship really bugged me. I just couldn't understand the continual lying and disguises. And some of the interactions were just ridiculous! Oh well. Another series I can cross off my list.

The Lost Princesses:

The Barefoot Princess by Christina Dodd

Title: The Barefoot Princess (The Lost Princesses #1)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books

Genre: Romance

Pages: 349

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series

Life in exile has taught the passionate Princess Amy to hate injustice, and on the enchanting English isle of Summerwind, she finds injustice personified in the powerful and wickedly handsome Jermyn Edmondson, marquess of Northcliff. Since he has stolen the islanders' livelihood, Amy decides to stealhim. She kidnaps the arrogant nobleman, chains him with his own manacles, and holds him for ransom.
It's a simple plan, destined to succeed. Surely Jermyn's uncle will pay his ransom. Alas, his uncle would be delighted if someone killed his nephew and left him to inherit the title and fortune. And holding the furious, guileful, sensual Jermyn chained in her basement provides a challenge to Amy's restraint...and her virtue.

I liked this one better than the first book in the series. Glad I kept reading the trilogy. Amy and Jermyn are fun characters. And the side characters give the book even more. I enjoyed the storyline and the reappearance of Prince Rainger. Really I could have done without the sex scenes. They were a bit much and I do lie a good sex scene. Oh well. I'm hoping to finish the series before I leave for Indiana...

The Lost Princesses:

#1 Some Enchanted Evening
#2 The Barefoot Princess
#3 The Prince Kidnaps a Bride

Some Enchanted Evening by Christina Dodd

Title: Some Enchanted Evening (The Lost Princesses #1)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 2004

Genre: Romance

Pages: 363

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W47

One of Scotland's most dangerous men, Robert MacKenzie is dazzled by the enchanting beauty who rides into the town he is sworn to defend. Though he is wary of the exquisite stranger, Clarice stirs emotions within him that Robert buried deeply years before. And now he must have her at any cost, vowing to gain her trust through the powers of his sensuous seduction.
Torn between her need to protect her secrets and her aching desire for the dark, tormented earl of Hepburn, Clarice is pulled into Robert's glamorous world . . . and into his perilous plan for justice and revenge. And with the winds of treachery swirling around them, a runaway princess must draw Robert's heart from the shadows and make him believe in happily-ever-after.

A decent fluffy romance to tide me over this week, but it's nothing special. There were a few scenes that I could do without. And the sex scenes weren't that great. But the story was decent and I really liked Clarice as a character. I'm sure I'll be continuing this series...

The Lost Princesses:

#1 Some Enchanted Evening
#2 The Barefoot Princess
#3 The Prince Kidnaps a Bride

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Title: Furiously Happy

Author: Jenny Lawson

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2015

Genre: Nonfiction - Memoir

Pages: 329

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Nonfiction Adventure (perpetual); TBR Reduction; 52 Books - W46

In Furiously Happy, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jenny Lawson explores her lifelong battle with mental illness. A hysterical, ridiculous book about crippling depression and anxiety? That sounds like a terrible idea.
But terrible ideas are what Jenny does best.

I love her, I love her, I love her! Just like her first book, this volume made be reflect, cry, and laugh (mostly laugh) at all the ridiculous episodes of her life. Life lessons abound disguised as silly arguments with her husband and strange encounters with the outside world. I loved diving more into her world even the parts that aren't so nice. I'm so glad I preordered this one. I had to wait almost a month before I had time to read it, but when I did I pounced. Now I feel like I should reread her last book... Maybe in January.

After Alice by Gregory Maguire

Title: After Alice

Author: Gregory Maguire

Publisher: William Morrow 2015

Genre: Reimagined Classic

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; 52 Books - W44

In this brilliant work of fiction, Gregory Maguire turns his dazzling imagination to the question of underworlds, undergrounds, underpinnings—and understandings old and new, offering an inventive spin on Carroll’s enduring tale. Ada, a friend of Alice’s mentioned briefly in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is off to visit her friend, but arrives a moment too late—and tumbles down the rabbit-hole herself.
Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to find Alice and see her safely home from this surreal world below the world. If Eurydice can ever be returned to the arms of Orpheus, or Lazarus can be raised from the tomb, perhaps Alice can be returned to life. Either way, everything that happens next is “After Alice.”

Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite books of all time. I was very much looking forward to reading this reworking of this story. I enjoyed reading about Ada and Lydia's experiences after Alice disappeared down the rabbit hole. It was an interesting little book. Maguire even wrote the book in a style that reminded me of Lewis Carroll's style. Recommended for lovers of the original.

Saga Volume 2-4

Title: Saga Volume 2-4

Author: Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image 2013, 2014, 2014

Genre: Comics

Pages: 144; 144; 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Ebook; Fairytale

Volume 2: Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and alien monstrosities, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her family's greatest challenge yet: the grandparents.
Volume 3: In volume 3, as new parents Marko and Alana travel to an alien world to visit their hero, the family's pursuers finally close in on their targets.
Volume 4: Visit new planets, meet new adversaries and explore a very new direction, as Hazel becomes a toddler while her family struggles to stay on their feet.

I continue to love this series! It just keeps getting better and better. And the twists and turns! And all the side characters! I'm especially in love with Kiara. Such a great character and we've seen so much of her lately. I can't wait to read Volume 5. The library doesn't have it, but J said he might get it for me... Yeah more Saga!

Someday My Prince by Christina Dodd

Title: Someday My Prince (Princess #2)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 1999

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W43

Princess Laurentia leads a fairy-tale life, attending glittering balls and wearing beautiful gowns. But after the ball is over, Laurentia finds herself getting into bed...alone. She dutifully agrees to choose a husband, but when she casts her eyes over her sea of suitors, she doesn't see a single man worthy enough to claim her.
But Who Will She Choose?
Then suddenly, she is swept off her feet by Prince Dominick, soldier of fortune, black sheep of his family...and the man hired to protect her. He's brazen enough to steal her kisses, yet tender enough to soothe her with one touch. He makes no promises, speaks no vows of forever...yet Laurentia can't help but hope that her prince has finally arrived.

Another disappointing fluffy romance. I did like this one better than the first book of the series, but I still didn't like the characters very much. Laurentia has a bit of character and Dom is an interesting guy, but their relationship is fraught with issues. Overall I was just so disappointed in this book.

Princess

#1 The Runaway Princess
#2 Someday My Prince

The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd

Title: The Runaway Princess (Princess #1)

Author: Christina Dodd

Publisher: Avon Books 1999

Genre: Romance

Pages: 360

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Reduction; Seriously Series

English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforeseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery. But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiancé. Her denials count for nothing. Danior will do anything to have her. Seduce her, abduct her, or when danger explodes about them, flee with his unwilling bride into a world of peril, promise and passion.

I was hoping that this would be a great feel-good romance after so many serious fiction books and nonfiction books. Alas, I was a bit disappointed in this one. I found Evangeline to be a huge contradiction of character. And Danior was a huge brut. The fact that he almost raped her really put me off him as a character. I enjoyed the storyline, but the characters really fell flat for me. I have the sequel sitting on my shelf. I may just read that next just to finish out the duo.

Princess:

#1 The Runaway Princess
#2 Someday My Prince