How To Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling review/giveaway

Title: How to Marry A Duke
Author: Vicky Dreiling
Publisher: Forever Romance
ISBN: 9780446565370
Price: $7.99/$8.99
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Edition: Forever Special Release
Genre: Historical Romance
How I read it: Mass Market ARC from publisher
Rating 5 out of

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
(From the publisher)

My Review:

Ducal Duty is demanding that Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne find a wife and the many eligible young ladies of the ton know that he is looking to find one thus ensuring he has plenty of fans to fetch and handkerchiefs to retrieve. While he may be able to catch their ‘dropped’ item, their have failed to captured him. So what’s a Duke to do when he finds that he is in need of a wife yet none have been able to win him over? Why the answer is simple- hire London’s notorious matchmaker to make your match for you. Although Tristan never imagined that he would embark on a 24 woman courtship, and better yet he never imagined that the one woman he cannot have is the woman to dominate his thoughts.

Tessa Mansfield, matchmaker extraordinaire, believes that making a match for the dashing Duke will open doors for her matchmaking career, so she eagerly sets out to find this notorious rogue a love match. Yet she has her hands when Tristan plainly tells her that he is only marrying out of duty, and while he promises to be a loyal and faithful husband, he cannot and will not promise to love the woman he marries, and once he meets the prospective candidates, he simply cannot see himself falling head over heels for one of the witless women vying for his affection. Determined to find the perfect match that will turn into love, Tessa fails to realize that she herself has developed feelings for the Duke, although she tries to reign in her feelings, one kiss unleashes a torrent of emotions and desires that Tessa cannot control. Now she has broken the golden rule of match matching-never fall in love with the intended groom.

What will happen when Tessa’s secrets are revealed and Tristan selects a bride? Rush out to purchase your copy of HOW TO MARRY A DUKE to see how their story ends.


My Thoughts:

This was the first time that I have read this type of story- of course I have read historical romances before, and yes I have read about the dashing Duke searching for the perfect wife, but the plot of this story was very different, very intriguing. I never imagined that I would read the Bachelor-Regency style, and I have to say the concept was off the charts, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I have to say that it was very fresh and highly entertaining. It was very easy to visualize the characters, and I found that they were easy to read and well layered. I loved it when romance characters have a bit of dimension to them, otherwise the story falls flat, but it was just the opposite in How to Marry a Duke, the characters dominated the story and allowed the plot to blossom. I enjoyed the traits of the characters, and I also enjoyed the secrets that slowly unraveled. Another plus for me was the way that Vicky Dreiling incorporated the supporting characters and built up suspense for the next book. A spot on novel in my book.

Overall HOW TO MARRY A DUKE is a very fun read with very different concept that is highly intriguing. Yes, this does have the typical hero/heroine/villain aspect of romance novels, but take it from me it not like anything you have read before.

I have to say that I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.



Five Fun Facts
1. Vicky concocted the idea for a Regency-era bachelor competition while watching the hit TV show The Bachelor one night. In a twist of fate, the new season of The Bachelor begins January 3, 2011, the same day as How to Marry a Duke debuts!

2. Prince William is off the market now, but his former status as the World’s Most Eligible Bachelor inspired Vicky to create Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, the Most Eligible Bachelor in Regency England.

3. Tristan’s most striking physical traits are his vivid blue eyes and square jaw. Vicky used Henry Cavill, the British actor who starred in HBO’s The Tudors as a model for Tristan.

4. The idea to make her heroine Tessa Mansfield a matchmaker came from Vicky’s love of Jane Austen’s Emma.

5. Vicky writes to music and creates a soundtrack for her books. The theme song for How to Marry a Duke is I Believe in You (Je Crois En Toi) by Il Divo and Celine Dion.





About the Author:

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”
When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.







I have 3 copies to giveaway-
Please leave your name and a valid email address
Sorry no P.O, Boxes
Contest open to residents of the US and Canada

Contest Rules:

Since this is a different plot theme for a romance book, please tell me what your perfect romance novel plot theme would be. (Please keep your answers to 5 sentences or less)
Contest ends 31st


My thanks to HBG for both the giveaway copies and the review copy

Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros

Abigail Donovan has a lot of stuff she should be doing. Namely writing her next novel. A bestselling author who is still recovering from a near Pulitzer Prize win and the heady success that follows Oprah's stamp of approval, she is stuck at Chapter Five and losing confidence daily. But when her publicist signs her up for a Twitter account, she's intrigued. What's all the fuss?

Taken under the wing of one of her Twitter followers, "MarkBaynard"—a quick witted, quick-typing professor on sabbatical—Abby finds it easy to put words out into the world 140 characters at a time. And once she gets a handle on tweets, retweets, direct messages, hashtags, and trends, she starts to feel unblocked in writing and in life. After all, why should she be spending hours in her apartment staring at her TweetDeck and fretting about her stalled career when Mark is out there traveling the world and living?

Or is he?


Abigail Donovan should be writing the next bestseller, yet she finds the task a bit daunting seeing as how her first novel was not only a bestseller, but a selection for Oprah’s Book Club. Now with her literary star beginning to dim, her publicist, seeing the need to connect with potential readers, sets her up with a Twitter account. Abby soon finds that she has connected with a mystery man, one who claims to be traveling the world, while seeking the inspiration for his potential novel. With a nudge and push in the right direction from her mystery man, Abby finds that the challenge she faces isn’t as great as what other are going through.

Will Abby and “MarkBaynard” find love in 140 characters or less?

My Thoughts
Okay first let me say that I am not one who generally loves Contemporary reads. Yet when I heard about a novel composed almost entirely of tweets, I was intrigued. I wondered if that style of writing would add to or take away from the story and I have to say that it added to the story greatly. I found that I had a hard time putting this novel down-if it wasn’t for having to go to work, I would have read it straight through instead of reading it in two settings. “Goodnight Tweetheart” was truly an amazing book, one that actually makes the reader think about life.

I highly recommend this book. “Goodnight Tweetheart” will keep your attention with it’s quick wit and amazing flow. Although I will warn you, one minute you will be laughing the next you will be crying. Overall a MUST READ.

*READERS BEWARE* ONCE YOU READ THE FIRST PAGE YOU WILL NOT WANT TO STOP UNTIL YOU HAVE REACHED THE END!!!!

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

Title: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: A Novella
Author: Donita K. Paul
Publisher: Water Brook
ISBN: 978-0-307-45899-5
$14.99
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5


Can mysterious matchmaking booksellers bring two lonely hearts together in time for Christmas?
In a sleepy, snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. Searching for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they’ve decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers’ best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?



Review:

Cora Crowder is on a mission-well two missions actually. Her first mission is to catch Christmas, not that it has escaped her, but to discover the right way to celebrate this blessed holiday. Her second mission is to find the perfect gift for her uncle, which not only proves to be the easier of the two, but also acts as the catalyst for the following events. After finding Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad’s, a quaint little bookshop, she discovers, or should I say the shop owners discover the perfect book for her uncle. After retuning home, gift-in-hand, she flips through the pages and finds one ticket to an annual Christmas Ball, sponsored by the odd owners of the bookshop.

Simon Derrick, known as Serious Simon to his coworkers which include Cora, has also ventured into the same little bookshop, on the same day as Cora. He has also discovered a ticket to this one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball, the only problem is he needs to locate another for his sister. Thus an odd series of events seems to be throwing Simon and Cora together.

Will the proprietors of Sage Street, aid the two not only in matters of the heart, but matters of faith as well?

My Thoughts:

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, has to be my favorite novella of the season. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold, as well as the characters develop. Simon’s sister, Sandy added the right touch to the story to remind the readers of the true meaning of the season, and the One we should be seeking. The lovely characters of Sage Street added whimsy and magic that made this a very charming reading.

I truly enjoyed this novella, and I have found a new book to read each Christmas. Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball, is one of those, curl up by the fire reads.

This book was provided by WaterBrook

Sundays At Tiffany's Movie reminder

MOVIE REMINDER
Sundays At Tiffany’s is now a Lifetime original movie from Sony Pictures Television , which will be airing on Monday, December 6 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, 8:00 PM CT.

Here is a bit about the book to peak your curiosity, although I imagine that knowing it’s by James Patterson has already done just that!

Book info:

AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
Jane Margaux is a lonely little girl. Her mother, the powerful head of a New York theater company, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever, though. On Jane's eighth birthday he leaves, promising that she'll forget him soon. He was there to help her until she was old enough to manage on her own, and now there are other children who need his help.

AN UNEXPECTED LOVE
Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And despite her own success as a playwright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets Michael again--as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

AND AN UNFORGETTABLE TWIST
Sundays at Tiffany's is a heart-wrenching love story that surpasses all expectations of why these people have been brought together. With the breathtaking momentum and gripping emotional twists that have made James Patterson a bestseller all over the world, Sundays at Tiffany's takes an altogether fresh look at the timeless and transforming power of love.

An Amish Christmas

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional new novella from romance author Kelly Long.
"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.
“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.
“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.
“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child.
Contributer Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.



I fell head-over-heels in love with “An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County”. This is the perfect book to give or get this Christmas. The four novellas (one is actually a bonus novella) reminds the reader of the true meaning of Christmas, with their heartfelt story’s of love, redemption, and God’s grace. This is my third encounter with Kathleen Fuller’s work, and I have to say that I have and still am enjoying her work. This book should be a must read.

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

Title: Hearts Awakening
Author: Delia Parr
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0670-2
Publisher: Bethany House
Format: Trade Paperback $14.99
Genre: Historical Fiction: Inspirational Romance
How I Read it: Trade Paperback provided by Bethany House
Rating: 5 out of 5


TWO PEOPLE IN DESPERATE CIRCUMSTANCES ONE UNLIKELY PROPOSAL…..

Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon’s Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work, and Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

YET ELLIE NEVER IMAGINES THE WIDOWER WOULD BE SO YOUNG…..SO HANDSOME…..

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so…plain. But he quickly comes to realizes that Ellie’s presence may solve his own problems- both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

My Review:

Elvira Kilmer- or Ellie as she is known- fears that she is firmly on the shelf. Gone are the chances that she will ever be wife or mother, and after the death of her parents she is forced to rely on the kindness (if you can call it that) of her cousin and his wife, who are not too thrilled to receive her. As a form of punishment she is sent to the widower, Jackson Smith to care for his house, although once she arrives, Ellie finds more than just a few dirty floors to occupy her time.

Jackson Smith, a widower who runs the local orchard, needs more than just a housekeeper, he needs a wife who will care for his two young sons. Although thanks to the scandal surrounding his first wife as well as that of her death, that task may prove to be a bit more difficult than he expected. Yet when a rather plain housekeeper arrives on his doorstep, he realizes that he may need Ellie for more than just tiding up.

When the two enter into a marriage of convenience they soon discover that they have quite a few obstacles to overcome, and Ellie is unprepared when she finds out that the woman who owns Jackson’s heart is very much alive. Will Jackson set Ellie aside or will he allow her to play the part of wife and mother.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books that I have read this year. There was so much emotion surging through this book that you could not help but to fall in love with the characters. I could not help to feel sorry for Jackson, he was carrying around so much hurt and anger from his past that he was too bogged down to see his future. He was also too intent on reclaiming what he though to be his grand love that he failed to see what was right in front of him. Ellie was the solace of both his spirit as well as his broken home, and I enjoyed watching as the Lord’s plan unfolded. I also have to say that the two little boys tugged at my heartstrings, as they were trying to come to grips with the death of their mother.

Overall I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a heartwarming tale of loss, love, and redemption, that proves that one can always reclaim the faith that they lost along the way.


Favorite Quote: Normally there is a certain phrase that sticks with me after reading a book, although I found that this time it was a few chapters that will be embedded in my mind. Chapters 26-27 unfolded so brilliantly that I will never forget what they entailed. I felt that they were extremely emotional for both Jackson and Ellie, and both bore their souls until they were emotionally naked so to speak. I believe that these two chapters captured the soul of the story.

If you enjoyed this book please check out my review of Walker’s Wedding by Lori Copeland.

Also please watch for my review of Delia Parr’s “Love’s First Bloom”

Stronger Than Sin by Caridad Pineiro review/giveaway

It's been six months since Liliana Carrera helped her brother rescue Caterina Shaw from Wardwell Laboratories, a group of fringe scientists experimenting on human beings. Now, Liliana--with funding from the FBI--has set up a new facility to continue testing the inhibitor complex, a cure for the patients of Wardwell. What's even better is the FBI has managed to recover another of the patients, Jesse Bradford.

When Jesse arrives at Liliana's facility, he has been drugged and displays violent erratic behavior. As Liliana helps him detox, Jesse demonstrates strange powers--superhuman strength and the ability to heal quickly.

Despite their growing attraction, Jesse is secretive and Liliana remains fearful of him. Eventually he admits that Wardwell scientists threatening his sister's life in order to maintain control over him and his powers. As they try to locate her, they begin to suspect that the scientists may have corrupted the FBI. Unless they can discover Wardwell's master plan soon, Jesse's sister, the other patients, and an unknown number of innocent people, will pay the price.
(from the publisher)



My Thoughts:

This is my first time reading a novel by Caridad Pineiro and I have to say that I was very impressed. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed “Stronger Than Sin”, and even though this novel is the second in a series it reads pretty much as a stand alone. Although it does refer to the events of the first book, I did not feel as though it took away from this story, but readers be warned once you have read “Stronger Than Sin”, you will want to read the first part “Sins Of The Flesh”.

Overall would I read this book again? Defiantly. Especially after I read the first one.

What to look forward to: Chapter 38 sets up the next book nicely, and I cannot wait to read it once it’s out.

I have 5 books to giveaway

To enter please leave your name and a valid email address.
Contest open to residents of the US & Canada only
Sorry No P.O. Boxes
Contest ends December 13

Sundays at Tiffany's By James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet giveaway

Sundays At Tiffany’s is now a Lifetime original movie from Sony Pictures Television , which will be airing on Monday, December 6 at 9:00 PM ET/PT, 8:00 PM CT. And to promote both this book as well as the movie, One lucky winner will win a copy of the book.

Here is a bit about the book to peak your curiosity, although I imagine that knowing it’s by James Patterson has already done just that!

Book info:

AN IMAGINARY FRIEND
Jane Margaux is a lonely little girl. Her mother, the powerful head of a New York theater company, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever, though. On Jane's eighth birthday he leaves, promising that she'll forget him soon. He was there to help her until she was old enough to manage on her own, and now there are other children who need his help.

AN UNEXPECTED LOVE
Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And despite her own success as a playwright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets Michael again--as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

AND AN UNFORGETTABLE TWIST
Sundays at Tiffany's is a heart-wrenching love story that surpasses all expectations of why these people have been brought together. With the breathtaking momentum and gripping emotional twists that have made James Patterson a bestseller all over the world, Sundays at Tiffany's takes an altogether fresh look at the timeless and transforming power of love.



THANKS TO VALERIE AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP I HAVE 1 COPY TO GIVEAWAY!!!!

Contest ends December 15

To enter please leave your name and a valid email address as well as your favorite holiday movie.
Contest open to residents of the US and Canada only.
Sorry NO P.O. Boxes