Book and Audio Review: Mr. Darcy's Mail-Order Bride by J. Dawn King

Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride by J. Dawn King

Publisher & Release: Quiet Mountain Press, November 24, 2016

Time and setting:  1869, Oregon

Genre: Historical Romance/Pioneer Western

Book Length:   354 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice meets the Wild, Wild West.

In 1869, females are in short supply in the west while a single man in want of a wife is rare in the east. When lonely Charles Bingley convinces his good friend, Will Darcy, to write a letter offering marriage to Miss Jane Bennet, she likewise convinces her sister, Elizabeth, to pen the reply. Elizabeth is struck by the beauty of the letter and responds by opening her heart to the Oregon wordsmith, who she believes to be Mr. Bingley. It’s love at first letter—for both the couples. Misunderstandings and bad impressions abound as the true identities of the authors are discovered.

In the days following the double wedding, Will and Elizabeth Darcy face challenge after challenge while Mr. and Mrs. Bingley appear to live in wedded bliss. Will Mr. and Mrs. Darcy find their own true love? In this sweet variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we will see open disdain shift to a wary friendship and the wary friendship grow to the tenderest of emotions—or will we?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Mr-Darcys-Mail-Order-Bride-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B01MRLCJAR

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33015399-mr-darcy-s-mail-order-bride

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Ms. King, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from the first page to the last. I found this through the romance package on Audible and selected it because I love Wendy Rich Stetson’s narrations. 

Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride is a Pride and Prejudice variation, and I am normally less than thrilled with those, but Ms. King allowed me to visit the beloved characters from that classic in a completely different setting that works surprisingly well. She caught Lizzy’s optimistic personality and Mr. Darcy irascible one perfectly.

This emotionally-charged romance brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. The pacing is excellent, and the writing flows smoothly. Ms. King gives enough description without giving too much detail. 

Now, for the main reason, I am writing a full review. As I mentioned, I love Wendy Rich Stetson as a narrator. She is amazing. She truly brings all the characters to life, from Lizzy and Darcy to the children in this story, to Lydia and Mr. Wickham. I became totally enmeshed in this story through her astonishing abilities as a narrator. If you have never listened to her, then you are truly missing out!

If you enjoy seeing some of your most favorite characters brought to life in an entirely new setting, yet one where their personality traits are still true, then you will love this book. I highly recommend Mr. Darcy’s Mail-Order Bride by this very talented author. Happy reading/listening!

Book & Audio Review: No Man's Mistress

No Man’s Mistress by Mary Balogh

Publisher & Release: Dell, December 10, 2008

Time and setting: Regency period, Engand

Genre:  Historical Romance/Regency

Length:  353 Pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

The dark, devastating stranger rode into the village fair and wagered twenty pounds at the throwing booth — for a chance to win the daisies in Viola Thornhill’s hair. The Gypsy fortune teller had warned: “Beware of a tall, dark, handsome stranger. He can destroy you — if you do not first snare his heart.”

Recklessly Viola flirted, then danced with him around the Maypole. And then came his delicate, delicious kiss. Viola did not regret that she had let down her guard — until the next morning, when he appeared at her door to claim her beloved Pinewood Manor.

Lord Ferdinand Dudley won her home in a game of cards!

Viola hated him for trying to take everything, including her soul. She was mistress of Pinewood Manor. Yet Dudley refused to leave, even as his conscience rebelled at compromising this beautiful innocent whose only proof of ownership was a dead earl’s promise. Dudley held the deed, but at what cost?

Each day under the same roof brought its share of temptation, intimacy, and guilt. But Viola knew it was a battle she could not afford to lose. Marriage was out of the question, and she would be no man’s mistress. Even as Dudley’s unnerving presence, his knowing smile, threatened to melt her resolve.

Against his better judgment, Lord Ferdinand Dudley was beguiled. This maddening beauty had stirred him as no woman had before. And he was bound and determined to make her his own.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/No-Mans-Mistress-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B001NJUP4I/

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10540887-no-man-s-mistress

Vikki’s Musings

It is always such a pleasure to revisit an old friend! No Man’s Mistress definitely fits that description. It is one of my favorite books written by the supremely talented Mary Balogh. Her ability to bring the regency period to life never ceases to amaze me.

Since there is such an amazing book description, I am not going to include mine. No Man’s Mistress pulled me in from the first page and kept me in its thrall all the way to the end. I love Ms. Balogh’s writing style. It is so smooth and flowing, making this book a joy to read.

Viola Thornhill is such a deliciously complex character. Her unique mixture of innocence and seductress is amazing and makes for an enthralling reading experience. She is truly an endearing character, and I fell in love with her loyalty to family, a family she so fiercely protected, she went to work for a vile man.

Lord Ferdinand Dudley’s character is a wonderful mix of worldly man and boyish charm. His true nature came as a huge surprise. Again, I’m being vague, so you will have to read No Man’s Mistress to discover what I mean.

I listened to the audio version performed by the mazing Rosalyn Lander. I know I am always in for a treat when she is the narrator. Her rich, mellow voice is perfectly suited for novels set in the Regency period.

While I adore Ms. Balogh’s new releases, her older books are always a joy. They are books that will forever remain on my keeper shelf. No Man’s Mistress is at the top of my list, and it is a long list indeed. If you have not read her wonderful romances, I highly recommend them, and No Man’s Mistress is definitely a great one to read first, along with More Than a Mistress, the first book in this trilogy. Happy reading!

Retro Book Review: The White Carnation by Susanne Matthews

The White Carnation by Susanne Matthews

Publisher & Release Date: Crimson Press, April 20, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, Boston area, USA  

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Length: 270 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

The last person disgraced reporter Faye Lewis wants back in her life is Detective Rob Halliday, the man she blames for ruining her career and breaking her heart. But when she finds an old friend murdered, he's the one she calls.

For the past year, Rob and his team have been hunting the Harvester, a serial killer who ritualistically murders new mothers and vanishes with their infants. What Rob doesn't need is another case, especially one involving his ex-fiancée.

Then Faye is assaulted, and Rob realizes the cases are connected. She may hold the answers he needs to find the elusive killer. But the more they investigate, the more complex the situation becomes. Can they set the past aside and work together, or will the Harvester and his followers reap another prize?

Buy Links:

Crimson Romance: http://www.crimsonromance.com/romantic-suspense-novels/white-carnation/

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/White-Carnation-Harvester-Susanne-Matthews-ebook/dp/B00UMBE2KG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433862405&sr=1-1&keywords=the+white+carnation

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-carnation-susanne-matthews/1121415073?ean=9781440591181

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25127070-the-white-carnation?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Susanne Matthews, and it will not be the last! Once I read Echoes of the Past, I was hooked, and searched for her entire back list and read all of them. I love her writing style, and The White Carnation is another fantastic read by this amazing author. This is the first book in the Harvester series, and I can’t wait to read the next one, and I am not normally a huge fan of romantic suspense, especially one with thriller elements.

Faye Lewis isn’t happy attending garden parties and dog shows, but when she is demoted for writing a story that later proofs false, she is relegated to mundane stories, instead of investigative ones. When she receives a message from her BFF’s mother, she goes to her apartment only to find the woman with her throat slit.

In a knee-jerk reaction, she calls her ex-fiancée, Rob Halliday, a detective with Boston PD. He quickly takes over the investigation, even though he is tied up with the search for a serial killer, the Harvester. When Faye is attacked, but not killed, he rushes her to safety until they can find the Harvester.

Faye studies the evidence and tells Rob she thinks the Harvester is part of a cult. This starts them on a chase that leads to danger. When Faye is kidnapped, Rob is determined to find the only woman for him. Will he find her in time, or lose her forever?

Wow, just wow! This is a page turner from the first page to the last. Ms. Matthews has penned one exciting, suspenseful story. The plot kept me guessing to the end and I couldn’t stop reading. I love when that happens. This fast-paced tale intrigued me, pulling me deeper into the story, riveted to what would happen next.

 The plot has it all, mystery, thriller, romance, all in one phenomenal read. The White Carnation is filled with twists and turns, a truly compelling story. This is definitely a plot driven stories. The romantic element is a second chance romance, and there is great chemistry between the hero and heroine.

For such a plot-driven tale, the characters are well-developed. I particularly liked Rob’s character; he’s a great hero, loyal, protective without being over-bearing, and determined. Faye’s character has a tough exterior, and she’s fearless and doesn’t give up when faced with a horrific experience.

If you want a story that will keep you riveted throughout the entire book, then The White Carnation is for you. This is a great start on a promising series. Happy reading!