So much more to say but I realized there's just no way to fit it all here. All I can say is that after having completed this breathtaking book, my heaSo much more to say but I realized there's just no way to fit it all here. All I can say is that after having completed this breathtaking book, my heart is oh-so-happy. Pauline and Griff undoubtedly captured my heart. Another brilliant story of love. Poignant, humorous, fantastic. Hot. Holy glorious moments of Unf!
Can't wait till you get your hands on this one. (I'll post more later on.)...more
It's as if they were made for each other. So perfectly imperfect, and yet. This book evoked so many feelings in me, all of which left me beholden to MIt's as if they were made for each other. So perfectly imperfect, and yet. This book evoked so many feelings in me, all of which left me beholden to Ms. Callihan. The laughs, the amusing banter and first-rate sparring matches, the fear and uncertainty, the unparalleled UST, That Kiss, the heartaches, the steamy scenes, the tears, the pain, the falling in love and the fighting for love and the staying in love . . . they were all there for me to experience. So amazing.
Carrie, thank you for recommending me this gem. :D...more
The course of true love never did run smooth. Very true, especially when it is made even more complicated when you find yourself falling in love with The course of true love never did run smooth. Very true, especially when it is made even more complicated when you find yourself falling in love with The Enemy. 'The Runaway Countess' is a stunning debut novel from Ms LaValle; it is thrilling and fraught with tension and intrigue, it is sensual and seductive, and it is sure to captivate your heart. I know that from the first chapter, I was very impressed with the crisp clarity of writing, of how the lush narrative allowed me to immerse myself in Trent and Mazie's world without diffidence.
We are immediately aware that the stakes are high; we see and feel the desperation that should overpower a weaker person, and yet loyalty, strength of character and bravery prevail, and we see into the heart of Mazie Chetwyn who has been captured, indeed guilty of the 'mercy' crimes she has committed. She knows firsthand about the oppression and corruption going on around her and has teamed up with the local highwayman, the Midnight Rider, to set things right. Of course, there are two sides to the story, and so we meet Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, who is principled and respectable ... a discerning and intelligent man who believes wholeheartedly in the law. The scandal surrounding the Midnight Rider and his accomplice is threatening everything he is; all he has known and worked hard for, and so he must remain in Nottinghamshire to sort it all out, capture the Midnight Rider, and reestablish the honor of his family name. He doesn't remain oblivious to the injustice and damage inflicted upon the locals for long, thanks to Mazie challenging him at every turn. Eventually, the fissures in his otherwise just and stable world emerge, and he is forced to reevaluate his position and actions regarding whom to trust, without losing faith in the system of the law.
I found myself falling for Mazie and Trent, two extraordinary people struggling to do right in this world, in their own way. Infallible they are not, but they adapt and they learn, they choose and they act, never just sitting idly by. I do so appreciate the complex situation they find themselves in, and I can't take for granted the thought process and the dueling emotions regarding the heavy decisions they both must make. Every now and then I found myself needing to pause for a bit to digest their current status or state of mind. What must it be like for Trent, finding himself inevitably drawn to, in love with, a guilty criminal, who is dead set on protecting the person he must apprehend? What then, when he finally gets to know her heart and see beyond her actions, and yet know that 'he could not have it all. He was destined to lose something in the end. ' Duty, honor, and responsibility. Freedom, happiness, and love. What must it be like for Mazie, already faced with threats to her freedom and life, but still loyal and unwavering in her protection of the Midnight Rider? What then, when she discovers for herself that though, yes, he is duty-bound and very much on the side of the law, that he has a very kind heart, that he is willing to change ... that he is also stuck in an impossible situation between the locals and the gentry, and that he is 'just a man. A man with a heart, with tears and worries of his own.' When the time comes that she is able to trust, would she also be able to give up freedom? Love? My heart breaks for them.
One of my favorite things about this book is the undeniable attraction between the two. Try as they might, and as perverse as it is to desire one's enemy, well, there it is, the attraction simmering, sizzling, burning up the pages. Oh my goodness, those scenes are so hot, sensual, and oh so delicious. Their kisses alone would have been the death of me already, but wait till you get to Chapter Sixteen. Whew. My favorite line in the entire book is about their third kiss, in fact.
It was a kiss born of thunderstorms and the wild loneliness of the night. It was hot, fierce, and needy.
Ugh. Perfect!
I love, love Mazie's uncensored thoughts, actually laughed out loud at some of the moments when she is struggling not to feel affected, not to show that she is affected, and then finally admitting, and submitting, to her passion and desire. 'He could do whatever it was his eyes were saying they wanted to do.'
Oh, so refreshing to see a heroine voice her (treacheroussincere) desire for the hero.
He looked up at her from where he bent over the spigot. That devilish lock of hair fell across his forehead and her breath caught. Even after their argument, even after the brittle fear of the morning, she was still attracted to him. It was entirely unfair that he was so handsome. She wished he weren't so beautiful. No, she amended. She loved that he was beautiful. She wished he weren't her enemy. That he wasn't always so determined to ruin her life.
I love Trent's intensity, and by intense, I mean, wow. I'm surprised Mazie hasn't yet melted, what with the smoldering gazes, always under his scrutiny and observations and stares. I ... have no words, hehe. Trent could not disguise his attraction to her even if he tried. But more than this, I loved how Trent tried to cope with his new found feelings for her while trying to reconcile it with the reality of who Mazie was. I love the moments where we are shown Trent's kindness, his gentleness, to everyone from the locals, his sister, Mazie. Even when he knew Mazie was not being forthcoming, despite trying to reign in his feelings for Mazie, there is no doubt he is very attuned to her, even without complete comprehension.
It distressed him seeing her so upset. And his distress over her distress distressed him even more. Which made no sense being that she continued to lie to him, even knowing what he had at stake. She was a devil of a confusing woman.
There is so much to recommend in this gem of a book. One of them is Cat, Trent's unhappily married sister and Mazie's peer. I love Cat so much, and my heart goes out for her too. (Ms LaValle, we ARE going to learn more about Cat, aren't we? Yes or yes? :D) She's wonderful, I love her character so much. There are two particular conversations she had with Mazie that made me feel that gnawing ache in my heart. The first one happened when Mazie decided to hide from Trent. Two very impressive, undaunted, protective sisters, alone, together; in a large library; their conversation very telling. Cat's candor illuminating on some truths, confessed directly or otherwise. The second one happened towards the end.
“You will run.” “I don’t know.” She was honest. “Trent knows the truth, understands why the Midnight Rider did what he did. It is his decision what happens next. I am not going to stay and help your brother find my br—my friend. There is nothing left for me here.” “There is love.” Mazie shook her head. She took her stance and pulled back on her bowstring. “No matter what happens, we will hurt each other terribly/" "Does it work, running away?" Cat's voice was marked by concern and frustration. "Is that why Forster has been gone so many years?"
I really am curious to hear more about Cat. Here's to hoping we'll soon find out. :D
I thoroughly enjoyed my reading of this novel. It grips you right from the very start, and doesn't let you want to let go. It was well worth the journey to the end and see how the situations were resolved. By the time I reached the end, I had tears threatening to fall while a goofy grin was pasted on my face. I would definitely recommend 'The Runaway Countess' to everyone. :)
IT'S A MUST READ. I really don't want to say anything because I don't want to spoil it for you guys out there who haven't read this yet. Just. Wow. WhIT'S A MUST READ. I really don't want to say anything because I don't want to spoil it for you guys out there who haven't read this yet. Just. Wow. What an experience it will be for you. Tessa's writing is superb, and she's one of the best writers out there. The entire Spindle Cove series is just too amazing for words, so if you haven't yet, read A Night To Surrender and A Week To Be Wicked and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it just as you will for A Lady By Midnight. <3...more
I was telling a friend, how much of an emotional wreck I was, while I was still in the middle of the reading this story. It was an intense journey. The writing is very engrossing, and once it's grabbed you and hooked you, it doesn't ever let you go. And why would anyone want to?
I was hanging on as if my life depended on it, even as my mind was confused and outraged, even when my heart was bleeding and breaking, and even more so when I felt all the good and the goodness, leaving me hopeful, feeling the love.
I'm still thinking about Murphy and Livvy, about how thankful I am they have each other. Our past, it molds us into the person we are now, but it doesn't define us. And Murphy, he is a very strong man for having survived his past, and he is made even stronger for confronting his demons and being brave enough to live a life worthy of love. And Livvy, who's given so, so much to him, loving him so ardently, wholeheartedly. She put her faith in this man, and was loved in return. All of the heartaches and the sorrow and the hurt and the pain, it led them precisely where they needed to be, and when they needed each other. It won't be perfect, struggles will always be present and they'd have to be brave and strong over and over again, but these two make me think of a happy future, one that won't ever be taken for granted, and that is what makes my heart sigh contentedly.
Read it last night as soon as my Nook let me download it and finished it in one sitting. Ooooh, so, so good. Everything so delish. I'm already planninRead it last night as soon as my Nook let me download it and finished it in one sitting. Ooooh, so, so good. Everything so delish. I'm already planning on re-reading as soon as I get home from work, hahaha.
Every Jill Shalvis book I read leaves me HAPPY, and it's guaranteed to touch my heart in ways I don't even know possible. The writing is crisp and refreshing, the banter always sparkling, the UST always palpable, the love scenes so hot and sizzling (and did I mention HOT??), the characters so unforgettable, and no matter what, you end up falling in love with them and their journey, (and the setting too! The community!) and you know they'll just forever inhabit a space in your heart.
I can't even write a proper review, I'm still basking in all the love, but suffice it to say that I'm going to be talking to everyone about this book (and probably end up buying it for all my friends again, lol).
This book, I can just forever keep it close to my heart. I can't even form the words for a review. The Rake and the Reformer. I laughed, I cried, thenThis book, I can just forever keep it close to my heart. I can't even form the words for a review. The Rake and the Reformer. I laughed, I cried, then I laughed AND cried some more. So much love.
My heart is so full from reading about these two incredible individuals who defied their situations by not letting circumstances, actions, and reactions define who they are. I reveled in the respect, and the friendship, and all the familial and romantic love found in this story. I loved every moment and I'm so glad I read this jewel.
How is it there's only five stars available? I'd pluck some more from the night skies if I could because this is just made of so much win. The kind thHow is it there's only five stars available? I'd pluck some more from the night skies if I could because this is just made of so much win. The kind that really awesome romances are made of. The kind that would engage your mind and not just yor heart. You know the one. Yup, that's the kind that would make you laugh out loud, swoon and sigh and grin goofily because your heart is just so, so full of love. I still have so much to say but I'm feeling indescribably happy and I'm just bursting with joy that review will just have to wait. Hehehe.
ETA
A Night To Surrender is a gem of a read. It will take you to dizzying heights of happiness, laughter, and love (and likely even some tears -- oh, Bram!). I found ANTS to be a brilliantly written story set in a charming little seaside village, teeming with distinctive characters bound to capture your heart with their humor, tenacity, passion, and spirit.
I have a profound love for Susanna and Bram, two amazingly beautiful survivors: damaged and vulnerable, stalwart and duty-bound. From the moment they meet, each has shaken up the others' world, challenging each other in every clever way possible. Their attraction is undeniable, genuine. Their connection is substantive, vital. It's very clear that their lives will never be the same again, simply as their encounter has brought a change in them. The journey they had to take for them to be able to let love in, is not to be missed. What an adventure it was, to go from being able to recognize their own weaknesses, break down solidly built defenses, overcome their fears and let go of their insecurities, to knowing the truth that one doesn't have to be perfect to be exactly what they need, and being able to trust unequivocally, and meet in the middle without sacrificing who they are at the core. I absolutely love the flirtatious banter and the witty repartee between the two (I can't pick favorites because there's just so many, but a laugh-out-loud moment that comes to mind would be when Susanna and Bram have a conversation with Sir Lewis, The One With The 'Proposal'. Heehee.) To tell the truth, these two didn't just make me laugh, they made me cry too. Look out for that moment when Bram confronts Sir Lewis, and tell me that your heart didn't just swell even just a little, that you didn't feel even just a bit of ache, a bit of sympathy, and a lot of respect. And love. Love, that goes without saying.
The secondary characters are an awesome bunch, truly. Some had me hooting with laughter, some were very appealing and charming, some I found to be very intriguing, and some were even deceiving; vexing and disappointing and not at all perfect or how we thought they'd be. Just like in life, we have those people we love who are maybe blinded by their own passion, or perhaps who simply cannot understand us. Those are the people that force us to adapt and change, and help us be better and stronger. And oh, to have all of these people reside in a place such as Spindle Cove ... I found myself pausing at certain moments in the book, wishing SC was an actual place I could visit, real and inviting as it is. If only.
I have already recommended this to everyone I know, and I even went out to buy it for some of my closest friends, because I just couldn't contain my excitement for this book and I couldn't wait for my friends to experience the satisfaction for themselves. What an excellent way to start the series, and I cannot wait to read about Colin and Minerva's story. :D
Favorite quotes, and there are so many to choose from: (view spoiler)[
* ... with everything ...
"No, Susanna," he said. "I cannot love you just a little. If that's what you want, you must find a different man." His green eyes were breathtaking in their intensity. His thumb brushed her bottom lip. "Because I can only love you entirely. With everything I am, and everything I will be. Body, mind, heart, soul."
* ... at last ...
"A beast is just what you want. A big, dark medieval brute to throw you to the ground, tear the clothes from your body, and have his wicked way with you. I know I’m right. I haven’t forgotten how excited you were in the aftermath of that blast." The nerve of him! How could he tell? She lifted her chin. "Well, I haven't forgotten the sound you made when I first touched your brow. It wasn't even a moan, it was more like . . . like a whimper." He made a dismissive sound. "Oh yes. A plaintive, yearning whimper. Because you want an angel. A sweet, tender virgin to hold you and stroke you and whisper precious promises and make you feel human." "That's absurd," he scoffed. "You're just begging to be taught a hard, fast lesson in what it means to please a man." "You're just longing to put your head in my lap and feel my fingers in your hair. He backed her up against a rock. "You need a good ravaging." "You," she breathed, "need a hug." They stared at each other for long, tense moments. At first, looking each other in the eye. Then looking each other in the lips. "You know what I think?" he said, coming closer. So close she could feel his breath wash warm against her cheek. "I think we’re having one of those vexing arguments again." "The kind where both sides are right?" "Hell, yes." And this time, when they kissed, they both made that sound. That deep, moaning, yearning, whimpering sound. That sound that said yes. And at last. And you are exactly what I need."
* ... have a guess ...
"Tonight," he announced, "is the night we take back that village. And we're not going to do it by marching in lines or committing acts of brave idiocy. We're going to do it by being men. Manly men. The kind of men a woman wants to take control." Brows wrinkled in confusion. "But . . ." The blacksmith looked around the group. "We are men. Last I checked, anyhow." "It's not just a matter of having the proper equipment. It's using the equipment properly." Leaping up on a crate, Colin spread his arms wide. "Look at me. Now look at yourselves. Now look back at me. I am the man you want to be like." Dawes crossed his arms. "Why is that, precisely?" "Do you know how many women I've bedded?" When Rufus and Finn perked, he waved at them. "Have a guess, boys." "Seventeen," offered Finn. "More." "Eighteen." "Still more." "Er . . . nineteen?" "Oh, for the love of God," he muttered. "We'll be here all day. Let's just call the number more than you can imagine. Because clearly, that is the case." Under his breath, he added, "Perhaps higher than you know how to count."
* ... not wounded ...
"My pride's not wounded, for God's sake. And no, I'm not disappointed. Nor haunted, nor embittered, nor threatened. Stop trying to pin all these emotions on me like frilly pink ribbons. I'm not one of your delicate spinsters, Miss Finch. This isn't about my tender feelings. I have things to accomplish, and you"--he poked a single finger into her shoulder--"are hindering me."
I loved these two so much!! I confess, reading the ending left me laughing hysterically at Celia and Tarquin and just grinning like a fool in love. FeI loved these two so much!! I confess, reading the ending left me laughing hysterically at Celia and Tarquin and just grinning like a fool in love. Felt the love so much; these two are definitely getting added to my favorite hero/heroine/couple list. <3...more