romance

Conquering William- Sarah Hegger

/ Erin Kelly / Leave a comment

“Conquering William” is my first book by Sarah Hegger, and is the third in the Sir Arthur’s Legacy series of medieval romances.  I love historical romance, particularly medieval, but usually they don’t really transport me to that time period. Sure, they mention riding horses and having servants “draw baths”, but other than a few basic setting mentions, the stories are like any historical. Thankfully, this one is different. 
The Story

Alice has just married her 4th husband and has low expectations for this match since the others didn’t exactly make marriage an enjoyable state for her. Her plan is to “grin and bear it” until she can conceive a child, then ignore her new husband and carry on. William’s marriage to Alice was arranged for a land deal, but he plans to make the best of it.  Alice’s advisor/keeper (jailer), Sister Julianna, continues to get in the way of his potential happiness. Additionally, the more he learns about his new home, the more he finds that needs fixing. 

My Thoughts

I think that the historical setting really informed the characters here.  Alice is more the product of her environment and raising than a strong, sassy medieval heroine that we often encounter, but she is probably a more realistic representation of women in that time.  It was incredibly rewarding to see William win her over as he emboldens her to take her place in the household.  William is a great character; he is the perfect representation of a pretty boy turned responsible. The only thing that took me out of the book was Sweet Bea and the couple of times she took her anger out on Alice. Perhaps I would understand her personality better if I went back and read her book, but it seemed a little rash and over-reacting. This one quibble is not enough to take away from my enjoyment of this book though, and I had trouble putting it down. The story in this one doesn’t let up and continues to reveal surprises up to almost the last page. The secondary characters enrich the story, and as I’ve said, the setting is completely realized and is the perfect backdrop to tell this tale.

The Bottom Line

If you enjoy medieval romance, this is a must!  It is a true medieval with great characters and a captivating plot that clips right along. There were many well-thought-out, witty moments, and I will definitely read this author again. 5 stars

Christmas in Homestead- Hallmark Movie Review and Challenge

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On first glance, “Christmas in Homestead” seems like a rehash of movies we’ve seen before, but strong acting make this one totally worth it and heartfelt. 
The Story:

A famous movie star, Jessica, is producing a new Christmas movie in the small town of Homestead, Iowa.  Homestead is the perfect small-town of these movies with local gatherings, beautiful and elaborate Christmas traditions, and a hot b&b owner who has the cutest little girl known to man. Oh, and he’s also the town’s mayor.  There is a subplot concerning the town’s festivities potentially being ruined by the filming, but this one is really all about the romance. 

My Thoughts:

I was not particularly excited about this one because I don’t really like the “fancy Hollywood-type” becoming a fish-out-of-water in a small-town, and “aw, shucks!” she really likes it there, eventually.  The reason I usually don’t like these stories is because they make the small-town folks seem more like caricatures than real people and insinuate that everyone would be better off if they just slowed down and took it easy. What this movie does right is show that small-town people are normal people who live regular lives that have the same ups and downs as everyone else.  Is the setting pretty? Sure, but there is a realness as well.  My favorite thing about this movie has to be the secondary characters. From the paparazzo to the bodyguard, the quirky sister, the ex-boyfriend, and the prototypical little girl, all the secondary characters shone with depth that is not normal in movies such as this.  The little girl, Brooklyn Rae Silzer, is the hands-down, best kid actor that I’ve ever seen in a TV movie.  My other fave is Michael Rady as Matt; his inauspicious, regular-guy routine won me over in spades, and I hope to see in many more Hallmark movies.  And Taylor Cole… it isn’t fair how beautiful she is. She was perfectly believable in this role. 

Christmas Satisfaction:

Since this town has lots of Christmas traditions, there was plenty of Christmas spirit to go around, although the story didn’t “need” the backdrop of Christmas to advance the plot. We have a snowman-building contest, town-lighting, and decorations galore. 

The Bottom Line:

The characters drive this one, not the Christmas backdrop or the plot.  But, (I am almost embarrassed to admit) I did cry a few happy tears at the end of this one, and I will watch it again if it happens to be on. 4 ½ stars

Challenge:

I’ve lost count. Is this the 10th movie? 11th? While I enjoyed this one, the movies are piling up like a big ball that is chasing me, gathering dirt as is goes. More to come, assuming I’m not squashed by the ball first.

Broadcasting Christmas- Hallmark Movie Review and Challenge

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“Broadcasting Christmas” is the next Hallmark Christmas movie up for review! Something about my childhood predisposes me to love Dean Cain, and I know that I am not alone in my feelings that he defined Superman for me at a young age. Until Tom Welling could steal my heart. Speaking of, when will we see Tom Welling in one of these movies? Hallmark: if you are listening- I could use some Tom Welling in my Christmas movies. Just saying. Anyway, back to the task at hand: Broadcasting Christmas. After a short run of unimpressive new movies, this one brought back the magic that is the Hallmark Christmas Movie.

The Story:

Charlie is a news anchor that won the job over his ex-flame, Emily, who is now stuck in small-town suburbia doing wacky, personal interest stories. Jackee plays a Hoda/Kathy Lee-type morning show host who needs a new co-host, and Charlie will be up for the job, along with a bitchy Martha Stewart type and a baseball player (?). When Emily catches wind of the job, she goes viral by proclaiming on the news that she deserves a shot.  And it works. So, now these exes will compete against each other, and, of course, rediscover old feelings in the process.

My Thoughts:

Dean Cain and Melissa Joan Hart are old pros, and it shows in the level of acting in this movie.  It was refreshing after some of the other movies from this season.  I was pulled into their story and really enjoyed their competition.  The romance isn’t quite as well-developed as it sometimes is, but the plot itself is stronger, so I wasn’t disappointed.  Also, I guess since the romance is based on an old relationship, it doesn’t need to be as developed as a new one.  I loved Jackee in this role; it was absolutely perfect for her.

Christmas Satisfaction:

Although this is billed as a Christmas movie, the Christmas connection is a little forced.  The stories they broadcast are connected to Christmas, but that is about it.  We have some tree-lighting, music, etc. but no Christmas wishes or anything that is integral to the plot. If you are in need of a movie to get you in the Christmas spirit, you should probably look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line:

This is a good TV movie with good, reliable actors that tell a fun story.  It is certainly worth watching and is much better than some of the offerings from Hallmark this season, but isn’t the most Christmasy or heart-warming. 4 stars

Challenge:

Thanksgiving did me in on the Christmas movie overload, and I am still catching up. I have 4 more movies that I have watched, but haven’t reviewed yet. Stay tuned!

A December Bride- Hallmark Movie Review and Challenge

/ Erin Kelly / Leave a comment

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Uncomfortable. Forced. Well, okay! Those thoughts pretty much sum up my feelings about “A December Bride”, Hallmark Channel’s 9th offering this year in the Countdown to Christmas line-up. A fake engagement can’t save this one… or can it?

The Story-

FLASHBACK! Layla is engaged and is planning on being a December bride.  Seth introduces Layla’s fiancé to her cousin. There are lots of undertones. So many, in fact, that I thought that there was no chance these two people hadn’t already gotten it on in the coat check room that day. Alas, no. But the meeting sparks something, and we learn that now, in present day, Layla has been invited to the wedding of her cousin and ex. It’s a December wedding, and she is all alone.  The cute neighbor, Cooper, agrees to go with her (can we give Cooper his own movie, please?!), but he gets sick. Enter Seth, who you’ll remember was the guy who kicked off this whole mess in the first place with his over-zealous introductions. One thing leads to another, and we have a fake engagement movie, y’all! Oh, and a boring home decorating side story.

My Thoughts-

Jessica Lowndes is beautiful. There were times in 90210 where she was the best, most interesting actress on screen. Unfortunately, this bar is slightly higher. With actresses like Jaime King knocking it out of the park this year, being beautiful is not enough for a successful Hallmark heroine.  Don’t get me wrong: the story and the whole premise of the December bride thing is worse than her acting, but she is not helping.  Daniel Lissing as Seth is very likeable, and I really believed that he was falling for Layla.  The cliché girly job drives the movie more than it should, and I do not believe that Jessica Lowndes’s character actually could decorate/stage houses to a high level.  She seemed so young and stupid to me, just completely naïve and ditzy.

Christmas Satisfaction-

Unless you consider a sleigh on the front lawn the pinnacle of a Christmas movie, you won’t find much true Christmas spirit here. We do have hot cocoa though, folks! Ooh, it’s hot!

The Bottom Line-

Please, please, please let the next movie be better… This didn’t need to be a Christmas movie; it didn’t do the whole fake fiancé thing particularly well, and even Lissing’s best attempts at winning us over don’t last long enough.  While hate or dislike are both too strong to describe my feelings for this movie, ennui would encompass them. I would not leave this on to decorate my tree or make cookies; I would rather watch a DVR recording of Elf or Prep and Landing.  2 stars

Challenge

9 movies down. They need to get better. So far, A Mistletoe Promise has been the high point of the challenge. Watch that when it reruns…

My Rogue, My Ruin-Amalie Howard and Angie Morgon

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“My Rogue, My Ruin” is the first book I’ve read by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan, but I am a sucker for historical romance, so I figured I would try it out.  I was not disappointed.  With a unique hook and interesting, well-developed characters, this one was a pleasure.

The Story-

Briannon seems to be on the path for an average life: not exciting, not terrible.  A robbery by a masked man changes everything and kicks her world into overdrive.  This dangerous attraction may prove to uncover more about herself than the man who is winning her heart. Archer has been dissatisfied with his life for a long time, and has chosen a “Robin Hood” type of rebellion.  But, he cannot get Lady Briannon out of his mind, and a mysterious letter threatening to expose him is causing him to rethink his chosen path.

My Thoughts-

I loved how different this book is from most historical romances.  The highwayman storyline and subsequent mystery add a level to this book that brought it up a notch.  The most surprising thing is the way the authors are able to fully flesh out the characters, even with the mystery and involved plot.  I especially like Briannon and the more surprising aspects of her personality.  My only complaint is that the number of hoops our main characters are forced to jump through to finally get together almost make it anti-climactic when they finally do.  The sexy scenes earlier and midway through the novel are extremely hot.

The Bottom Line-

If you like your historical romance with a touch of mystery, you should enjoy this one.  The characters are intriguing and complex.  One plot twist toward the end seemed a bit contrived, but overall, this was a fun read beyond the standard fare of historical romance.  A strong 4 stars!

Christmas Cookies- Hallmark Movie Review and Challenge

/ Erin Kelly / 1 Comment

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Perhaps the Hallmark Christmas Movie most hazardous to your diet this year, “Christmas Cookies” is a slight veer from the predictability that usually arises when a corporate suit descends upon a small town.  The always-beautiful Jill Wagner makes this one more believable and more watchable than you might expect.

The Story-

The town of Cookie Jar (yes, I already want to go) has been a long-standing Christmas destination, due to its most famous export: Aunt Sally’s Christmas Cookies.  Even Hannah, our heroine and corporate climber, visited as a child.  Of course, she has been sent by her corporation to negotiate the terms of the sale of Aunt Sally’s after the death of the founder.  And after they buy the company, they want to move production to Buffalo, leaving the town of Cookie Jar without its namesake cookies. Jake is the man who has inherited Aunt Sally’s, so Hannah must convince him to sign the contracts.  Bet you can’t guess what happens…

My Thoughts-

I was surprised by how much I liked Hannah as portrayed by Jill Wagner. She isn’t the typical corporate suit who hates Christmas and needs to see the spirit of the season etc. Hannah is already a good person: funny, loving, sarcastic, good with kids.  Of course, Jake likes her.  Now, being in the town of Cookie Jar does remind her of how much she likes to eat cookies, and just a side note— if Wagner eats cookies like she does in this movie and still looks the way she does, life just isn’t fair. Please let her normally eat salads, Lord!  Stepping out of my jealousy and getting back to the story- the blossoming relationship is believable, and the cookies look amazing.

Christmas Satisfaction-

Cookie Jar is a Christmas lover’s dream. What is it with these small Christmas towns in movies this year? Why can’t I visit one? Are any for real? Anyway, there’s the obvious cookies in the title… over and over and over again.  There are sled races and snowmen, presents and big family dinners. Lots of Christmas spirit here.

Bottom Line-

I seriously had to stop watching the movie and make Christmas cookies.  The ending was a bit trite and tied up with a ridiculous “realization”, but I would watch this one again if it happened to come on while I was cooking or cleaning.  And then I would have to make more cookies. When is it showing again…? 4 stars

Challenge-

Movie #5 down! Anyone have a new favorite yet?

 

A Rogue By Any Other Name- Sarah MacLean

/ Erin Kelly / Leave a comment

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Yes, I am on a bit of a Historical run lately, but that seems to be a rabbit hole I have difficulty climbing out of because I love them so much.  But that is another topic for another blog post! This one is all about Sarah MacLean’s “A Rogue By Any Other Name” which is the first book in the Rules of Scoundrels Series.  This is my first MacLean for reasons which I know not of, but it will not be my last.

The Story– Penelope (I have always loved that name) is practically an old maid because of a previous broken engagement and the scandal that followed.  In fact, she’s so hopeless that her father has attached a large parcel of land to her dowry to attract suitors. How crappy would that be? “Please! Marry my pathetic daughter for lots of money!” Bourne is her childhood friend who happened to lose the previously mentioned land in a card game to a dastardly villain (not Penelope’s father). He’s spent the past several years planning revenge, acquiring a fortune, and looking for an opportunity to get his land back. Wow! This should be easy, right? Penelope gets to marry her childhood friend, and Bourne gets his land. Not so fast… Of course, it isn’t that easy!

My Thoughts– Penelope certainly has reason to doubt herself and the character with her motivations was well-created, but I have rarely felt so badly for a romantic heroine. I felt her disappointment so acutely, I wanted to slap Bourne for his idiocity.  I guess there wouldn’t have been enough conflict without his moronic actions and attitude, but it left me wondering whether or not he deserved her love up to very close to the end.  She walked the line of desperation and letting him use her a little too long for my taste.

The Good– Since I’ve gone on and on about Penelope, obviously she is a compelling character. I loved the letters she had written Bourne over the years which opened each chapter.  The story clicks right along, never boring, or lagging.  The sex scenes are hot and sometimes unexpected, and a couple of the kissing scenes stand out.

The Bottom Line– I wanted to plop Penelope down in a Nora Roberts book with all the girlfriends and coffee just to give her someone to talk to and maybe knock some sense into her. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It is a true “bodice-ripper” as two different outfits get destroyed, but the characters have real depth.  Any fan of historical romance would certainly enjoy this book. 4 stars

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The Highlander’s Vow- Barbara Longley

/ Erin Kelly / Leave a comment

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Sometimes you happen into a series that suits your interests perfectly, and you simply HAVE to read any book in the series which is published. Such is the case with this recent addition to Barbara Longley’s Loch Moigh series, “The Highlander’s Vow”.  About a year ago, I was reading the Outlander books because 1. I love romance 2. I love Scotland 3. I love time travel stories. Unfortunately, after a couple of books in the series, I lost interest. Enter Amazon Prime who noticed my proclivity for Scottish time-travel romances and suggested “True to the Highlander” by Barbara Longley which, luckily, checked all my boxes. I read it in about a day and was grateful to notice that there were two more books in the series, so I could keep going. (And they were all on Kindle Unlimited, yay!) This most recent entry into the series, which is actually a second generation continuation, popped up on my suggestions, and it immediately became compulsory reading.

The Story- All of these stories feature the hero or heroine time-traveling from either Medieval/Renaissance Scotland to a current Renaissance Festival or vice versa.  There is always a fish out of water component, which I love, as well as a little bit of magic, which is necessary for the whole time-travel thing.  In this one, Skye is engaged to someone she just realized is a jerk who is plotting her death. She rushes to find her father to explain the danger, and happens to fall through time right into a jousting demonstration at a Renaissance Festival.  She falls in with a great family who happens to be experienced at the whole time-travel thing since Struan fell into their lives from the 14th century ten years ago.

My Thoughts– Longley does the fish out of water bit better than most and spends some time imagining how people from the past would view some of our technology and customs. The story flows well, and, if you have read the previous books, it is fun to revisit many of the past characters.  I liked the heroine as she seemed more inclined to take control of her life than most women of that time period would have been. The hero was a bit too stoic for me, but there was adequate justification for his brooding nature.

The Bottom Line– It should go without saying that if you like Scottish time-travel romance, this is a sure bet.  It is breezier and more fun than Outlander, but not without depth. I will continue to read any Scotland-based books that Ms. Longley publishes with great anticipation. Best enjoyed in a long bubble bath with a glass of wine!  4 stars.

Wild Irish Heart- Tricia O’Malley

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“Wild Irish Heart” is the first book in the Mystic Cove Series by Tricia O’Malley.  In this story, she brings us to Ireland and introduces us to an ancient magic which binds the women of Grace’s Cove to each other and to the amazing landscape.

The Story-  A mysterious book stating “it is time” forces Keelin to face her past and accept a new future in Ireland.  Seriously, Keelin has the set-up with a cottage that has a view of the ocean and a glorious cove to explore.  The townspeople are suspicious, due to her family’s heritage, but she meets a hot guy within the first couple of minutes.  Flynn just happens to be rich, beautiful, and there to rescue Keelin again and again.

My Thoughts- Despite some overused tropes (girl and guy don’t like each other initially), I was drawn into this world and story very quickly.  I wanted to be Keelin, starting a new life in Ireland, making new friends at the local pub, and, of course, hanging out with the hottie. Some conflicts were resolved too quickly with an easy, “I’m sorry”, but the pacing and interest of the story never let up.

The Bottom Line- I intend to continue with this series as I am interested in what happens to Keelin and the other women of Grace’s Cove.  There was just enough supernatural mixed in with wonderful descriptions of Ireland to keep me happy.  This was a short, easy, fun read that brought a nice little bright spot to my week. 4 stars

Top 5 Best Locations to Set a Romance 

/ Erin Kelly / 1 Comment

Today, I thought it might be fun to explore the places I love to read about in romance novels. I’ve included both some common ones as well as places I’d like to read more about. So, let’s get to it: my favorite places in romance novels!
5. Paris– Paris is synonymous with love and romance, but surprisingly enough, not many romance novels are set in this beautiful city.  The gorgeous parks, bakeries, cafes and museums would all make perfect backdrops for a budding romance.  Remember the movie “Before Sunset” with Ethan Hawke?  After that boat ride on the Seine, you just knew there was no way he was leaving her. Or what about Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”? Paris is so magical it was perfectly believable that the hero would encounter magic in her streets.

Additionally, Paris and the surrounding areas have such an interesting history that is begging to be explored. While I do love English ladies and dukes, it wouldn’t hurt to replace them with a French aristocracy sometimes.  A few romance authors do use the setting of Paris to great effect, (I’m thinking of Juliette Sobanet) but I would love to visit the city of lights via books more often.

4. New Orleans– Being a Louisiana girl, it should come as no surprise that I view our gem of a city as a prime setting for a romance novel.  New Orleans carries with it so much mystery and magic; it is perfect for the author that wants to add a little suspense or paranormal to their story.  The food is to die for, the French Quarter has exquisite architecture, and the city is already rife with legends and stories to play with.  I will ask kindly that any author choosing New Orleans do their research as nothing annoys us natives more than someone misrepresenting our culture or city.

If you want to read about New Orleans from a native, Juliette Cross has set her “Forged in Fire” series there, and she does a great job of representing the truth of the city as well as building on its mystery.

3. Italy– When people think of romance and Italy, they usually either think of Tuscany or Venice.  They don’t realize how much there is to Italy and how many places could be utilized to tell stories of love. Naples is full of passionate people, a seedy underworld, old castles, and superstition.  Florence is the city of art and Renaissance; I fall in love every time I visit that city.  Rome is about the people and the history and movement and sex.  The Amalfi Coast is an excellent small-town setting with unrivaled beauty and close-knit communities.

And then there’s Venice.  If you couldn’t come up with a story set in Venice, I wonder about your abilities.  And Tuscany is, of course, home to wine, crumbling vine-covered houses shining in the sun, and amazing people who lovingly maintain their small villages. My favorite books set in Italy aren’t technically romance novels, but are memoirs by Marlena de Blasi. For me, they truly sum up the Italian experience, but I’d love some quick and fun reads set in this amazing country.

2. Ireland– Yes, now we are in tried and true territory. Many authors use the mystique and lore of Ireland to tell amazing stories. Overdone? Maybe, but I love them and will continue to be drawn to them. The cliffs, hills, cozy little pubs, and stories or “craic” make Ireland among the most appealing of places to have a romance.  I love how books have transported me to Galway, Dublin, Shannon, Dingle and Cork.  Ireland is the perfect setting for those of us who want to settle down in a small cottage with a cup of tea and a garden, and head out to the local pub for a Guiness and stew to listen to a local band play sad Irish music. My author recommendation list would be too long to publish, but I have to thank Nora Roberts for introducing me to the wonders of romance in Ireland back in college.

1. Scotland– I am not alone. There is a reason myself and so many like me are drawn to Scotland.  Most people might laugh at me and say that it is all about the kilts. While I do love a man in a kilt, that isn’t it.  For me, everything in Scotland comes together to both spark my imagination and comfort me like a warm blanket (or kilt) wrapped around my shoulders.

I love the history with the clans, struggle with England, rebellions, and castles. I love the lore and stories of fairies, witches, magical glens, and mountains formed from people.  I love the culture of the bagpipes, ceilidhs, storytelling, brogue, whisky, and yes, kilts. I even love the weather of Scotland.  My friend who lives there swears I would tire of the overcast days and rain, but I am not so sure.  Nothing says happiness to me like a cool day where I need to wear a sweater and drink something warm. This past summer I visited Scotland again and was able to visit the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, and I spent a few days in Stirling and a few living out my fantasy in an Airbnb in Edinburgh.

Scotland makes me happy, and I appreciate all the writers who bring me there again and again. There are so many, but I am currently reading “Highland Deception” by Lori Ann Bailey (review coming soon). Keep fulfilling my Scottish dreams, y’all!
This list is by no means comprehensive of the places I love to read about in romance novels. I would love to hear your ideas, and maybe I can construct a part 2 soon. Where do your romantic dreams take place?