Author: Susanna Fraser
Title: Freedom to Love
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: Janurary 5th, 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)
"Louisiana, 1815
Thérèse Bondurant trusted her parents to provide for her and her young half-sister, though they never wed due to laws against mixed-race marriage. But when both die of a fever, Thérèse learns her only inheritance is debt—and her father’s promise that somewhere on his plantation lies a buried treasure, if she can find it before her white cousins take possession of the land.
Then British officer Henry Farlow, dazed from a wound received in battle outside New Orleans, stumbles onto the property. Thérèse insists he stay with them to recover, and he is quickly captivated by her intelligence and beauty. Thanks to her care, he is back to full strength just in time to fend off an attack by her cousin, inadvertently killing the would-be rapist.
Knowing they will find no justice in the law, the trio flees. Henry risks being labeled a deserter, but more than duty compels him to see the sisters to safety, and Thérèse comes to rely on Henry for more than protection. On their journey to freedom, they must navigate another new territory—love. But when they arrive in England, an unexpected inheritance puts their newfound commitment to the test."
First off...I was drawn in by the cover. Rarely does a lovey-dovey cover draw me, but for some reason this one did. The summary really did it in for me. Yes, it is a historical romance, but its deeper then that. Therese is a mixed race girl who is trying to find a treasure hidden by her deceased father to help support herself and help get her half-sister's freedom. While digging and looking around, Henry stumbles into their lives with a wound from the war going on. They take care of him and he can't help but help them out and protect them. Of course he falls in love Therese. Duh.
It wasn't necessarily insta-love. They admired each other and became friends first; after a while they do fall in love. Henry was the perfect gentleman (even tho he slipped up once and kissed/groped Therese before she was ready) and he was adorable and protective of the girls even though they are not 100% white.
WHICH....kuddos to the author for being authentic to the times. Race was a huge, HUGE deal back then (it still hinders us today) and Therese got lucky that she can pass off as a white girl/Spanish girl, but she is struggling with her self-hate. I am glad that the author didn't shy away from this issue of race and slavery. It made the story more believable and the characters had added depth. Yes, Henry is a great guy, but he even had a moment of "OH MY GOSH YOU ARE NOT 100% WHITE? YOU HAVE A BLACK AND NATIVE ANCESTOR! OHMIGOSH! Okay, okay. I believe in black freedom, so its cool. I like you...you're pretty and smart and awesome."
The characters were nice and very 3D. I ADORED Jeanette (the half-sister); she was 13, but full of spunk and cleverness. Poor girl had to grow up before her time, but she handled everything so well. She was too smart for her own good sometimes. haha. Now, I liked Therese a lot too, even though I wanted to smack here sometimes - she was sooooo irrational sometimes. She had the hardest time accepting that Henry doesn't care she is mixed. Get over it. He loves you. xI How many times does he have to prove is willing to fight for you? Bleh! But besides that, I liked her. She was willing to do anything for her sister and find happiness in her life.
Now, I will admit I did some skimming....some parts were so slow and dry. There would be lots and lots happen and then it would halt. Honestly, I think there was too much conversation going on and it seemed to draw out scenes that did not need to be drawn out.
I liked the ending, but I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Therese being irrational...again. However, I did like the rest of the ending when she was slapped back into reality.
In the end, this was an enjoyable adventure. Even though it was a historical romance, it had some real depth and the characters were really well developed. I wish that Edward wasn't such a snot...but I can kinda see how and why he was bitter. *shrugs* But get over it dude. ANYWAYS, there were some slow spots, but that happens sometimes. I really wish that Jeanette will get her own book/short story!
In the end, I stamp this with...3 stars.
Favorite Character(s): Jeanette (I want her to have her own story!), Therese, & Henry
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Edward (*shakes my head*) & Henry's mother (>___>)
Author: Marie Higgins
Title: Haunting Secrets
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, & Paranormal Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)
"Victoria Fawson desperately needs answers about her father’s death. When she visits the Maitland Manor to discover those answers, she finds only secrets…haunting secrets that leave her wondering who she can trust. Should she trust her feelings for the one man who hides from the world—the man who might put her in danger?
Justin Maitland hasn’t been human for over a year. He knows things about his family—things that could destroy Victoria. The only way to help her is to send her back home without learning anything. Yet, how can he let her go when he’s given her his heart?"
Ooh, this was not at all what I thought it was going to be - but in a good way. It certainly was insta-love, but being together? Not so instant. Justin has an issue...he and his family are faking his death because he was turned into a werewolf by some nasty witch who is bitter, because she will not accept that he is NOT in love with her. Victoria also has an issue....her dad was murdered and she was brought to be a potential bride to Justin's brother, Johnathon. Eek. Also...there is something fishy going on in the house. Roddy and Bethany seem TOO eager for Victoria to wed Johnathon. Hmmm.
Even tho I thought it was silly how quickly Victoria fell for Justin (ridiculous name for a British Lord), I still loved the journey. They certainly had a HUGE mystery on their hands (like how to remove a curse) and what the hell is going on in the house. Nasty witches and their nasty selfish magic. Tsk.
Gah, I do feel super bad for Johnathon though...he actually likes Victoria and he is being used JUST as much as Justin and Victoria for a certain baddie's schemes (I shall not spoil who the baddie/baddies are - ok...there are more then one running around). I was totally hooked with this story, because I wanted - NO - needed to know what was going to happen next. Especially how they were going to remove that nasty curse from Justin. He turns into a wolf whenever he feels desire - it certainly helped that he actually fell in love with Victoria, so they didn't need to worry anymore about him eating her face (in a bad way).
I found this randomly on Amazon's freebie. I'm not sure if it is still free, but give a go and check it out! I totally recommend this to those that like historical fiction mixed with romance and mystery and paranormal stuff. ^.^ The insta-love made me roll my eyes, but the rest of it was a lot of fun. I certainly want to check out this author's other works. Out of five stars, I stamp this with....4 stars.
PS - What the hell is the girl wearing on the cover? Is that a see-through bodice. Sighs.
Favorite Character(s): Justin, Johnathon, and Mrs White (hehe)
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Bethany (gr) and Roddy (*shakes my head* Man-whore)
This challenge is organized by Geeky Blogger's Book Blog & That’s What I’m Talking About
Saturday: Nada (I was too sore from the day before)
Sunday: 1 mile walk
Monday: 3.5 mile bike ride & 10 mins weights
Tuesday: 30 mins Zumba & 1.5 miles walk
Wednesday: 1 mile walk & 10 mins weights
Thursday: Nada (Tired)
Friday: 1 mile walk
Conclusion: An okay week. I lost some steam at the end, because of work and laziness. I am excited, though, to announce I have lost 4 lbs! I was super shocked, because I was convinced I gained a million lbs during the holidays. But this 4 lbs is the first weight I've lost in almost three months. EXCITED! For the next couple days, I am going on a water-only-to-drink diet. I want to flush out my system. So no milk, juice, or anything of the sort. Wish me luck! (Well, Court is coming over on Saturday with some wine...so I may drink some of that haha)
BLOG UPDATE:
BTW, everything is done on my construction of the blog. However, I am waiting for my new banner from Court. It should be done today at earliest. *fingers crossed* I am dying to see it! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!
Hi all! I will be doing some construction today and if I don't get done today, I will be working on this tomorrow as well. Why? Well....I am bored and feeling an early spell of Spring Cleaning (could that be a sign of spring?). Regular posting and promised posts will commence on schedule, so worry not! I just have nothing really today to post.
I am trying to get all updated and all techie, so things will be trial and error. hahaha. ^.^
As you can tell the background and some of the pages have been changed!! Next we are working on the banner. :D
