Review: Cold Nights, Hot Bodies

Cold Nights, Hot Bodies by Lily Harlem

 This was my first book by Lily and it won't be my last. I picked this one because the cover called my name and boy did it ever keep my attention!

A shy, mousy, twenty-three year old that would rather read about love then to go out and look for Mr. Right. So Ashley is going to the end of year gathering of all the best sales rep of her company, but her best friend decided the best way for Ashley to come out of her shell was to switch Ashley drab dinner suit for a very stunning red dress. Although Ashley is reluctant to even go through with the dinner after finding her wardrobe switched, she does go and while there catches the eye of Shane. Shane is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome; a cool drink of water; very easy on the eyes. Although she is scared, Ashley goes for what she wants... Shane.

These two are very attached to one another share a couple of great days together, but as with life, things get in the way. She is out of sorts since Shane has been MIA but he's about to be part of her life and he isn't letting her go this time.

I love this couple and the HEA was brilliant. This is the perfect short story to keep you warm at night.

Review: Honor and Hope

Book: Honor and Hope
Author: Regina Jeffers

I was lucky enough to win this book from the monthly Austen Authors website. It had been on my "To Be Read" list for awhile and was glad to finally be able to enjoy it. It is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice set in the modern day and time.

This time our story starts as Will Darcy and his brother, Chuck, meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane are moving into their dorms during Liz's freshman year. Chuck, of course, falls for Jane almost as soon as he sets on eyes on her. Will, on the other hand, is taken by Liz but tries to keep for falling for her. Of course, this doesn't work and Will ends up falling deeply and madly in love with Liz and she in return does the same. I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and their chemistry was electric. But nothing comes easy for our couple and after a semester they fall apart, although they both think it's the best for the other person no mater what they feel themselves. Six years later, they finally find a way back together but there are secrets each are keeping from each other.

The twists and turns that Ms. Jeffers weaves is intriguing. I was pulling for this couple from the start but there where times I thought they would never make it. Liz is more stubborn then Elizabeth Bennet and Will wears his heart on his selves which Mr. Darcy lacked at times. Will, like Mr. Darcy, would do anything and everything for those he loves and that is always agreeable to me.

In the end I was happy when our couple finally came together and how exciting that there was a double wedding between Will and Liz and Jane and Chuck. This was an enjoyable book that any fans of Pride and Prejudice would enjoy. A modern adaptation based upon a beloved classic, what more could one ask for.

Tootles!

Challenge Review: And Who Can Be In Doubt of What Followed

Book: And Who Can Be In Doubt of What Followed
Author: Alexa Adams

Ms Adams gives us an little insight into what followed during parts of Jane Austen's books that she didn't expand on. Now if you adore Jane Austen, as I do, then you've already read all six of her books and love the happy endings. However, like all books, sometime the little things get cut out of the final publication which is where Ms. Adams comes in and gives us a little insight.

Sense & Sensibility touches on how Colonel Brandon finally wins over Marianne. And it was his simple yet constant affections for her that she come to love about him and frankly, I fell in love with him too. Marianne, although the middle sister, was more sensible compared to her sisters and that is why she even gave Colonel Brandon a chance. I like that about her; she care more about what was inside the man then what was on the outside. True this was something she has learn after her failed "relationship" with Willoughby but it makes her more seem more real to me. After all who hasn't suffered from a broken heart.

Northanger Abbey relives what it took for Henry to finally win the hand of Catherine; although she was more then willing to accept him her father was a little leery. And let face it, who can blame him after the way the General Tilney treated Catherine and then refused to support the marriage. A father must look out for his children and I support his actions. We see all that Henry went through in setting up is home with her in mind, hoping to one day soon get this father's blessings and prove to Catherine's father that his love was everlasting.

Henry & Maria (Mansfield Park) shows us what happens with Henry Crawford and Maria Bertram. I for one am glad that Fanny didn't fall for Henry's attempts of wooing her and Maria got what she had coming to her. We hear Henry's plans of convincing Fanny his love was true but of Maria, who always disliked Fanny, wouldn't let that stop her. In the end Henry's and Maria's true colors shine through and Franny and Edmund finally come together and live happily ever after.

Emma takes us through the waiting period between her engagement to Mr. Knightley and the wedding. We all know how Mr. Woodhouse hates change and Emma must use all the tricks of the trade to try and convince him that the wedding needs to take place sooner rather then later. After all she tries she can't seem to make him budge until Ms. Bates comes to the rescue, not that she knew that she was helping Emma. And I for one love Ms. Bates! Emma and Knightley finally have their wedding and ride off into the sunset. Although I must confess to be a little jealous; I do love Mr. Knightley!!

Persuasion tells us what happens in the weeks leading up the wedding of Captain Wentworth and Anne. We always wanted to know who found out about Mrs. Clay and now we know!! Now we are glad that Anne didn't choose Mr. Elliot over the ever faithful, although he tried to deny it at first, loving Captain Wentworth. And he does help Mrs. Smith out, which always makes me like him more. Now nothing can stand in the way of Anne and Wentworth's happiness, well almost nothing but wars are inevitable so we won't even think about it.

Pride and Prejudice lets us see how the preparations get along for the double wedding. Oh Mrs. Bennet is just delightful as always and what not to love about Darcy. Elizabeth tries to shield him from the worst of it but still Darcy could care less as long as he knows Elizabeth will always be by his side.

Six short stories wrapped up into a neat little book that I'm glad that I read. Because if I didn't already love these hero (differently not a fan of Henry Crawford), then I would have fallen in love with him now. Thanks to Jane Austen for giving them to us and thanks for Ms. Adams for making them more lovable.

Tootles!!

Challenge Review: From This Day Forward

Books: From This Day Forward
Author: Joana Starnes

From This Day Forward follows the Darcys during their first years as a married couple. Although over all this is was an enjoyable book I found it a little slow to begin with. The first part of the book shows us how these two love birds live together while getting to know each other better. Their first Christmas is a happy time filled with so much love and joy. It always shows us into Mary and Kitty's lives and their gentlemen acquaintances. After all Mrs. Bennet's purpose in life to find suitable men for her daughters. Also during this first year we get to see Georgiana come into her own. First with building a relationship with Elizabeth and then deciding whom her heart truly wants. Luckily for her she has two possible suitors that give her the space she needs to work through her thoughts and heart.

The second year starts off great but as Christmas rolls around again, there is a tragic misfortune that could tear the Darcy a part. A lot of love and compassion from Darcy will help Elizabeth over this hurtle and that is something we all love about Darcy. He loves his family above all else and will do anything and everything for them.

The third year is better with the addition of the Darcy heir! What could be more thrilling and more loving then a addition to the family. Not only that, but Georgiana also gets married and so does Mary and Kitty. It was a lovely turn of events that shows us that although our couple can and will succeed through life's adversities and come out stronger on the flip side.

In the end I truly enjoyed this story with its ups and downs that life puts before us. It was a delightful, indeed!

Tootles!!

Challenge Review: A Most Civil Proposal

Book: A Most Civil Proposal
Author: C.P. Odom

I truly enjoyed this book! I loved the proposal scene at the parsonage and loved that Elizabeth still had her say against his proposal but Mr. Darcy presented himself well. What I didn't approve of was Mr. Collins' jumping the wrong conclusions when he comes upon Lizzy and Darcy and then has the nerve of spreading the news to not only Lady Catherine but also Mr. Bennet. While Lizzy still doesn't accept Darcy during their interview, she at least allows him to call on her while she is in London at her Aunt's and Uncle's.

While Darcy is in London await for Lizzy, Lizzy is contemplating her feelings for Darcy and asking herself if she could ever marry him. When they finally meet again, she has come to accept Darcy's love for her and,
although she doesn't love, she accepts him. Due to Mr. Bennet's lack of blessing, although he gives his consent, Darcy and Lizzy marry in London with the help of her Uncle and Aunt and two start their lives together.

It takes awhile for Lizzy to realize that she not only respects Darcy but loves him with her whole heart and soul. She proves to all that she will stand by Darcy no matter what and berates her father for not only not listening to her but treating her husband with disrespect. In the end, he finally comes to realize he was wrong asks not only for Lizzy's but Darcy's forgiveness. We also get to see Jane and Bingley finally come together and get married. There are some other interesting aspects that I will let you discover yourself but I do love Mrs. Bennet's reaction to Lizzy's wedding!!

This was an enjoyable read and I would love to see what more Mr. Odom has in store for us in the future.

Challenge Review: First (Wrong) Impressions

Book: First (Wrong) Impressions
Author: Krista D. Ball

A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice which has Elizabeth working in social work helping the less fortunate and Darcy a rich and powerful business man set in Canada. Although the story sticks close the premise of the original, there are several differences. I loved the fact that Elizabeth was still as independent as we have come to love but I was little put off by the constant use of curse words.

The story was a little slow to begin with but by the end I was glad that our couple finally worked through their misunderstandings. Our Lizzy is living with Jane, who had a car accident that resulted in the loss of one of her legs, while working at a shelter that caters to the homeless and down on their luck. She is busy looking for donors when her family is introduced the very amiable Charles Bingley. This of course leads to the family, more specifically Lizzy, to being introduced to William Darcy. Of course Darcy makes a rude comment about Lizzy and of course she hears it; and so the story proceed from there.

There are several interesting differences from the original including Lizzy's best friend is now male and gay, Luke Charlotte. This time there are only four Bennet daughters with Kitty being a cousin, while Mary and Lydia are very much like the sisters we've come to love. Georgiana is not, surprisingly, the same girl we know but a bisexual ex-pop-star that went by the name of G'Anna. Even Caroline showed some good interest but of course in the end she is still Caroline.

In the end, I rather enjoyed the story and am glad that I continued this book until the end. Lizzy's and Darcy's relationship in the end was very modern and I liked it. Do yourself a favor, enjoy it!!

Tootles!!

Challenge Review: Pride and Prejudice (movie)

Movie: Pride and Prejudice
Elizabeth Bennet: Keira Knightley
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy : Matthew MacFadyen

"The glorious world of Jane Austen is at last brought back to the big screen in all its romance, wit, and emotional force in Pride & Prejudice. Faithful to the setting and period of the beloved novel and filmed entirely on location in the U.K., this is the first movie version of the story in 65 years." ~ Focus Films

This beloved story of love and misunderstanding during the Regency Era shows us into the lives to the Bennets – Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty (Catherine) and Lydia. The girls have been raised by their mother, Mrs.Bennet, to secure a husband post haste since the family home is entailed to a distant male cousin. Mr. Bennet on the other hand prefers to left alone in his study and enjoys the company of the his second daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was never Mrs. Bennet's favorite daughter, that title belongs to Lydia, because of her spirited and intelligent personality. Jane and Elizabeth vow to only marry for love and not to marry just any suitor their mother puts in their path.

When Mr. Bingley moves into a house, Mrs. Bennet is determined that he will marry one of her daughters Mr. Bingley brings along his sister, Caroline Bingley, and his best friend, Mr.Fitzwilliam Darcy. And so the fun begins. The movie stays true to a lot of the book but varies from time to time.

I truly enjoyed the movie when I first saw it back in 2005 and have been in love with Matthew MacFadyen's Mr. Darcy. Although the first proposal was outside and in the rain instead of the Hunsford parsonage, I think is showcased the passion and strong personalities of each individual. And when our couple finally come together, she walking outside Longbourn and him walking through the mist from Nerthfield, takes my breath away.

I have to thank Keira, Matthew and Joe Wright for an enjoyable and lovely movie!

Tootles!!