And speaking of fireworks, Iīve read two new books for you this week, one a Regency and the other a time travel and both available now. And with the weather forecast here this week to be hot and humid, Iīll be settled into the a/c and plenty of books at hand.
In the meantime, "Miscalculations" by Elizabeth Mansfield (Jove Regency) was mildly entertaining. I loved the premise: Lucian Hammond, Lord Kettering, must answer to his mother utnill his 35th birthday when his inheritance becomes his to do with what he will. Jane Douglas, his motherīs "man of business" suggests that Lady Kettering give him a trial of a month to learn the ropes himself. She doesnīt plan on having to go and teach him herself, but thatīs just what her employer arranges. The story has its moments, including some humorous ones. However, it also has a spoiled brat of a sister whose secondary romance left me cold, and a small cast of not-so-pleasant minor characters. I had a hard time believing in Janeīs love at first sight as well. Of Cupidīs five arrows, this one gets only two Iīm afraid.
The second book is Once a Cavalier by Linda O. Johnston (Jove). Research doctor Larryn Maeller is visiting a friend in London while attending a medical conference. After seeing the sexy ghost of one of her friendīs ancestors her first night there, Larryn insists that her friend share what she knows of the man. To her, the tale is unbelievable. But the very next night, she finds herself with the man in question, in the year 1666. Thomas Northby, Duke of Seldrake is stunned to find a scantily clad woman on his roof, needless to say. Because he believes her to be a spy, he insists she remain in his home. He has enemies and friends in places even he doesnīt realize, and Larryn makes a few of her own during her stay, one in particular who seems to want her dead. Though Thomas, a doctor in his time, doesnīt know what to make of Larrynīs claims of being a physician, he does permit her to assist him in his work. Along with a pair of helpful dogs, this couple does make it through the Great Fire and other travails to be together. How? Well, you know I canīt tell you that. Youīll have to read it yourself. This oneīs earned three and a half of Cupidīs arrows.
Till next week, happy reading and writing!
