If you've been reading romances for any length of time, you'll recall that up until several years ago, books were listed for release in one month, but actually available in the bookstores the previous month. Then they decided to make the actual release date match the listed date. For example, a book listed as a November release actually hit the bookstores in November and not halfway through October. That seemed to simplify things, at least for most people. (I know it worked well for me.) However, now the books are slipping into the stores earlier again. I'm not sure what prompted this change, but I have heard from a couple people who're a bit frustrated with it. It makes things just a bit more complicated, having to remember which month a book is listed for release, or getting to the bookstore and realizing that you're a couple weeks too late for that month's releases.
On that note, I have a couple of July releases here, sure to hit your bookstores in the next week or two. First up is Sandy Hingston's The Suitor (Berkley). Katherine Deveraux, the only daughter of the duke of Marne, is hiding behind the facade of a cold, haughty young woman. Alain Montclair has been engaged to try to soften her up, as her parents fear she'll never marry. I have to say, Katherine certainly isn't very sympathetic in the early chapters of this story, instead coming across as a spoiled, nasty brat. Then the gifts begin arriving from a mysterious suitor who doesn't sign his notes, and her behavior begins to change. But then she learns what was behind his actions and sudden disappearance. Alain is more difficult to know, and this continues all throughout the book, which caused me a bit of annoyance now and again. However, this book is so well-written, that any irritation you may feel over this will be far-outweighed by the pure enjoyment of the story. Of Cupid's five arrows, I'm giving this one four.
I also have another of Jove's Highland Fling Romances, Isle of SKYE by Constance Hall, to share with you this week. Regan Southworth is caught trespassing on MacGregor land, by the Mad MacGregor. Soon, though, she finds herself working in his home, and finds that perhaps he's not really mad. There are an awful lot of secondary characters here, and it may take you a while to keep them straight, as I did. Interesting story, but not a keeper for me, despite the Scottish setting. It's earned three arrows.
I hope you'll pop into the forum and let me know what you think of these books or anything else on your mind relating to our choice of reading materials! Until next week, happy reading!
