This is a good find!
I feel I have been becoming more and more critical about books since last year. But I have to give kudos to this author Mhairi McFarlane for her blend of snarky and sweet and so honest protagonist. I became vested in the story from the prologue (rare these days). Just read this fictional TripAdvisor review she wrote in Ch One! "Satan's sweet" ?

Makes me want to write again ?

#goodreads #romanticcomedy

When you suddenly realize that the book you just started reading matches your bed wear and the bed cover!

Expressive prose and imaginative plot. Unfortunately, there was too much happening to too many characters, making the final execution feel all over the place. While I liked some aspects of the story, I feel if the author could have sacrificed a little more content, it would have read more smoothly.

In a myriad of mediocre romance novels these days, this story puts no pressure on your suspension of disbelief.

Read the whole review on my blog:
https://theromanticquill.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/wednesday-reflections-36-roomi...

1. In, on, or out of my bed.
2. I use my memory. Ta-da!
3. Only where the tension ebbs.
4. That would be a no.
5. I usually just tune out the world.
6. I'm a monogamist.
7. I'm never without a(n) (e)book at hand.
8. Silently, unless I'm chanting prayers or spells.
9. 👀
10. How do you read books w/o breaking in the spine? It's like wearing shoes w/o putting them on your feet.
11. Had to in lit classes 😢
12. @RestlessFickleBookSlut @hyacinth

This book is hilarious!

A collection of the most inane short stories ever. When a dowager advises her son (the current duke) to seduce a widow at her house party because the younger woman hasn't been laid in over a year and then worries if he's become impotent just because he sensibly refuses (this isn't even a villainous family) no, just no. A forward thinking conversation, to be sure, but I was officially scandalized and, frankly, a little grossed out.

Sue Birtwistle (producer, 1995 BBC adaptation) once said that experience of reading Pride and Prejudice shifts with each revision; it is different at different stages of our lives. I could not agree more. This year, I was struck by how thoroughly Darcy's constancy refutes C. Lucas's claim that men's love have little power to sustain without encouragement.
While I continue to pace myself as I read this novel just so it would last longer. Sigh!

I salvaged this copy in 1999 from my sec-sch library after it was placed in the Condemned pile due to its tattered condition. The lady in the cover illustration called to me despite the fact that the cover itself had fallen halfway apart. I took the book home and read the novel for the first time. I discovered my favorite novel in the world that day and have read from it every year since. Today our new maid accidentally threw away the cover 😢

It's a pick due to being a quick easy historical romance. However, I have some reservations about it too: Definitely the darkest of the Maiden Lane series yet - but a bit melodramatic in places. The plot is straightforward and main characters well-developed but I wish the heroine was less of a damsel in distress. She is a brave spirit but unfortunately frequently allows her sentiments to get the best of her. Still not a bad read.

I had originally planned to do the review for this novel the Wednesday before Halloween. However, it took me two weeks to finish reading this book – not because it was boring but because it was so languidly mystical.

Full review on my blog:
https://theromanticquill.wordpress.com

Gaskell once confessed she was heavily influenced by Jane Austen's writing and it shows in North and South. The dynamics of the relationship between Margaret & Thornton is quite similar to that of Elizabeth & Darcy - even though, given the period of time in which each author wrote, Gaskell's characters were bolder and more independent of spirit than Austen's while Austen's wit was sharper. Nevertheless, each woman did justice till the last word.

After a recent bout of So-So reads, I was very cautious when I picked up Midnight At Tiffany's. I needn't have been. It was the kind of sweet uncomplicated romance that is trademark of Harlequin. In fact, apart from a bit of steam, it was a right fit for The Hallmark Channel.

This debut novel began intense but then, 25% in, lost its edge. From book cover to plot concept, it had all the right elements for a very promising read. Unfortunately, the author lost focus with the many conflicts introduced and the plot devices began to fall apart. I still could enjoy reading it but as a writer couldn't overlook the flaws. I'm going to wait for the next book in the series; hoping with experience, the writing will tighten up.

Another Twilight Saga. Acceptable concept, poor character development, and way too much drama. Yet I riffled through the 5th book because I can't bail on a story once I started and it's a continuation series. Sigh... and it could've been a good story too...😒
Fortunately, I have a friend who snorts fluff for recreational reading so I need only borrow the new books and not buy.

A thoroughly entertaining novel relating the "adventures" of a small town full of independent matrons who go through the years striving to retain the "old genteel ways" of living even as the Industrial Revolution threatens at their doorstep and despite any pecuniary constraints. Gaskell shares an honest yet heartwarming portrayal of feminine friendship that enlists infallible assistance even in the face of irreparable tragedies.

I was really happy when I discovered Grace Burrowes with her Trouble with Dukes (book #1 of Windham Brides). Book #2 Too Scot to Handle is a good sequel. Although I thought the hero of this novel Colin McHughes was pretty manageable as far as love interests go. Really, in this book, it was the English haute monde that was the trouble. Colin's older brother was a bigger brut, if we must split hairs over who makes the more traditional highland hero.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. As delightful a Regency romance as they get. Sweet, uncomplicated, unalloyed entertainment. I loved how true to each character Ashford remained, gradually adding to their traits to reveal their eccentricities and secrets. Even more enjoyed how the MC had her pick of the gentlemen to choose from as her partner, making friends and enemies along the way. Too bad it's a stand-alone; Lord Darnell deserves his own happy ending.

Lud! I hope I have at least some of the adventures I have read about. What a dire prediction!

Tagged by @RestlessFickleBookSlut

✔️Book series - Harry Potter, to be sure!
✔️Movie - I never tire of watching the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
✔️Dessert - Chicago cheesecake 😋
✔️Color - Greens and purples
✔️Flower - Gerberas

Tagging @RaimeyGallant @monogamist_reader @IolaGoulton @MrBook @hyacinth @UnidragonFrag

I'm generally a slow reader, slower when the book is so-so.
But who can blame when the distraction is so adorable! 😍😻

I added my 15 #LibrariansForTheWin for today; have you?

Courtesy:: #SmittenByLittens by @RaimeyGallant

Summer is three months late, but now the heat is up! 😅☀🌡
Trying to catch some snowflakes to keep cool cool cool!

WHAT HAPPEN WHEN @RaimeyGallant TAKES YOU UNDER HER WINGS::

1. You find yourself downloading a cool new book app;
2. Participating in yet another author/reader community building challenge;
3. 10-fold your bookish followers overnight; and,
4. Feel compelled to keep the chakra of good deeds in motion.

So here is my pay-it-forward, courtesy of #SmittenByLittens - #FollowAttack
@kezzlou85 @AmyLarge @miamorswife @bookishpinay @Kdgordon88