Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2019

I might be Cinderella today, but I dread who they'll think I am tomorrow

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

American Rebecca Porter was never one for fairy tales. Her twin sister, Lacey, has always been the romantic who fantasized about glamour and royalty, fame and fortune. Yet it's Bex who seeks adventure at Oxford and finds herself living down the hall from Prince Nicholas, Great Britain's future king. And when Bex can't resist falling for Nick, the person behind the prince, it propels her into a world she did not expect to inhabit, under a spotlight she is not prepared to face.

Dating Nick immerses Bex in ritzy society, dazzling ski trips, and dinners at Kensington Palace with him and his charming, troublesome brother, Freddie. But the relationship also comes with unimaginable baggage: hysterical tabloids, Nick's sparkling and far more suitable ex-girlfriends, and a royal family whose private life is much thornier and more tragic than anyone on the outside knows. The pressures are almost too much to bear, as Bex struggles to reconcile the man she loves with the monarch he's fated to become. Which is how she gets into trouble.


I really wanted to love this one but sadly, it missed the mark for me. I could never get into the story and romance between Nick and Bex, and didn't particularly care for either character. I also found there to be far too much dialogue and the fact that it's 500 pages was painful. In the end, I found myself skipping pages and chapters just so I could move on to another book.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Teaser Tuesday - The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

"That night taught me why exactly Freddie, is fundamentally, so hard to quit. Kissing him was pure, ravenous heat, a thousand gigawatts blowing my every fuse."

pg. 291 - The Royal We

Friday, February 22, 2019

Pinch me, please. Is any of this real?

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Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry. Uproarious, addictive, and filled with jaw-dropping opulence, Crazy Rich Asians is an insider's look at the Asian JetSet; a perfect depiction of the clash between old money and new money; between Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese; and a fabulous novel about what it means to be young, in love, and gloriously, crazily rich

So, I was slightly disappointed with Crazy Rich Asians. Was it terrible? No. Did I enjoy it? Sure. With that being said, I was left wanting more. I decided to add this one to my pile amid all the hype with both the book and movie that came out. However, in the end it was just...ok. First of all, it's way, way, WAY too long. 400+ pages too long. I'm not a fan of super long books to begin with, as they tend to drag on and I lose interest... but, Crazy Rich Asians takes the cake. I'd say I was about half way through when I began getting bored - nothing was happening. I did enjoy Nick and Rachel's relationship, and how humble Nick was - especially compared to his family. But, I didn't  particularly care for any of the other characters, including Astrid and Colin. All in all I'd say it was an okay read, but I don't think I'll be picking up the sequel.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Daughters of the Lake


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Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb
After the end of her marriage, Kate Granger has retreated to her parents’ home on Lake Superior to pull herself together—only to discover the body of a murdered woman washed into the shallows. Tucked in the folds of the woman’s curiously vintage gown is an infant, as cold and at peace as its mother. No one can identify the woman. Except for Kate. She’s seen her before. In her dreams…

One hundred years ago, a love story ended in tragedy, its mysteries left unsolved. It’s time for the lake to give up its secrets. As each mystery unravels, it pulls Kate deeper into the eddy of a haunting folktale that has been handed down in whispers over generations. Now, it’s Kate’s turn to listen. As the drowned woman reaches out from the grave, Kate reaches back. They must come together, if only in dreams, to right the sinister wrongs of the past.



Man, did I love this book. I read a ton of books, some better than others, and then every once in awhile I stumble across a story I become completely enraptured in and can't put down - this is one of those books. Daughters of the Lake truly has everything for everyone - from romance, to mystery, even a little fantasy thrown in there - who doesn't love a good mysterious sea creature? Oh, and did I mention ghosts?

I especially love books with alternating stories from the past to present and in this case, I was not disappointed with either story. Of course, this book revolves around the main character, Kate, stumbling across a murdered woman, Addie, washed ashore with an infant. If that's not creepy and horrifying enough, Kate has seen this woman before; in her dreams. Kate becomes an instant suspect - because I mean, who has dreams about a dead woman from years ago? Thus begins Kate's quest to find out who Addie is, why she's dreaming of this mysterious woman and the special affinity women in Kate's family have for water.

In addition to Kate's story in the present, I loved Addie and Jessy's story in the past and the shocking secret and surprise we learn involving Addie's murder and how exactly it relates to Kate's own family history and story. There were so many twists and turns, I couldn't wait to find out what happened. Why did Addie wash ashore now when she was murdered years ago? Who is the baby? Who murdered Addie? So many questions which were all answered in the best possible way. Truly a great book which I would recommend to anyone.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows


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Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Nikki, a law school dropout, impulsively takes a job teaching a "creative writing" course at the community center in the beating heart of London’s close-knit Punjabi community. Because of a miscommunication, the proper Sikh widows who show up are expecting to learn basic English literacy, not the art of short-story writing. When one of the widows finds a book of sexy stories in English and shares it with the class, Nikki realizes that beneath their white dupattas, her students have a wealth of fantasies and memories. Eager to liberate these modest women, she teaches them how to express their untold stories, unleashing creativity of the most unexpected—and exciting—kind. As more women are drawn to the class, Nikki warns her students to keep their work secret from the Brotherhood, a group of highly conservative young men who have appointed themselves the community’s "moral police." But when the widows’ gossip offers shocking insights into the death of a young wife—a modern woman like Nikki—and some of the class erotica is shared among friends, it sparks a scandal that threatens them all.

I decided to pick up this gem after seeing it highlighted in Reese's bookclub (Reese Witherspon) and boy, am I happy I did. What a great story about romance, friendship, and breaking stereotypes. The story revolves around Nikki, a young law school dropout, who decides to become a creative writing teacher for the Sikh community center. Of course, this comes with a twist: all of her students are Punjabi widows who begin telling erotic stories of their sexual lives. I know, funny right? A bunch of old grandmothers divulging their most hidden sexual fantasies? What kind of book is this, you ask? Well, an amazing one. And there's so much more to this novel than the erotic stories.

As these classes and their stories draw attention throughout the community, it brings criticism and fear from a conservative group of young men known as the Brotherhood. Also, secrets and scandal come to light involving the death of a young woman.

I can't speak more highly of this book. Is it steamy? Oh, yes! But, it's also inspiring, funny and suspenseful. This is definitely a page turner and one of those books you can't put down. The friendship and bond the widows form throughout the story is truly heartwarming. Love, love, loved it!

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Followed by Frost

Followed by Frost by Charlie N Holmberg
 Followed by Frost

 Seventeen-year-old Smitha's wealth, status, and beauty make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha's desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha’s heart, or will Death forever still it?

I absolutely loooved this book! Definitely reminded me of Frozen. Right from the start, I could not put it down - I felt like I was in the middle of a Fairy Tale. I loved the message behind the book, and the love story between Smitha and Lo. I could not recommend this book highly enough. Fantasy, romance and life lessons all in one!

Friday, November 6, 2015

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Memorial Day, 1938: New York socialite Lily Dane has just returned with her family to the idyllic oceanfront community of Seaview, Rhode Island, expecting another placid summer season among the familiar traditions and friendships that sustained her after heartbreak.

That is, until Greenwalds decide to take up residence in Seaview.

Nick and Budgie Greenwald are an unwelcome specter from Lily’s past: her former best friend and her former fiancĂ©, now recently married—an event that set off a wildfire of gossip among the elite of Seaview, who have summered together for generations. Budgie’s arrival to restore her family’s old house puts her once more in the center of the community’s social scene, and she insinuates herself back into Lily's friendship with an overpowering talent for seduction...and an alluring acquaintance from their college days, Yankees pitcher Graham Pendleton. But the ties that bind Lily to Nick are too strong and intricate to ignore, and the two are drawn back into long-buried dreams, despite their uneasy secrets and many emotional obligations.


Under the scorching summer sun, the unexpected truth of Budgie and Nick’s marriage bubbles to the surface, and as a cataclysmic hurricane barrels unseen up the Atlantic and into New England, Lily and Nick must confront an emotional cyclone of their own, which will change their worlds forever.


I really, really loved this book. Right from the very first pages, I could not put it down. I loved Nick and Lily's love story and wanted nothing more throughout the novel, for them to have their happy ending. I feel like this would have been a great summer beach read given the Rhode Island coastal town setting. Even with a few things from the story that I could have gone without (Budgie and Kiki), I still loved every minute. Perfect story of long lost love and a happily ever after romance.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Perfume is the key to our memories

The Perfume Garden by Kate Lord Brown
High in the hills of Valencia, a forgotten house guards its secrets. Untouched since Franco's forces tore through Spain in 1936, the whitewashed walls have crumbled, the garden, laden with orange blossom, grown wild.Emma Temple is the first to unlock its doors in seventy years. Guided by a series of letters and a key bequeathed in her mother's will, she has left her job as London's leading perfumier to restore this dilapidated villa to its former glory. It is the perfect retreat: a wilderness redolent with strange and exotic scents, heavy with the colours and sounds of a foreign time. But for her grandmother, Freya, a British nurse who stayed here during Spain's devastating civil war, Emma's new home evokes terrible memories. As the house begins to give up its secrets, Emma is drawn deeper into Freya's story: one of crushed idealism, lost love, and families ripped apart by war. She soon realises it is one thing letting go of the past, but another when it won't let go of you.
Absolutely adored this book. This is my first time reading anything by Kate Lord Brown and it won't be the last. I really loved the backdrop of Spain and the alternating time lapses between the present time and 1930s Spain. All of the details, an old decrepit house , beautiful scenery, European attitude, all of it, definitely reminded me of Under the Tuscan Sun (which I loved). I'm an avid fan of historical fiction so I particularly loved the alternate story revolving around Rosa and Freya during the Spanish civil war. However, I loved Emma's story as well, especially regarding the loss of her mother and reconnecting with her through Liberty's letters. Her relationship with Luca was adorable, and I found myself rooting for them to be together throughout the story. And the perfume! The perfume! Oh I loved it so much. I felt like I was in the garden with Emma creating my own magical scents. I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfume Garden, and would highly recommend.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

I shall miss you. I shall miss the possibility of you

A Wedding in December - Anita Shreve
At an inn in the Berkshire Mountains, seven former schoolmates gather to celebrate a wedding—a reunion that becomes the occasion of astonishing revelations as the friends collectively recall a long-ago night that indelibly marked each of their lives. Written with the fluent narrative artistry that distinguishes all of Anita Shreve's bestselling novels, A Wedding in December acutely probes the mysteries of the human heart and the endless allure of paths not taken.

As usual, I was completely captivated by Shreve's writing style. I love, love her - definitely one of my favorite authors! But... as far as the actual story? Yeah, completely missed the mark for me. I just didn't get it. At all. The seven friends that reunite for the weekend wedding, were extremely unlikable to me. Honestly, I despised them and their adulterous ways. Even the groom-to-be is a complete ass, who leaves his wife and daughter so he can marry his 'high school sweetheart'. I just don't get the message of this book.. adultery is okay and justifiable? Sorry, I completely and utterly disagree.

The most enjoyable part of this novel for me, was probably the story within a story, which involves one of the character's, Agnes, and her new novel, which depicts the Halifax Explosion of 1917. In the telling of her story, I became more attached towards her fictional character, Ines, than any of the main characters taking part in the wedding-reunion. I think that tells a lot about how I feel for this book. When you like the side story better than the main plot, that's probably not a good sign... I honestly could care less about what happens to Bill and Bridget, Harrison and Nora, or any of the other friends that reunited. Just very, very disappointed in this one! Hopefully the next Shreve novel I read will be better.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

So here's how this one ends: happily, I should warn you.

Sunday's at Tiffany's - James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet
Jane Margaux is a lonely girl. Her mother, a powerful Broadway producer, makes time for her only once a week, for their Sunday trip to admire jewelry at Tiffany's. Jane has only one friend: a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael. He's perfect. But only she can see him. Michael can't stay forever, though. On Jane's ninth birthday he leaves, promising her that she'll forget him soon. Years later, in her thirties, Jane is just as alone as she was as a child. And despite her own success as a playright, she is even more trapped by her overbearing mother. Then she meets a man, a handsome, comforting, funny man. He's perfect—

I don't know what I was expecting with this book, but after reading several negative reviews, I honestly wasn't expecting much (although I've read more than a few wonderful reviews as well!). I was actually, pleasantly surprised. It didn't blow me away or anything, but I enjoyed it. I loved the premise--what if your imaginary friend from childhood was real? The romance between Jane and her imaginary hero Michael, was very, very sweet! It faintly reminded me of Drop Dead Fred, one of my favorite childhood movies and which initially sparked my interest in this book.

This is my first time reading James Patterson and it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed his writing style (although, it did tend to get juvenile at times) and I'm looking forward to reading more of his books in the future, particularly, Along Came a Spider, which has been on my wish list for a while now! Sunday's at Tiffany's is just a very cute, adorable story and a fun, light-hearted read!

"Just because life is hard, and always ends in a bad way, doesn't mean that all stories have to, even if that's what they tell us in school and in the New York Times Book Review. In fact, it's a good thing that stories are different as we are, one from another." p. 300

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Love is an all-consuming affair...How do grown-ups fall in love and work at the same time?

Rooftops of Tehran - Mahbod Seraji
In a middle-class neighborhood of Iran's sprawling capital city, 17-year-old Pasha Shahed spends the summer of 1973 on his rooftop with his best friend Ahmed, joking around one minute and asking burning questions about life the next. He also hides a secret love for his beautiful neighbor Zari, who has been betrothed since birth to another man. But the bliss of Pasha and Zari's stolen time together is shattered when Pasha unwittingly acts as a beacon for the Shah's secret police. The violent consequences awaken him to the reality of living under a powerful despot, and lead Zari to make a shocking choice...

WOW! What an amazing story & debut novel by Mahbod Seraji. I absolutely love, love, LOVED this book! From the first few pages I was instantly immersed into the Persian culture and political backdrop of 1970s Iran. I felt like I was a part of the actual story, living right along with the characters in their Tehran alley.

The love story between Pasha and Zari was so mesmerizing, and so haunting - made all the more special by being a forbidden romance. I adored all of the quirky characters who grabbed my attention and heart right from the very beginning. Particularly, Ahmed, Pasha's best friend who was absolutely HIGH-larious! So many special and interesting people whose lives were touched with tragedy, yet continued to live on through love and hope.

I can't say enough about this story - it was funny, it was beautiful, it was heartbreaking. It has absolutely everything for everyone and I DEFINITELY recommend it to everyone. The ending was SO surprising and so wonderful, I was left feeling deliriously happy! Do not miss out on this book - it is amazing, and unforgettable.

"'She's the most beautiful woman on the planet,' I blurt out. 'She has blue eyes, a lovely chin and great cheekbones.'
I notice that she stops peeling for a few seconds, and fear that I've gone too far. After all, she's the only girl in our alley with blue eyes.
'She sounds great. Where does she live?' she asks, keeping her back to me.
'Close by,' I say, hesitantly.
'What do you like about her, besides her looks of course?' she continues, her tone a bit more serious.
'Everything,' I admit. 'She reminds me of snow, pure and clean; of rivers, calm and flowing; of rain, revitalizing and refreshing; of a mountain, strong and majestic; and of flowers, delicate and soft.'
Zari turns around and stares right at me with a puzzled but thoughtful, crooked smile." p. 55

Friday, February 26, 2010

As we drifted apart, I was becoming more desperate to save what we once had shared

Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
An angry rebel, John dropped out of school and enlisted in the Army, not knowing what else to do with his life—until he meets the girl of his dreams, Savannah. Their mutual attraction quickly grows into the kind of love that leaves Savannah waiting for John to finish his tour of duty, and John wanting to settle down with the woman who captured his heart. But 9/11 changes everything. John feels it is his duty to re-enlist. And sadly, the long separation finds Savannah falling in love with someone else. "Dear John," the letter read...and with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives were changed forever. Returning home, John must come to grips with the fact that Savannah, now married, is still his true love—and face the hardest decision of his life. .

So in one sense, I loved this book. But in another sense, I absolutely hated it. More than anything I'm just left feeling very confused. I really liked the storyline, as predictable and cliche as it was; Boy meets girl, they fall completely & utterly in love. But then of course, in typical Sparks fashion, tragedy and heartbreak has to go and ruin everything. I'm honestly growing extremely weary of these depressing endings. I totally get it, Sparks is trying to portray a realistic picture of life, and every once in a while, I like that in a book. Just not necessarily in the romance genre. And not necessarily in every one of his stories. But I'll admit I'm definitely one of *those* girls, who not only believes, but wishes for a happily ever after -- especially when it comes to a love story. I can't help it...

As far as the actual story, it was a cute romance. I completely fell in love with John Tyree! What an amazing character, seriously. As for Savannah.. um, yeah.. let's just say that I didn't care for her. Like, at all. I thought that she would grow on me a bit as the story went on, but honestly my opinion only grew worse. Right from the beginning she was just so self-righteous and a tad too 'Little Miss Perfect' for my tastes - it was very off-putting. And do I have to mention the infamous Dear John letter? (sent while John was fighting in Iraq, no less)

But nonetheless, I found myself rooting for them as a couple, if that makes sense. (Which, I'm sure it doesn't because it doesn't make sense to me and I'm the one who read it) why am I rooting for them as a couple when I despise the female love interest? You can see why I am so very confused. I don't know, maybe it was just all of the hype and hoopla over the movie, but Dear John was honestly a big disappointment.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

But with its persistent beauty, Far surpasses and finally tames the flame

The Flame and the Flower - Kathleen Woodiwiss
Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence—until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee... and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger. A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman...and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.


As I’ve mentioned before I am a huge, HUGE fan of Historical Romance. I really have a love for all genres, but HR has a special place in my heart! I just love everything about it – the different time periods, the culture, the love stories, etc., etc. The Flame and The Flower is no exception to my obsession: A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It’s pretty incredible to think this is Kathleen Woodiwiss’s debut novel, the first book in her brilliant career and the first of her many amazing love stories!!

I absolutely love the plot and especially the romance/relationship between the two main characters, Brandon and Heather. Of course, I am completely in love with Brandon Birmingham. Okay, so yes, he’s somewhat of a pompous asshole…..but dealing with Heather who at times was VERY naive and clueless when it came to life & love, (and pretty much EVERYTHING else) I can’t really blame him. Maybe that’s what I actually liked about their relationship? That is the whole premise of the novel; the flower taming the flame. I just love how Brandon, president of the Mr. Arrogant club becomes totally smitten and whipped by sweet little innocent Heather. It’s quite amusing (and oh so romantic!) and such a classic tale!

A la “Shanna” & “The Reluctant Suitor” there are tons of twists & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story. Definitely one of those books that I had a hard time parting with at the end of the night. A totally captivating love story and I cannot wait to get my hands on “Elusive Flame” the second book in the Birmingham series!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day


HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

Right now I am reading, "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss and it is seriously the perfect book to read this Valentines day. I absolutely love Historical Romance, by far my favorite genre (along with Historical Fiction). As the queen of romance, Kathleen Woodiwiss is one of my favorite authors and not only is this her debut novel but it is also the first in a trilogy series of which I've read nothing but rave reviews!

I am about half way through right now and it is definitely holding up to my expectations. As with any love interest in a Woodiwiss novel, I am secretly in love with Brandon Birmingham and would love nothing more than to be whisked away into the story. Sighhh.. if only, right?

The Flame and the Flower - Kathleen Woodiwiss
Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence—until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee... and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger. A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman...and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

The Choice - Nicholas Sparks
Travis Parker has everything a man could want: a good job, loyal friends, even a waterfront home in small-town North Carolina. In full pursuit of the good life-- boating, swimming, and regular barbecues with his good-natured buddies--he holds the vague conviction that a serious relationship with a woman would only cramp his style. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door. Despite himself, Travis can't stop trying to ingratiate himself with his new neighbor, and his persistent efforts lead them both to the doorstep of a journey that neither could have foreseen.

So I consider myself to be an avid Nicholas Sparks fan - definitely one of my favorite authors (although, I'll admit I often find myself dreading the inevitable tragedies that always emerge in his stories). The Notebook is one of my absolute favorites and I've read more than my share of his books. I just love his writing style.. and who doesn't love a good romance?

"The Choice" is a great book, I really enjoyed it! The story revolves around Gabby and Travis, two polar opposite neighbors who find themselves unknowingly falling for each other. I absolutely LOVED the progression of their relationship throughout the novel. Things get off to a rough start when a conflict arises concerning each of their dogs. Being neighbors, the two have a hard time of avoiding each other and they soon find themselves sharing dinners, long conversations and mutual attraction. The rest as they say, is history.

Nearly 11 years later, Travis finds himself faced with a choice pertaining to Gabby and his decision will ultimately change their lives forever. Like with any Sparks novel, I found myself reaching for tissues on more than a few occasions, but I also found myself smiling at the conclusion of the story. The ending brought a very big, but welcomed surprise! I really enjoyed reading this one and I'd recommend to any fans of Nicholas Sparks and/or fans of contemporary romance. Just a very heartwarming book and a great love story!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

For the woman with everything except a Mr. Darcy of her own. An invitation to Austenland.

Austenland - Shannon Hale
Pembrook Park, Kent, England. Enter our doors as a house guest come to stay three weeks, enjoying the country manners and hospitality-a tea visit, a dance or two, a turn in the park, an unexpected meeting with a certain gentleman, all culminating with a ball and perhaps something more... Here, the Prince Regent still rules a carefree England. No scripts. No written endings. A holiday no one else can offer you

I absolutely adore this book. ♥ It has quickly become one of my favorites. As a huge fan of Jane Austen (really a fan of the whole time period) and her work, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The whole premise totally captivated me from the first pages. A thirty-something single woman who's obsession with Mr. Darcy is ruining her life, gets an amazing gift: a wealthy relative leaves Jane a pre-paid vacation to visit a resort. But this isn't any ordinary resort. Oh, no. This is an Austen-themed English resort which caters to Austen-crazed women. It's here where Jane gets to live out all of her fantasies, and her dream of finding the perfect gentlemen, becomes even more realer than she could have ever imagined.

Honestly, I can completely relate to the main character and her obsession with all things Pride & Prejudice.. that's pretty sad, right? Just the thought of being whisked away to this dream land where I can meet my own Mr. Darcy? sighh.. completely makes my heart melt! I don't know what else to say except that I absolutely loved it. Such a fun read & a very cute story about a woman's obsession and journey to find the perfect man (in the form of Mr. Darcy). I look forward to reading more of Hale's work and I definitely recommend this one!

"Seriously, a thirty-something woman shouldn't be daydreaming about a fictional character in a two-hundred-year-old world to the point where it interfered with her very real and much more important life and relationships. Of course she shouldn't. "