If you're looking for my reviews of a certain author or genre you can check my tags list. You can also see my list of book reads in 2007 & 2008 and 2009.

Book Title: Der Duft der Kaffeeblüte
Author: Ana Veloso
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 2/5

Summary (from Amazon.com): With this novel, author Ana Veloso takes us to Brazil at the end of the 1800's. The story tells of the forbidden love affair between a beautiful, intelligent and independent woman – born to rich feudal coffee growers, and a journalist whose ideals make him an advocate for the abolition of slavery. Their passionate story will carry us through the golden age of coffee plantations leading us to their collapse after the end of slavery. This is a love that is as sensual and strong, as exiting and bittersweet as coffee itself.

My thoughts: This book was a gift from someone special, so it was a pity I did not liked the book as much as I wanted. The Portuguese summary seemed quite interesting, promising to tell of "the golden age of coffee plantations and their ruin after the abolition of slavery" and "the story of a great love." While the first part was done with some success, the second not so.

Maybe I should start by saying I read it in Portuguese and despite the author's name sounding Portuguese, the book was originally published in German but the Portuguese translation is made from a Spanish edition. I don't know if it was because all this, which makes the text come to us by a third hand, but there was something in the writing that I did not enjoyed. Sometimes the language seemed a bit childish, there were times when the language seemed somewhat forced, and I never could quite understand if they tried to "sweeten" the Portuguese to sound a bit more like Brazilian. As I said, there was something in writing which I didn't enjoyed, which meant that reading was not as smooth as I expected.

The story itself also wasn't that appealing, as though it is a book of considerable size (though I've read bigger volumes, like those be Diana Gabaldon), the relationships between the characters are not exploited, being the most notable case, that of the protagonists. The relationship seems to be born from nothing: at one time they don't know each other and then they love each other madly. One never gets to see what seduced them, if the intelligence, the spirit or the sensuality of both. I lean more towards the latter because there doesn't seem to be so many disagreements, as it was said in the summary of the edition I read, but a misunderstanding and a tremendous bipolarity of the two characters who can't seem to decide if they like each other or not, unless when they go to bed... The romance is boring and the least interesting part of the book, while the historical context is more appealing, even if addressed superficially. Even so I enjoyed reading about the large plantations, about the abolition of slavery, what came of that and may have persisted in time, since it seems to come from this time the problem of the "favelas".

It had a good premise that unfortunately is not fully realized. Yet it might be interesting to know more about this time in the history of Brazil which, again, I didn't knew very well because it wasn't much explored in history lessons.

Book Title: Her Scandalous Affair
Author: Candice Hern
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 3/5

Summary (from book cover):

"And so you must find the Mallory Heart and bring it home at once. No matter what it takes."

After this decree from his grandmother, Richard, Viscount Mallory, goes in search of the long-lost family heirloom. Imagine his surprise when he spots the exquisite heart-shaped ruby brooch on the bosom of the equally exquisite Lady Isabel Weymouth! Could this popular young socialite actually be a jewel thief?

Richard is determined that the brooch be returned to his family. So when an opportunity presents itself, he pilfers the jewel from the lady's bedroom, but is stunned when she steals it back the very next day! Clearly the enchanting Isabel is a more formidable opponent than he imagined, and the former soldier finds himself battling wits and wills with the captivating temptress. Passion ignites between them as the competition heats up, and suddenly there is more than a ruby brooch at stake in this game of hearts.

My thoughts: Actually is more of a 2.5 than a 3, but I don't like to give half points so I rounded up a bit. I got this book on an impulse, through BookMooch, and even if I could get around without reading it, it wasn't a bad read.

Richard, knowing is grandfather is ill, returns home as is told by is grandmother to recover a valuable family jewel, supposedly robbed and known to be used by a young woman in London. This young woman is none other than Isabel and, with Richard, enters a somewhat fun game, in which both try to rob the jewel from each other, but the game also leads to love.

The story is very predictable, when it comes to the mystery behind the jewel, as well as the mystery behind the death of Richard's brother. In fact, this last mystery is also very unsatisfactory as it didn't brought much to the story. The characters are pretty basic too, although Richard seems to stand out a bit, even if only by showing some sympathy towards poor soldiers that battled during the Napoleonic wars, and then had to turn to beggary. I actually liked the contrast between the parties thrown to honour the generals, while the soldiers begged at the door of those same parties.

As I said, is very predictable but it entertains. Another book I would recommend as a summer reading.

Book Title: Son of the Morning
Author: Linda Howard
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 4/5

Summary (from book cover): New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard captivates readers in the deeply romantic tale of a contemporary woman who unravels an extraordinary mystery from the past... by living it.

A scholar specializing in ancient manuscripts, Grace St. John never imagined that a cache of old documents she discovered was the missing link to a lost Celtic treasure. But as soon as she deciphers the legend of the Knights of the Templar – long fabled to hold the key to unlimited power – Grace becomes the target of a ruthless killer bent on abusing the coveted force. Determined to stop him, Grace needs the help of a warrior bound by duty to uphold the Templar's secret for all eternity. But to find him – and to save herself – she must go back in time... to fourteenth-century Scotland... and to Black Niall, a fierce man of dark fury and raw, unbridled desire...

My thoughts: I wasn't expecting a great reading, as this book seemed quite similar to those by Karen Marie Moning, and even the plot seemed to take the same way as the third book of Moning's Highlander series, but if that author does a somewhat pitiful job when it comes to her characters, the same doesn't happen with Linda Howard.

We follow Grace St. John, a scholar specialized in deciphering ancient manuscripts and married with an archaeologist, when her life is turned upside down, after witnessing her husband and brother being murdered due to some papers she was working on. Pointed as the prime suspect, Grace is forced to leave her calm life behind and adapt herself to a life on the streets, as a way to survive and make justice. She sets on deciphering the papers, while followed by the Foundation, and her path crosses itself with the legendary treasure of the Knights Templar and its Guardian, Black Niall, with whom she seems to have a strange connection.

As I said, this author, unlike Karen Marie Moning, succeeds in giving depth to her characters, namely Grace, which allows the reader to follow her transformation, from naive into a woman able to kick asses and survive, and connect with her, as she turns out to be a very strong woman. On the other hand, Black Niall is the typical alpha male of this kind of novels and, because of that, has a bit less depth to him, but still has a nice background. The secondary characters are also very well drawn and interesting to the story. Also, this is not the typical "Scottish highlander time travel romance", since most of the action takes place in the 20th century America and not on the Highlands, in the middle of the 14th century. However, the story was very interesting; it deals not only with the characters lust, but is more similar to a thriller and has a twist I wasn't expecting.

With a doubt, this author seems much better than Karen Marie Moning and the book was much more interesting than what I was expecting from such a romance. I must confess myself eager to read more books by this author, since it's a nice summer reading. Any suggestions?

Book Title: The Highlander's Touch
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 3/5

Summary (from book cover): He would defy the boundaries of time for one night in her arms...

A WARRIOR OF IMMORTAL POWERS

He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty – and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also the woman he had foresworn to destroy.

A WOMAN CAUGHT IN THE MISTS OF TIME

When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling... into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real... and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her... plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own...

My thoughts: Once again, this book threads over the path set by the previous volumes, but finally the characters have inner struggles! And there's history in between, not much but it's there!

We meet Adam Black again, the only character I can say to like in this series, and who can't be quiet. He seems to have a need to mess around with people's lives. This time the target is Circeen Brodie, who has in his possession, as they were trusted to him some hallows. Unfortunately, he misses one, a flask, and curses it to bring to him whoever touches it. But he wasn't aware of the consequences of his cursing and is this way that Lisa Stone sees herself thrown from the 21st century to the 14th century.

As I said, finally these characters have inner battles to which we can relate too. Ok, maybe we can't relate that much to Circeen, but we're able to identify with Lisa, a woman from the 21st century who works a lot to pay her bills and to care for her sick mother, and whom is intelligent and strong-willed, quite the contrary to the previous lead female characters who were defined by the amount of times their knees would tremble when in front of the male characters. Lisa's knees tremble also, but at least she questions why she travelled back in time and wonders how she can get back to her mother and her responsibilities.

Finally we also have some history though, unfortunately, we don't get into much of it. We found ourselves in the middle of the Wars of Scottish Independence, with Robert I of Scotland on one side and Edward II of England in the other, in the eves of the Battle of Bannockburn. Besides that, we also have a little of the history of the Knights Templar who, after the dissolution by the papal bull, fled to Scotland where reigned an excommunicated king.

Better than the previous one and closer to what I expected from this author, still I wasn't convinced. Maybe it's the season (these books seem a better reading for the beach) or the fact that I read a really amazing book, which blew me away, before them, but they never really got me.

Book Title: To Tame a Highland Warrior
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 3/5

Summary (from book cover): Only her love could gentle his savage soul...

A WOMAN'S TENDER TOUCH

He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian" he raced to her side - into a competition to win her hand in marriage.

A WARRIOR'S STEELY HEART

Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed. But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar. She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him - even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both...

My thoughts: I was somewhat disappointed by the previous volume so I wasn't expecting much from this one. We follow Grimm, whom we met on Beyond the Highland Mist, friend of Hawk and who, by the end of said book, was worried by Adrienne's wish upon a star on his behalf. We learn Grimm's origins and if Adrienne's wish came true.

The story is better than that from the previous book and the characters, though still flat, are more likeable. Grimm, unlike Hawk and other characters, really has an interior battle, while Jillian is less childish and boring than Adrienne. Still, their bickering, up to half of the book, was somewhat boring and made me roll my eyes plenty of times. The second half of the book, again from the moment they realize they're perfect for each other, is much more agreeable and emotional, with a lot more action and what one wants from an historical romance, or at least what I want from such books.

Once again, the author doesn't write bad, on the contrary I think she actually writes very nicely, but still she doesn't fully evolves her characters, they don't have much depth to them. They only seem to want to relieve their lust. Is not that I don't like, but it tires after a bit. You need something more to keep the reader interested and caring for what will happen. Fortunately, the author was able to do a better job at it in this book but it still doesn't appeal that much to me.

Book Title: Beyond the Highland Mist
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 2/5

Summary (from book cover): He would sell his warrior soul to possess her....

AN ALLURING LAIRD

He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern - day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length — but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A PRISONER IN TIME

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side....

My thoughts: I already knew this book wasn't a masterpiece, it wasn't on the level of The Lions of Al-Rassan, neither did I wanted it to be, but still I was waiting more from it than what it was delivered.

We follow the story of Hawk, a nice example of man and whose virility was much appreciated by the women who had lay with him, among whom the queen of the Tuatha Dé Danann could be counted, without however he ever falling in love. After the queen's rejoice over his deeds, Hawk becomes the target for a revenge led by the queen's lovers. That's what leads Adrienne, who due to her past hates beautiful womanizer men, to be sent from the 20th century to the 16th to be a pawn on the revenge.

The first two thirds of the book revolve around Hawk and Adam Black trying to get Adrienne into sleeping with them. Really... I would like to be kidding but it's true, you can resume those two thirds to it. Of course there's some intrigue here and there, but basically is about two guys promising her how they would be able to take her to heaven (or Valhala...) if she chose one of them to have sex with. Adam Black is a reasonable interesting character, but Hawk and Adrienne, the two leading characters, are simply boring. He spends most of his time wondering why does she dislikes him, since is such a virile and beautiful man, while she spends her time regretting being betrayed by a beautiful man which lead her to distrust all beautiful men and so deny Hawk's moves towards her. Character's depth? Practically nonexistent.

Fortunately the third part is a bit better; the story becomes more interesting with their separation after they realize they're in love. But still, this book loses when compared to Outlander, for example, in which there's also a travel through time which leads the lead characters to meet and fall in love. There we have depth to the characters, who question the world to which they were brought, who question why that happen, something this book seems to lack.

The author is a good writer, she writes very well, the sex scenes were hot, but still I would like her to develop the characters and their story, to make us connect with the characters, to cheer for them, root for them, to want them together from the beginning and not only on the very end. I was really close to put it aside due to the lack of empathy I felt towards the characters.

Book Title: In the Company of the Courtesan
Author: Sarah Dunant
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 3/5

Summary (from dust jacket flap):

"My lady, Fiammetta Bianchini, was plucking her eyebrows and biting color into her lips when the unthinkable happened and the Holy Roman Emperor's army blew a hole in the wall of God's eternal city, letting in a flood of half-starved, half-crazed troops bent on pillage and punishment."

Thus begins In the Company of the Courtesan, Sarah Dunant's epic novel of life in Renaissance Italy. Escaping the sack of Rome in 1527, with their stomachs churning on the jewels they have swallowed, the courtesan Fiammetta and her dwarf companion, Bucino, head for Venice, the shimmering city born out of water to become a miracle of east-west trade: rich and rancid, pious and profitable, beautiful and squalid.

With a mix of courage and cunning they infiltrate Venetian society. Together they make the perfect partnership: the sharp-tongued, sharp-witted dwarf, and his vibrant mistress, trained from birth to charm, entertain, and satisfy men who have the money to support her.

Yet as their fortunes rise, this perfect partnership comes under threat, from the searing passion of a lover who wants more than his allotted nights to the attentions of an admiring Turk in search of human novelties for his sultan's court. But Fiammetta and Bucino's greatest challenge comes from a young crippled woman, a blind healer who insinuates herself into their lives and hearts with devastating consequences for them all.

A story of desire and deception, sin and religion, loyalty and friendship, In the Company of the Courtesan paints a portrait of one of the world's greatest cities at its most potent moment in history: It is a picture that remains vivid long after the final page.

My thoughts: Having loved the previous book I've read from this author, I picked this one up with some expectations. Is not that I feel this book let me down, but is somewhat below what I expected.

In this book we follow Bucino, a dwarf and assistant, lets say so, of Fiammeta, a notorious courtesan, in their journey from Rome to Venice and their adaptation to this place, so different from others due to his liaison with the sea and the contacts this brings.

As in The Birth of Venus, the author, through the story of these two characters, tries to show the thought at this time about various themes. In this book she concentrates more in religion, namely the catholic one, though it has some mentions also to Judaism and the relationship between those who follow this faith and the Catholics, she also talks about the importance of physical appearance and the prejudices linked to it, and the author also talks about sex, how it was perceived by numerous points of view: religion, business, art, love... If this was well done in the mentioned book, in this one it was a bit less achieved, as it bores in certain occasions.

The story is still interesting, as well as the characters which are nicely constructed, but is somewhat predictable. The portrait of Venice is also a bit weak, as the descriptions didn't cause such an impact as the ones of Florence in The Birth of Venus.

It does its job as entertainment and letting us know how was the life of a courtesan in Venice, but for that I would recommend the movie Dangerous Beauty instead.

Fourth book read for the "Historical Fiction Reading Challenge".

Book Title: The Birth of Venus
Author: Sarah Dunant
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 4/5

Summary (from book cover): Alessandra Cecchi is not quite fifteen when her father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the chapel walls in the family's Florence palazzo. A child of the Renaissance with a precocious mind and a talent for drawing, Alessandra is intoxicated by the artist's abilities.

But Alessandra's parents have made plans for their daughter, and she is soon married off to a wealthy, much older man. Meanwhile, the reign of the Medicis, with their love of luxury, learning, and dazzling art, is being threatened by the hellfire preaching and increasing brutality of the fundamentalist monk Savonarola and his reactionary followers. As the city shudders with violence and change, Alessandra must find her own way – and finally explore the passions she's kept so long at bay.

My thoughts: My expectations weren't that high so I have to confess myself impressed with this book.

We follow Alessandra, a brilliant girl, turning for adolescence into adulthood in Florence, a city we come to know and full of art and learning, which turns into darkness due to the extremist preaching of Savonarola.

So the author talks about a various number of thematics, namely art, theology and philosophy, but also the role of woman in her family, the various faces Love can take. Adding to this, there's mystery and romance which will satisfy any reader fond of these genres.

A good way to plunge into Renaissance Florence and understand the mentality, namely to how Catholicism was perceived, at that time.

Third book read for the "Historical Fiction Reading Challenge".

Book Title: Voyager
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 4/5

Summary (from book cover): From the author of the breathtaking bestsellers Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber, the extraordinary saga continues.

Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her... the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite – or forever doom – her timeless love.

My thoughts: Though the writing confuses a bit at the start as we follow, just like it happened on the second volume, many characters besides Claire, which makes the reader jump between different points of view but also in time, once you get into it, the book becomes very easy and pleasant to read.

It starts where the previous volume left us. Having passed 20 years since Claire left Jamie in Culloden, she discovers that he has survived the battle and decides to go back in time to get to him, her all time lover. However things aren't easy. Much happened to both in the years they were apart, which forces them to discover each other all over again. This was very well done. The author has in her characters her strongest point in the story, since the relationships are nicely created and very credible. The story is also very interesting, it keeps you turning the pages as you follow the main characters embarking on a voyage which will lead them to America, a land of hope and new beginnings.

I also liked how the author picked up characters and other details from the previous volumes, giving to the book a sense of continuity. I also liked how she introduced, in the 18th century, some things from the 20th, like photos. It was very well done and even funny.

I still prefer the first volume, but this one was far more interesting than the second one. I look forward to the next, as I can't stop to think if Claire and Jamie will find they're daughter. It would be interesting to see what would come of such encounter.

Second book read for the "Historical Fiction Reading Challenge".

Book Title: Dragonfly in Amber
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 3/5

Summary (from book cover): For twenty years Claire Randall has kept her secrets. But now she is returning with her grown daughter to the majesty of Scotland's mist-shrouded hills. Here Claire plans to reveal a truth stunning as the events that gave it birth: about the mystery of an ancient circle of standing stones, about a love that transcends the boundaries of time, and about James Fraser, a warrior whose gallantry once drew the young Claire from the security of her century to the dangers of his.

Now a legacy of blood and desire will test her beautiful daughter as Claire's spellbinding journey continues in the intrigue-ridden court of Charles Edward Stuart, in a race to thwart a doomed uprising, and in a desperate fight to save both the child and the man she loves.


My thoughts: Having enjoyed the first volume of this series, I was expecting something good of this one, so I'm a bit sad it didn't match my expectations.

First, in the first and final parts the point of view jumps around from first person (Claire) to third person, due to the fact that we follow another character and Claire isn't always there. The problem is that this character does almost nothing but notice how Claire is so beautiful and wonderful... Second, the book drags a bit in some parts. Third, the flashback idea is nice, but it loses when during the reading you think "well, she's telling this story to her daughter, so obviously she survives all this..."

So, we find ourselves in 1968, Claire and her daughter are in Scotland and the first thinks this is the chance to tell the truth about what happened to her, 20 years before. We go on a long flashback, this one told only from Claire's point of view, picking up where the first volume left us. We follow Claire and Jamie in Paris who, knowing what History will tell, try to avoid a massacre in case Charles Edward Stuart (also known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and pretender to the English throne) is able to reach Scotland and take his quest forward. As the first book, the story's rhythm is somewhat slow, enabling us to get to know the French court and the politics behind History. But, if this was pulled nicely on the previous volume, the same doesn't happen here, making the book dull and dragging where there was no need. It was easy to put it down and find excuses to not pick it up again.

The end was interesting though and was left open since there's another book... which I will not pick up so soon, as I need a rest from this.

Book Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Genre: historical romance
Rating: 4/5

Summary (from book cover): Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon – when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach – an "outlander" – in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidding Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.


My thoughts: I don't really know what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but it turned out to be a pleasant reading.

We follow the story from Claire's point of view, who has traveled back in time, until the 18th century to be exact, finding herself caught in a fight between the Scottish clans and the military forces of England. Here, she must adapt herself to this world, using her healing gifts to gain the trust of the people, who feel threaten by her for being English, possibly a spy. Gradually, we see Claire's adaptation to this "new" world where, against her wishes, she falls in love and ends up thorn between the love to Jamie and the duty to Frank, her husband in her own time, 1945. To complicate things a bit, Claire encounters Frank's ancestor, Jack Randall, the sadistic villain of the story, who physically resembles to her husband.

The rhythm of the story is slow, but not that slow that seems to drag. We can feel the days passing by, as those lazy sunny days that pass slowly and that we don't want to ever end. The rhythm also helps to understand what's happening around us and to form, gradually and believably, the relationships with the various characters.

The only thing I didn't liked, as it felt somewhat forced as giving Claire a reason not to get back to her time, is the fact of two people, with a character so different, be so physically similar. The fact of Randall and Frank be likewise, makes Claire afraid of not being able to tell them apart and of not being able to love Frank the way she used to, if she chose to come back. This seemed a really weak scheme and makes her interior fight a bit forced, as the reader already knew how it was going to end. But okay, it always looks nice a good wife questioning her love for one man and the duty she was towards her husband.