"For the King's Favor" Review

"For the King's Favor"
by Elizabeth Chadwick

Source: ARC sent by Sourcebooks in exchange for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Review:

Ida de Tosney arrived at King Henry II's court at age 15 to be his ward. But the King favored her immediately and she became his mistress. Ida really had no choice and was his mistress for years and they even had a son together. When a handsome, shy young lord, Roger Bigod, comes to the court for the King to settle his inheritance, Ida is smitten. She flirts with Roger at every chance, but Roger is very cautious of not offending the King. Will Ida be able to convince the King to give her up and let her marry, and what will become of her son?

This was my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick, but it won't be my last! I am not used to fiction based on historical fact being so romantic! Sigh, Roger was absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved that he was so shy and honorable. Ida was pretty feisty and very forward about how much she liked Roger and she took control of what she wanted and eventually convinced the King to let her marry Roger.

I loved Ida and Roger's flirtation at Henry's court, but I loved even more how the story told about their actual marriage. Ida feels things for Roger that she had never felt for Henry. Ida and Roger have lots of ups and downs in their loving relationship, and Roger's service to King Henry makes everything more difficult for them and their family.

Roger's love of hats was an ongoing joke and never failed to make me smile. Little things like this made the characters really come to life.

I liked how the author wasn't afraid to use jealousy as a plot line. Of course Roger would be jealous if his wife had been the King's mistress! Who wouldn't be?

The only reason this book didn't get all five stars from me was because the last 100 pages or so seemed to deal more with Ida's two oldest sons instead of Ida and Roger. I liked the ending and it was good to see everything come full circle, but I felt like the focus on the sons moved too far away from the main story.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5


Bottom Line: This is fantastic historical fiction with a lot of romance!

Teaser Tuesday (5)

Yay for "Teaser Tuesday" from MizB of Should be Reading!!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser Tuesday pick:

" 'I never cheat at cards.' It was true, if one ignored his uncanny ability to keep track of every card in a deck. Some people didn't."

p 10 "A Hellion in Her Bed" by Sabrina Jeffries (ARC)

In My Mailbox (37)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, and is a way for everyone to show their new books for the week, including those bought, swapped, won, or received for review.

"I Now Pronounce You Someone Else" by Erin McCahan
I'm reading this now, it's so cute!

"A Season of Seduction" by Jennifer Haymore

I love this author's books, and I can't wait to read Rebecca's story!

"The Devil Wears Plaid" by Teresa Medeiros

Brenda from WV Stitcher sent me this book, thanks so much, Brenda!

The first 3 books in the Goddess Girls series by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams:
"Athena the Brain"
"Persephone the Phony"
"Aphrodite the Beauty"

I love all things about Greek myths and Joan Holub was kind enough to sent the first three books in her adorable series for review! Thanks, Joan!

What did you receive in your mailbox this week??

Book Blog Follow Friday Sept 3

Happy Friday, Everyone!!

It's time for Book Blog Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee.com!! I missed last week's Follow Friday so I'm ready to play catch up! I've found so many awesome new blogs to read by participating in this fun event! Check it out by clicking the pic!!

If you're visiting for the first time, I'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment and say hi!! :)

While you're here, check out the contest I have running!

Win 1 of 5 copies of "Seduced by a Highlander" by Paula Quinn!! Ends 9/10

"Much Ado About Marriage" Review

"Much Ado About Marriage"
by Karen Hawkins

Source: sent by publisher in exchange for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:

Fia MacLean does not want to marry the sniveling fool that her cousin, Duncan, the Laird MacLean, wants her to wed. She only wants to go to London and find a patron for the many plays she's written. Thomas Wentworth, a wealthy, titled Englishman, was sent to get a bit of evidence from Duncan. He didn't expect to become smitten with the adventurous Fia. Thomas agrees to take Fia to London with him, not knowing who she is. But before they can leave, the Laird himself finds them in a compromising position and forces them to wed. Will their marriage last the long journey to London?

This was a really light, fun, and addictive romance! This book is actually a rewrite of the author's very first book. She re-worked the story to fit with her new series.

Fia was a great heroine, both strong and carefree at the same time. She had a mind of her own, even up against her powerful cousin, the Laird.

Thomas was very handsome, but a bit restrained for me. The author definitely explained why he held back so much but I actually thought Fia had a lot of chemistry with Thomas' best friend, Robert. Robert really stole the show with his comedic relief. He was such a charming, roguish fop, you can't help but fall for him.

I loved that Thomas was almost, but not quite, a pirate. The parts of the story that took place on his ship were my favorites.

Thomas was a little too mean for me in one part, and Fia forgave him a bit too easily, but other than that small bit, I liked this story a lot.


Main Characters: 4/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5 (love the ship)
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 5/5 (very nice!)
Writing: 4/5


Bottom Line: A fun romance between a feisty Scottish heroine and a reserved English gentleman.

CSN Bookshelves

I have been contacted to write another review for CSN stores. This family of stores has SO many great products, that it's tough to choose something to review! They have a great selection of table lamps, as well as kitchenware, housewares, and of course, bookcases!! Since I still have piles of books with no homes, I think I need to choose another bookcase, don't you? This time, I wanted to try something a little more unique. Here are some of the many different styles to choose from:

I noticed that a lot of other bloggers picked this L shaped bookcase:


How cute and fun is this hanging shelf??

This ladder shelf won't hold as much but it looks really cute and classy!


What do you think??

Waiting on Wednesday (35)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose:

"Secondhand Charm"
by Julie Berry
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Release Date: October 12 2010

The following description is from goodreads.com


In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Berry's debut novel garnered glowing reviews and strong sales—and now she's done it again with a beautifully woven tale to keep all readers, young and old, absolutely charmed.

I am so excited for this book!! The author's first book, The Amaranth Enchantment was one of my favorite books I've read this year!!

What are you waiting for this week??