The Book of Scandal.

In Julia London's The Book of Scandal, we meet Lord and Lady Lindsey, trying their best not to be entangled in a royal scandal, while also trying to rebuild their tattered marriage - which crumbled greatly after the death of their fifteen month old son; Robbie. Whom was a sickly child from birth. After the death of their son, Evelyn - Lady Lindsey, traveled to London alone to mourn his death, where she ended up spending three years waiting on Princess Mary. But when a scandal arises prompting a Delicate Investigation of Princess Caroline's actions, Evelyn must return home with her estranged husband Nathan - Lord Lindsey, very much against her will or face possible charges of treason. This means she must confront her past demons and her husband whom she loathes, at first. After spending time at her old home of Eastchurch Abbey, trying to avoid everything that reminds her of her old life and her beloved son, Evelyn finds things aren't as badly off as they may seem, and that old hurts don't feel as fresh and unbearable as she feared they may be.

I very much enjoyed this story. However, I thought it might be more about the scandal of Princess Caroline and her husband, Prince George. Compared to how much time was spent on the story of Evelyn and Nathan, it was hardly mentioned. I do realize though that this book was meant to really be about those two, but I couldn't help but be curious about a scandal between the Prince and Princess that really happened, which is why I was grateful in the author's note that Ms. London suggested a few books on that subject, which I certainly intend to check out. Anyhoo, this was a wonderfully written page turning story, even though I had a feeling I knew who the mysterious man stalking Evelyn was, and was right about, after a few clues which clicked together perfectly. I was rooting for Nathan to win Evelyn back, and for poor Evelyn to finally truly come to terms and face her grief for their son, so that she and Nathan could still have a chance to rekindle and rebuild. That is something I always love about Julia London's books; her characters are always lovable and charming, and her stories are always greatly done.

The Book of Scandal is book one in Julia London's Scandalous Series. Followed by Highland Scandal which is out now, then to be followed by A Courtesan's Scandal due out in November 2009.

Out of the Darkness.

Well. I am torn with this book. Loved it and became semi-appalled by it I did.

In Sadie Montgomery's The Phantom's Journey: Out of the Darkness, (book 2 in The Phoenix of the Opera series) we return to Erik and his new bride, Meg Giry, making their way over the French border into Italy, where they hope to reside and live a normal, quiet life. Meg hopes for this more than Erik does, because he still does not trust people in general, believing they are the same everywhere, as most prove to be in this book.

Before they arrive at their new home (a beautiful villa), which Raoul helped them to get, Meg suffers an accident when she finally loses her marbles due to Erik's coldness towards her. After giving her husband a well deserved beating, she runs off into the woods and takes a fall. Erik, genuinely worried for his wife's health, spends most of his days and nights at her side, praying she will be alright so he can start fresh with her and their relationship. (There's nothing like a health-rattle to a loved one to make you see how much you really care!) When Meg awakens, delusional from a fever and severe head injury, upon seeing Erik without his mask, she begins screaming uncontrollably, causing Erik to flee the villa, and her life for around three to four years.

He returns to his *roots* and comes across a few old faces and memories he'd rather keep buried deep down inside. While there in the traveling fair, he sees a recent past face (Lucianna) and ends up going to her home to help her rid herself of her perverted cruel husband. Which he succeeds at, after experiencing a few (disgusting) deceptions and surprises from husband and wife alike. When he is through there, and manages to dodge the clutches of Lucianna, he returns to Meg with Lucianna's somewhat reluctant help. While he was trying to find the right time to make himself known, I couldn't help but wonder if Lucianna had something up her sleeve, I was glad to see she didn't, but she makes a return in the next book, and it looks like she gets her way with her same old deceitfulness. But I will pause that speculation for the review of the next book, whenever I get to it, and actually buy it!

Anywhoozer, to wrap this up quickly, Erik and Meg overcome even more turbulence in their relationship, even when he finds he must flee again, to Rome, and finds himself in a theater, again. Only in a better way this time, the fear of him as a mad ghost is not there (thankfully), and Meg (and their son!) have resolved to join him there. & That is where this part of the series ended.

Even though I loved and hated this book for the way the plot went (trouble just loves that awesome phantom - hell, I'd follow him everywhere he went too if I could!) and even though I felt the writing could have been better, I can't wait to get on to the next part.

This was the first book I've read for the Romance Reading Challenge. Finally starting one of my challenges feels good! :)

2009 Romance Reading Challenge.

(For 2009) Here is my romance read list for this challenge:

1. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte.
2. The Book of Scandal, by Julia London. [review]
3. Memoirs of A Geisha, by Arthur Golden.
4. The Phantom's Journey: Out of the Darkness, by Sadie Montgomery. [review]
5. Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon.
   
   

   

Romance Reading Challenge.

I signed up for the 2009 Romance Reading Challenge (RRC) over at the bookworm. Being the romance lover that I am, it looks like fun. :) Now, here are the rules:

1. Now, "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

2. Choose at least 5 novels read them between Jan 1st though Dec 31st 2009. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

3. Read them at your own pace in 2009 then head over to the official challenge page and post the link to your review(s).

4. Link your "RRC" choices with any of the graphics provided at the official challenge page.

5. Ready? Please leave a comment at this post also if you are joining us, in case 'mr. linky' ever goes down.

I don't think I'll actually make a list, because I pretty much just read whatever catches my fancy, but I am planning on reading "Wuthering Heights," and "The Book of Scandal" next year. The last three reads are yet to be chosen.