Archive for April, 2007

Not Quite A Lady

Monday, April 30th, 2007


Every time Loretta Chase comes out with a new book, I waiting at the bookstore to buy my copy or, in this instance, waiting for the postman to bring it as I’d pre-ordered it from amazon.

Not Quite A Lady arrived on Friday. I had it read before the weekend was over. I could have read it much more quickly if I hadn’t had to write Flynn and Sara. But I need them to support my book-buying habit, so they take priority.

But I’m happy that I stole the time to read Loretta’s latest. Lady Charlotte Hayward, the lady who isn’t quite, certainly seems on the surface to be everything a lady ought to be. She’s kind, generous, helpful, loving, a good daughter, a fine friend, a doting older sister. But Lady Charlotte has a secret . . . and that secret is what makes her ‘not quite a lady.’

Darius Carsington, the youngest of the brothers featured in Loretta Chase’s most recent books, is not interested in ‘ladies’ in any case. Women are fine, but ‘ladies’ require commitment and marriage, and Darius is interested in neither. He is that multi-faceted man — a scholar and a rake — and he sees no reason to change.

But once Darius meets Lady Charlotte, both their lives and their priorities begin to change.

Not Quite A Lady is a wonderful, lively read in which Loretta Chase’s deft wit and humor mingle with deep emotion and which brings complex characters into conflict with society’s rules.

I thoroughly enjoyed it — right down to the pigs.

If you are looking for a good read, Not Quite A Lady is worth a look. And if you enjoy it, start picking up Loretta Chase’s backlist, particularly Lord of Scoundrels, Mr Impossible, and Captives of the Night. They’re all marvelous. Others are, too, but you can find that out for yourselves.

Four footed visitors

Sunday, April 29th, 2007

When I wrote that title I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write about my twin grandsons who, between them, have four feet (though it often seems like more) and were here visiting this weekend for a brief time. Or if I wanted to write about the dog their dad is helping to look for a home for.

But since the dog is more in need of a home than they are (no one having decided they need to pack up and move on), I guess it will be the dog.

He’s a great dog. Talented (he sits and stays and catches balls). Reasonably well-behaved (he didn’t pull me off my feet when I took him outside and down the stairs like a dog I know and love has tried to do on various occasions). He also likes kids (including two year olds) and other dogs.

Sadly he can’t stay in the home he is now living in. My son is considering adopting him (but this is possibly not the best idea). There are a few other local options, but there is also the wonderful Golden Rescue organization for our tri-state area. One of our earlier goldens, Jake, came to us from them. He was supposed to be passing through, but remained and became one of the family.

I know the twins would like this guy to stick around, too. I just thought I’d share him with you because he’s an extra nice dog.

I’m also thinking maybe I can work him into a book and he could put it on his resume. Sparks the cat did that, and now he’s got a brilliant home in one of the islands off the top end of Scotland (and no, I’m not kidding).

The book continues to go well. I continue to be amazed.

And the winner is . . . !

Saturday, April 28th, 2007

Across the pond this past Friday The Romantic Novelists’ Association had a gala luncheon at the elegant Savoy. On this occasion they presented the award for the best category romance novel entered that was published during 2006.

The shortlist was:


The Millionaire’s Runaway Bride
by Catherine George
(Harlequin Mills & Boon)

And the winner was Nell Dixon for Marrying Max! Congratulations to Nell especially. But congratulations are in order for all the finalists.

It’s a tough category with a lot of wonderful books entered by RNA members every year. And judging from the various blogs, it sounds like everyone had a brilliant time.