[NOR & ARC Review]: "Married by Morning"

Title: Married By Morning

Author: Lisa Kleypas

Publisher/Publication Date: St. Martin's Paperbacks (May 25, 2010)

Genre: Historical Romance

Summary (Amazon):

For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges’ older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response—and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.

Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine’s respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires…

Other places to pre-order Married by Morning from:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Borders

My Review:

Mention historical romance, and no doubt one of the first authors that will come to your mind is the talented Lisa Kleypas. Not only has Kleypas been writing these beautiful romances for years, but every novel has been loved and cherished by her growing fan base. Once again, Kleypas has produced a piece of art, as far as the romance genre goes-- Married by Morning will have you laughing, smiling, and wishing for your own Leo!

What is there to say about a book that is almost perfect, or an author that many already know is amazing? My review can never live up to the book, but I'll give it my best shot-- just know that this is a book I highly recommend to any historical romance fan out there!

Continuing her popular Hathaway series, Kleypas brings us another touching romance, this time between the “plain” Catherine Marks, companion to the Hathaway sisters, and the roguish Leo Hathaway. Catherine has been a part of the Hathaway “family” for a few years now, but has stayed as far away from Leo as possible, afraid of the attraction that vibrated between them when he was near. All that changes after one little kiss from Leo as he tries to end one of the numerous arguments. Now the flames of passion rage between them, and nothing can put it out....

One of the many things I love about Kleypas's work is that while she can, and does, write very steamy romances, that is not the only basis of the relationship. The hero and heroine clearly have a deep connection, and you can see the love budding just as easily as you can see their passions rising. Watching them interact and grow in their relationship is just as essential and entertaining as the more physical aspects. Without one, the other is lacking and the story goes down hill from there. Kleypas knows this very well, and always has the right proportion of each in her stories, Married by Morning being no different.

Following Catherine and Leo's journey was highly entertaining, and I was pulled into their story so quickly and efficiently that within only a hand full of hours, I had reached their happily ever after (HEA). Upon finishing the book, the only thing on my mind was “Wow”, followed by “I can't wait for Lisa's next book!” The combination of brilliant writing, humor and witty conversations between the characters, romance that leaves you breathless, and a good dose of action to keep it all interesting, adds up to the perfect novel, and one that I will return to again and again!



5 STARS! Another dazzling novel by the New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas, filled with passion, playful seduction, wit, and enough suspense and mystery to make the pages fly by! If you're in the mood for a truly good romance novel, you already know that nothing beats the “classics” of Lisa Kleypas—and now you can add Married by Morning to the ever growing list!



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Thanks to Night Owl Reviews, where I received this ARC of the book for free in exchange for reviewing the book. (Free book does not equal biased review, however!) This review is the property of NOR.
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Sorry that I've only been posting L4C's lately-- finals are coming up, and then I'll have more time. You don't understand how much this is killing me, being away from my blog, not talking with everyone like I used to, missing out on all the fun posts... and don't even get me started on the reading! Oh, I've been doing plenty for college... TEXTBOOKS, that is! I crave a real book, but I haven't had all the time that I used to.

In fact, I've only read 3 books during the month of April--- and one was for a paper I had to write for a class. My pile is gathering dust over in the corner, and growing as well, while my list of "series I need to get caught up on" is currently trailing off the desk and through most of my house.

I'm hoping to have two more reviews up before the end of next week, with more promised next month sometime! As soon as I crawl out of the hole that is my life (mostly due to finals, with a few personal/family issues thrown in along the way-- because, heaven forbid, life becomes too calm and boring!), I will be back and with attitude! Not sure what yet, but I'm thinking of having some big things on the blog this summer...

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,


Most links used on this post go directly to that book's page on Amazon. If you use these links to buy said book, I will receive a very small percent of your order. I've yet to actually receive any money from this, but if/when I do, the money will go towards paying for shipping/books on future contests I hold on my blog. If you already planned on buying the book, would it be too much to ask to consider using my links? :) Thanks in advance!

Lusting for Covers (17)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!

(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!

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Here's my candidate for the week:

Title: Sin Undone

Author: Larissa Ione
Publisher/Publication Date:  Grand Central Publishing (August 24, 2010)

Summary (Amazon):

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY


As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.


HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED


Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

Why?

Easy--- Ione's "Demonica Series" = Amazing! Handsdown, it's one of my favorite paranormal series out there, and I love all the yummy, tortured heroes she covers. Besides that, the cover for Sin Undone is great--- the simple colors of mostly black/gray and white is just enough to make the book stand out. Now, the only thing that could make it better would be a full frontal view of the sexy cover model-- without the woman. Shirtless would be optional, but preferred. Of course, fully naked is by no means required, but always appreciated! *Wink*

Lusting for Covers (16)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!

(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!

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Here's my candidate for the week:

Title: Crescendo

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher/Publication Date: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (November 16, 2010)

Summary (Amazon):

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!

Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

Why?

Even though I wasn't as enthused with Hush, Hush as I had originally anticipated, I did enjoy the book, and look forward to the sequel, Crescendo. The cover is lovely, dramatic yet simply, and grabs your attention. Maybe not like Hush, Hush's, which, of course, had the shirtless Patch front-and-center, but still... :D

Lusting for Covers (15)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!

(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:

Title: Misguided Angel

Author: Melissa De La Cruz

Publisher/Publication Date:  Hyperion Book CH (October 5, 2010)
Summary (Amazon):
After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence--with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the seven gates that guard earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods.


As the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroads--and a choice that will determine the destiny of all vampires.

Why?
Why not?! The series is, hands down, the BEST "vampire" story out there, and I don't care what you say! :-D Added to the amazingness of the series as a whole, the cover is simply gorgeous-- beautiful, eye catching, and dramatic. I love it! October is far too long to wait though... Wish I could get my hand on an ARC!

Oh, and if you have yet to read this series: run to the store. Seriously. Or else hurry over to Amazon (link above!) and click on the pretty shopping cart on the page for "Blue Bloods". You won't regret it, I promise!

Lusting for Covers (14)

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

Here's what you do:

1- Take the graphic (left) to use on your post. Remember to give credit to the original host (TBQ).

2- Choose your own book cover that you've fallen in "lust" with in the past week. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! If you find a cover that catches your eye, then showcase it on your blog, and let others see the pretty covers out there.

3- Copy the direct link to your own L4C post into the comment section on my post (when in doubt, use this link and then scroll down to find the post), and allow others to come and see what you picked!

(OPTIONAL):

4- Besides posting the picture of the book cover you chose, it's nice to provide the book summary, title, author, or a website link for the book. It's not required, but it can help you readers' to add more books to their own list! A brief "Why I choose this cover" is also appreciated, but not required.


NOTE: PLEASE link back to my blog (http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspot.com) somewhere in your post, letting viewers know that it is my meme, not something you are trying to call your own. Failing to do so, with the intent of actually calling this your own work, will result in trouble! I hate threatening, but really, is it so hard to post a link that says "This meme is hosted by TBQ."? Link love is great, and actually quite easy-- please use it!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's my candidate for the week:

Title: Infinty: Chronicles of Nick

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Publisher/Publication Date:  St. Martin's Griffin (June 8, 2010)
Summary (Amazon):
At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. Until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.
Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one. A world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.
But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.
Like starting high school isn't hard enough. Now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended! How in the world is he supposed to do that?

Why?

After starting her "Dark-Hunter" series, and loving it, I knew I had to get my hands on her upcoming YA novels. Wit and intriguing plots always make up her books, so no wonder I'm excited to read this new one. But the cover is also great--- love the black background with the electric blue shooting out, and the shiloutte (too lazy to spell-check it today, LOL) of the boy, "Nick", is very eye catching. :D