Free and bargain romance ebooks + Discussion February 2014

[Carmelreader]

Originally Posted by Blossom

You can add Shana Galen to the Category One. Her dialogue is too modern even the swear words she uses. It doesn't feel like a regency at all. I have to read them though as I bought it. I wish I had been more aware...

I switch to a Karen Hawkins book instead. I was in the mood for something light hearted.

I found them at OD so decided not to get them and am glad I didn't. I would rather read another type than a Cat 1 mistorical. And I like your category system! Good idea.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by Carmelreader

I found them at OD so decided not to get them and am glad I didn't. I would rather read another type than a Cat 1 mistorical. And I like your category system! Good idea.

Thanks I thought it might help out. I'm on Chapter 8 of Lord and Lady Spy. It's really modern though but the writing is so simplistic it's super easy to read.

Have you read Abduction of Julia by Karen Hawkins? It's was a 5 star read for me. It's the start of her many books as all her characters are connected in some way. I'm sure OD has it if you looking for an entertaining read and Nick who later get his own story stole my heart.

[worktolive]

I feel like I have to stick up for authors like Tessa Dare and Theresa Romain (whom I'm currently reading). Tessa is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I just read my first by Theresa Romain and would rate it a "B". I will freely admit that they are basically modern romances with modern sensibilities and some historical window dressing, but that doesn't lessen my enjoyment of them at all. I know it's a fairy tale, and I don't care.

I don't usually rec those types, since I know that many of you prefer the more traditional historicals, but I'll be sure to note that they are quite mistorical if I do happen to mention one.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by worktolive

I feel like I have to stick up for authors like Tessa Dare and Theresa Romain (whom I'm currently reading). Tessa is one of my favorite historical romance authors, and I just read my first by Theresa Romain and would rate it a "B". I will freely admit that they are basically modern romances with modern sensibilities and some historical window dressing, but that doesn't lessen my enjoyment of them at all. I know it's a fairy tale, and I don't care.

I don't usually rec those types, since I know that many of you prefer the more traditional historicals, but I'll be sure to note that they are quite mistorical if I do happen to mention one.

The problem is they are killing the genre! Publisher think this is what readers want and why many have stopped reading historical romance because of it. Given a few more years no one will know what a real regency was. Most of these authors do not even do research of the time period it's pure laziness and it's sad. Tessa Dare irks me because she knows how to write the time period and yet choose to use the gimmick of writing these ridiculous stories instead.

[library addict]

I think the all England-all the time is what is really killing historicals. Twenty years ago we had too many TSTL heroines and virtually no male POV, but we did have a multitude of settings: westerns, the Caribbean, more of Europe (not just England, Scotland, and France), even some Russia. Personally I would love to read more books set in China, Japan, etc. But I burned out on historicals a few years ago. I have a ton of newish ones in my TBR pile, but haven't been in the mood to read any.

It all goes in phases. Five or six years ago it was hard to find good contemporaries. Sooner or later there will be a big break out book again for historicals and they'll pick up again. And then we'll be lamenting the lack of paranormals or something

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by library addict

Personally I would love to read more books set in China, Japan, etc

I think Jeannie Lin is set what you are looking for.

[library addict]

Originally Posted by Blossom

I think Jeannie Lin is set what you are looking for.

Yes, I have all of her books. She's hit or miss fo me.

[Blossom]

Originally Posted by library addict

It all goes in phases. Five or six years ago it was hard to find good contemporaries. Sooner or later there will be a big break out book again for historicals and they'll pick up again. And then we'll be lamenting the lack of paranormals or something

I wish I could believe it but I see a horrible trend in not just historical romance but in all romance genres. The authors coming on the scene just do not understand the English language and have let today's culture influence their writing. I bet they do not even think about certain words that we who grew up would have never used in our own writing 10 years ago. I don't want to call it dumb down but looks at 50 Shades or most of the indie authors who are selling like hot cakes right now. Simple is in and the problem is Simple does not work with the historical genre.

[Keslynn]

Originally Posted by library addict

I think the all England-all the time is what is really killing historicals. Twenty years ago we had too many TSTL heroines and virtually no male POV, but we did have a multitude of settings: westerns, the Caribbean, more of Europe (not just England, Scotland, and France), even some Russia.

Agreed. I'm tired of the all-Regency all the time channel. I do enjoy some of them but there needs to be more variety within the genre. That's probably why I'm a bigger fan of paranormal.

[booklover6]

Originally Posted by Blue2u

Which folder is 'Calibre Settings'? I remember somebody saying it's AppData>Roaming>Calibre. Is there anything else?

Where is the Calibre settings folder on a PC? Is it the Calibre folder in Programs?

Never mind, I found it.

[copyrite]

free @Amazon:

Second Tomorrow
Anne Hampson

old blurb:
SHE WAS A PRISONER OF HER PAST.

Clare had dedicated herself to the memory of her fiance, but it was hard to keep that vow under the warm, star-filled Caribbean skies in the strong arms of Luke Mortimer.

And Luke was waging a campaign to win Clare's heart with the same arrogant determination that had won him his fortune and his tropical islands.

Clare could not struggle against the love she felt for Luke, but she dared not surrender without breaking the bonds of guilt and sorrow that chained her to a long-dead love.

new blurb:

When Clare's fiancée dies, she's devastated, and she vows to keep his memory alive. But then, on the warm, sunny beaches of the Caribbean, she meets handsome and arrogant Luke Mortimer--a man determined to win her heart.

Luke pursues Clare relentlessly, but she's torn between holding on to the memory of the man she once loved and allowing herself to fall again. Will she stay faithful to a long-dead lover, or give in to the man who pursues her?

[hannahi]

Another wishlist freebie that I found at Amazon--
Darcie's Dilemma by Sue Moorcroft
http://www.amazon.com/Darcies-Dilemm...ie%27s+dilemma

[apesmom]

Historical on sale from Grand Central Forever

What a Wicked Earl Wants (Sinful Scoundrels #1) by Vicky Dreiling - $1.99
Kindle | Google

WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ..

[apesmom]

Historical on sale from Avon

Summer is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston - $1.99
Kindle | Kobo | Google

His heart is unavailable.
Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…

Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature.

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her.

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society's rules, al a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more

[Blue2u]

Originally Posted by booklover6

Where is the Calibre settings folder on a PC? Is it the Calibre folder in Programs?

Never mind, I found it.

Ack, is there another folder I should be backing up?


Free today, Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout
You know she's autobuy author for me, but no, I haven't read this yet. This is prequel novella to new YA/PN series she's written.
blurb: In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

"With her signature flare for combining humor, romance and action, Armentrout weaves a fast-paced read that will have readers' hearts racing in more ways than one. Like Armentrout's previous heroines, Jasmine is fun and full of attitude, while Dez is as snarky as he is sexy. This is a must read for new and old fans alike!" -RT Book Reviews