"What Happens in London"

This is my first time reading a Romance Novel by Jula Quinn and I must say that I absolutely loved this book. I guess since reading and all is new to me, and reading Romance Novels right now seems to be my nitch, I imagine I'm just going to devour (meaning reading) all the Romance Novels I can get.

"What Happens In London" really reminds me of Pride and Prejudice, so while reading this book, I kind of envisioned Mr. Darcy as Sir Harry and Lizzy Bennett as Lady Olivia.

Characters are:

Sir Harry Valentine- works as translator ofr War Office, loves Olivia
Lady Olivia Bevelstoke- nosey neighbor, loves Harry
Sebastian- Harry's cousin, free spirited bachelor
Prince Alexi- Russian Prince


The book was refreshing, funny and most of all lovely! I enjoyed this book very much. Sir Harry has moved next door to Lady Olivia and her friends tell her that he killed his fiance. Rumor and gossip flourish London like nobodys business, apparently there is nothing else to do but tell stories whether true or not true. So with this in mind, Olivia does not believe a word of it, but she begins to watch her new neighbor from her window. She watches him for 5 days thinking that Harry has no idea that he sees her when all the while he sees her. Harry works for the military as a translator of French and Russian documents but was still trained to fight in combat. He began to do things in his office to entertain Olivia being that she didn't think that he knew she was watching him. He wore a big hat with feathers and threw papers in the fireplace which he usually wouldn't. One day she was watching Harry, he looked up and their eyes met and she quickly dropped to the ground embarrassed that he saw her. But Harry knew all along she was watching. Their relationship builds from talking at the their windows at night.

Harry and Olivia have that Love - Hate relationship going on which I love! There was adventure and twists and turns in the Romance Novel. I really enjoyed the romantic part of the novel, the way the author described the desire that Harry and Olivia had for each other. It's always good to hear adult and mature descriptions of the loveliest experience one could have.

Sebastians character was very pleasant and he's a ladies man, but sounds like he's a delightful friend to Harry. I pictured him being a vibrant reader and actor as he read excerpts from the Miss Butterworth book Harry gave to Olivia. In the book Sebastian is reading and everyone in Lady Olivia's house is amazed and listeneing even the servants. Tells me that he is one good narrator..

Prince Alexi fancies Olivia but he is not a dumb prince and realizes that Oliva does NOT love him she loves Harry, for this I was greatful. I can't stand it when a man knows that a woman loves someone else and still yet tries to persude her to love him; not kool; get a clue and move on..Bloody Hell!! Love that British slang!

I enjoyed the ending of the book as well. I"m trying my darndest not to give too much information away, but I'll be looking out for more books by Julia Quinn. I must admit this novel reminded me of Pride and Prejudice which is my favorite English Movie of all time. I highly recommend this book to Romance Novel readers. Alot of good stuff going on this novel.Thanks again Ms. Quinn for a most enjoyable book!

"GRACELING"

A Kristin Cashore book which tells of 7 Kingdoms and individuals who have GRACES which they were born with. These graces vary from a Gift of Killing, Survival, Manipulation of peoples thoughts, Sensing peoples feelings, Swimming in water as fast as a fish, Detecting oncoming storms, etc..

Main characters are:

Katsa-Graceling-able to kill with barehands and survival skills- loves Po
Po- Prince from Lienid- graceling-able to sense peoples thoughts and ambushes-loves Katsa
Raffin-Katsa's cousin, Prince of Middluns
Randa- King of Middluns
King Leck- Evil King, Graceling- able to maniulate peoples minds and thoughts
Oll-Katsa works with him, works for King Raffa
Giddon- Works for King Raffa-loves Katsa
Bitterblue-daughter of Evil King Leck (10 yrs old)
Ashen-mother of Bitterblue

This book in the beginning was hard for me to follow probably because it was set in a time of long ago and I just pictured it like in the era of Renaissance. After the edplanations about the different kingdoms and all the kings, the book and storyline was easy to follow. In this book I'm just gonna touch up on the things i found exciting and that caught my attention..

Katsa is the main character who is sent out to inflict pain on people in her Uncle Randa's kingdom who do not pay their debts to the king and things of that nature. Katsa was born with the GRACE of killing with her bare hands and the grace of survival. She killed her older cousin when she was 10 yrs old. She didn't like the way he was trying to touch her, putting his hand on her leg and on her shoulder and she saw how he was touching the other servants. When her older cousin tried to touch her more, she hit him on the nose sending the bone straight up to his brain and he died instantly! Her parents passed away when she was young and was with her Uncle King Randa to live and learn how to control her GRACE of killing and the King would use her for his dirty work and greedy gain. She loved her cousin Raffin whom she grew up with. Her and Raffin were not far apart in years, so they were very close. He was interested in medicines but his father King Randa did not want anything to do with his sons notions of medicine.

Katsa, Oll and Giddon are the Kings workers who set out to go and inflict pain on those people who do not obey the king. During the book we find out that Katsa forms a Council where her and others from other kingdoms unite to help each other. She is able to use her Grace to help solve crimes and things of that nature. They go to rescue The King of Lienids father who was kidnapped. They rescue him and bring him back to Raffin so he can help the grandfather heal from his wounds. On her way to rescue the King of Lienids father, she bumps into a Lienid man who blocks her way while she tries to make her way to the Lienid Kings father. She doesn't kill him like she would anyone who got in her way, she was invinceable! There was something about this Lienid man. They fought and he was rather good. She was not accustomed to this as she is fierce being able to subdue anyone who got in her way. He was quick, and sharp as she was, she thought to herself he is definitely graced in fightin. So in the end, she knocks him out cold, not feeling the need to kill him, but in a sense she kind of trusted this Lienid man..she continued with her mission and rescues the Lienid Kings father. That is her first encounter with Po.

Giddon obviously loves Katsa and is very protective of her, Katsa knows she needs noone to protect her as she can kill anyone. We find out later on that Giddon asks Katsa to marry him and she refuses. From her infancy, she always told everyone, her cousin, the king that she is not to marry anyone and she will not. She sees her GRACE and herself as nothing more than a killing machine, not being able to love anything or herself for that matter. Being the kings #1 killing machine she sees herself as a wild killing person, nothing more.

Her friendship with Po develops as he stays at King Randa's castle and works with Katsa on his fighting skills as a way to stay and find out any information he can get about the motive why his grandfather would be kidnapped. Katsa takes PO to his grandfather who is hidden in Raffins headquarters to help him get better. Po is relieved to see his grandfather is getting better. During Po and Katsa's fighting practices, she always wins the battle, but Po gets better and takes a real beating from Katsa from Day one. As you read on, you can tell that a relationship develops between Katsa and Po. So cutey!

One of my favorite parts in the book is where Po and Katsa are along on their journey to Monsea to find out what and who ordered the kidnapping fo Po's grandfather. Katsa was really frustrated for in her thoughts she knew she was falling for Po and she knew that Po could sense her thoughts and he knew she was in love with him but she would never say it. Po tells Katsa, 'I know you don't want this, Katsa. but, I can't help myself. The moment you came barreling into my life I was lost. I'm afraid to tell you what I wish for, for fear you'll..oh, I dont know, throw me into the fire, Or more likely, refuse me, Or worst of all, despise me, he said , his voice breaking and his eyes dropping from her face. His face dropping into his hands, " I love you," he said. You're more dear to my heart than I ever knew anyone could be." Now that was good stuff! Neither one of them planned things to happen but as the story develops you could tell that they were going to hook up.

Another line Po says to Katsa, that love is simple he says, "I'll give myself to you however you'll take me" Now that is classic. The guy is obvioulsy in love with her. She seems to be one of those beautiful girls with, animal instincts to kill. She has one blue eye and one green eye..Some gracelings have differnt colored eyes.

One of the ways Katsa clears her mind is by fighting which comes natural for her. This part in the book is delicate yet very touching! A WOMANS FIRST TIME..FROM SAVAGE KILLER TO WOMAN IN LOVE!
Katsa told Po, fight me, hit me..and she heals really fast not as fast as the wolverine but quick. They begin to fight, hitting each other and pinning each other to the dirt, getting swinging back and forth, then he stopped saying I taste blood. His hand was bleeding from her boot and her mouth was bleeding from his ring when he struck her. Then Katsa had to make a choice as they were so close to one another, she knew the choice she had to make. She jumped into Po's arms and she was crying because she knew what was going to happen. It felt so good in Po's arms and he rocked her back and forth in his arms. She put her arms around his neck and he grinned then..." his lips touched her throat and nuzzled her neck. She gasped. His mouth found hers. She turned to fire." This part of the book was very sweet! She experienced love in a way she never thought would happen to her at least. BEAUTIFUL!

Bitterblue the EVil King Lecks daughter who would be crowned Princess if anything were to happen the King; she would be the next in line for royalty! Her father is an evil man wanting only anything and everything for himself, greed and lust. Unfortuantely the books doesn't go into detail about his lust for young girls but you get a hint of what he wants to do with his daughter. Her mother Ashen, Po' aunt is in fear for her daughters life and virtue; she stays locked up in her chambers with her daughter. The King (her husband) gets impatient ordering to see his daughter when Ashen hears of this her and and her daughter climb out the castle window and run into the wilderness. She tells Bitterblue to keep on running and so she does leaving behind her mother who is shot with an arrow under the commnd of her own husband. Po sees the whole incident and can't believe what he witnessed the death of his dear aunt. Bitterblue escapes and hides in the hollow of a tree. Po and Katsa set out to find Bitterblue and they find her but she doesn't trust them as she holds her knife in hand with a tight grip towards them.

Alot goes on in "Graceling"..I love this book for the scenery, the adventure to save loved ones, the love story, the graceligs talents and gifts, the many characters each with exciting personalities and relationships with one another a total joy ride as I read this book. This was the first book of this kind that I've read and thoroughly and amazingly loved! Although, I'm still one of the "happily ever after" ending people, the ending was not as I imagined, but once you read it, you'll form your own undestanding and reasoning of why it ended the way it did.
I would definitely read more books such as this one..TEAM KATSA AND PO" all the way!

Another wonderful book to add to my list of great authors and literature..

"Practice Makes Perfect"

Julie James author of this book does a great job of combining the "Love and Hate" relationship between JD Jameson and Payton Kendall. 2 Lawyers working for the same firm for 8 years; different offices, same thoughts! Things get heated when it's time for the firm to make the senior associates Partner for the firm. But, they soon find out that there is no room for 2 Partners and only one of them will be selected for Partner. They both worked hard for the past 8 years for the firm, making snde remarks to one another yet at the same time unable to stop thinking of each other.

Kendall Payton-lawyer, loves JD
JD Jameson-lawyer,loves Payton
Laney- Paytons best friend at the firm
Tyler- Jamesons best friend at the firm
Ben- Payton and Jameson boss at firm

This book was fascinating to me because of the ending. I kind of had a hunch that Payton and Jameson were in love and I thought they were both gonna make partner, but as the story progresses we see a differnt turn, which is lovely!

JD and Payton act like they can't stand each other but we all know its that Love and hate thing they got going on. They were both assigned a case and were to travel to Florida to meet the new Million Dollar Clients which haven't exactly chosen their firm to represent them yet. They were happy to travel together as they had a previous encounter at her place and almost went for the goal..But they didn't. Ne-ways, at a previous dinner they were asked to say something about each other and to their surprise each of them had a lot of nice things to say about each other.
In Florida, they had a nice dinner with the clients and then in the evening it was all or nothing! They had a great time with each other, burning the midnight oil, or as I would say it..Takin that Morning Ride, Evening Ride and Late Nite Ride..it was intense! So they extended their stay in Florida for the whole weekend instead of one night. They were able to talk freely, get to know each other and just fall in love with each other which was nice, since in the book they are just mean to each other..

After their marvelous weekend, it was getting closer to the date where the firm would announce who would be the partner and the other senior associate would probably leave to find another firm to work for. JD and Payton returned to work after their needed weekend together, JD walks to the car and Payton follows and stops JD and says, " This situation between us is totally messed up, " she began. "Frankly, I haven't changed my mind in thinking that whatever decision the firm makes tomorrow is going to be a problem for us. A big problem." "But here's the thing-the alternative means not being with you. And I've been not with you for years, JD I dno't want that anymore." " I think we can get past this partnership thing if we go into it together."
I loved that part of the book, Payton was like "F it" I'm gonna tell him how I feel. I love that about her, she jut made the first move and told him that she wants to be with him, no matter what the firm decides upon. She doesn't know that JD is feeling the same way. As in other books I've read, if you feel the situation is right and you feel like who gives a dayum I'm going for it, then your best bet is to go for it damn it, I would! So she did and I respect Payton for that.

Paytons heart was broken when she found out that JD told the boss that he slept with her in his office which was not true. Truth is, he was jealous when he saw Payton talking with some other client at a company party and he made it up. JD was in love with Payton the first day they met at the firm 8 years ago. The things men do ay yay yay!

The day came when the firm was ready to announce who they chose to be partner..This is one of my fave parts too..JD and Payton sat next to each other and both very competitive, they were in Bens office, right before Ben was to announce who made partner, JD stood up and said, "All right, Paytonm F*** it, I quit Ben." Payton was furious, she did not want to win being partner by default. JD wanted to talk to Payton badly; so after quarreling they went into another room to talk.

Here comes the good parts..he was trying to explain himself to Payton but she was being such a sour puss and upset at JD for the lie he told their boss. So he just came right out and said it, "I'm in love with you Payton." "I've been in love with you since the very beginning. You asked why there isn't anyone else in my life, and the reason ...is you." " I know I've acted otherwise. I know I've been terrible to you at times. That's just a defense mechanism. Because the truth is, every single day for the past eight years I've wanted you to look at me the way you did when we first met." A tear ran down her cheek as she said, " Sorry. I just keep thinking"-how we've wasted so much time." Why didn't you ever say anything?" JD said, "I know, Payton-I wish I could go back, I wish I could take it all back" But I'm saying it now, dont tell me its too late."
I loved that part in the book, how they were both fessing up to loving each other long time ago for 8 years and only now they decide to break the ice and fall in love with each other and express themselves, how kool is that. I respect how JD just let it all out and put the cards on the table. He didn't care much for his pride at the time and was willing to sacrifice whatever would happen to make things work out with Payton. Now that is LOVE!

Another part that caught my emotions was when JD said to Payton, "We can do this Payton. We don't have to let them separate us- that was their decision, not ours. The best part of this job was that I got to spend everyday with you. I don't want to lose that." This is so classic! A man spilling his gutts that he loved everyday because he was working with her, not exactly with her but in the same department and across the hall from each other for 8 years. Whoa like 8 years is enough for me indeed it is; if you don't know you love someone by then, then give it up..haha!
But Payton told JD that they would be together and that from this day forward she never ever wanted to be apart from him again..Aww True Love!

In the end, Payton and JD leave the firm and decided to start their own firm with their first clients the Millionaires from Florida. Ben (their ex-boss) told them that they were fools to leave and try to start their own firm. Payton told Ben, "You shouldn't have let it come down to this Ben. Jd and I both deserve this and if this firm values strategic leveraging over the committment we've shown over the last eight years, then frankly, you don't deseve us."

This book was geat! I loved how they both ended up leaving the firm and how they both finally confessed their love for each other. You dont find out who the firm chose to make partner, but just for the sake of guessing, I thought it would have been JD Jameson. I don't know firms and especially with men like Ben, I think they are trying to keep it male dominated and white collar all the way..But with Payton and JD Jameson on the same team; I think they will be unstoppable and in love!

Thats my take on the book and thank you Julie James for another wonderful novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book, "Something about You" and after I read it i will write my thoughts and my favorite parts of the book on my blog.
I don't really do book reviews, because I'm new to the whole reading and loving books, that I just end up telling what happens in the books I read and telling of my favorite parts and how they made me feel..So if you read my reviews and dont' want to know what happens in the books, then dont read my reviews and thoughts on the books, I totally give it away..

"The Truth About Forever"

This is one of Sarah Dessens YA books which is one of my favorites. I've read alot of her books and plan to read them all. I have yet to do some insight commenting or book reviews of her other books that I've read. Her books evoke anticipation and emotions in me that I haven't even bothered to tap into in a long time. So for this and many more reasons, I really enjoy her books!

Macy- the main character, lost her father-saw him die
Wes- artist, works for Wish Catering
Delia- Wes' aunt, owner of Wish Catering
Bert-Wes' little brother, loves Sci-Fi
Kristy- Macys friend, lively young lady, does and says what she wants, works for Wish
Monica- lives with Kristy, slow paced, doesn't talk much, works for Wish Catering
Jason-Macys Ex-Boyfriend, nerd, all about academics
Macys mother
Caroline-Macys sister

Macy was with Jason for several years and he was a brainiac guy and she just followed suit with his plans, studying all the time for SAT's, doing extra homework and hanging out with noone but Jason. He prepared to go to Brain Camp and thus she is stuck at home for the whole summer by herself and fills in for Jason at the library. When he leaves Macy misses him and sends an email to him saying that she loves him; big mistake. Jason is wound up in his academics that he doesn't have time for distractions and feels that his relationship with Macy at this point in life is a distraction. So he replies to her email and tells her he thinks they should take a break from each other.

Macy's father passed away and she saw the whole thing, He was jogging that morning and before he left the house told Macy to get up and get to running, She didn't feel like running, but got up later and headed out towards their regular route. She finds her dad on the street and a stranger holding him trying to revive him back to life; he passed out and had a heart attack. She's devastated as she was very close to her father!
Then as the story progresses things happen and Macy finds a job, new friends and she finds herself opening up to Wes and enjoying her new life for the summer, outside of her comfort zone!

One of my favorite parts in the book was where Delia had her baby and Macy was there to help. The hospital was too much for Macy to handle as it brought back those memories of her in the waiting room as they waited for the doctors who were tending to her father years ago. She takes the elevator excusing herself from Delia and the others and finds an empty alcove where she began to sob tears as the memories of her father overwhelmed her. Behind her was Wes. He put his hand on her shoulder and she didn't move away as she usually would have. Instead, she gave in and let Wes pull her against him and pressed her head against his chest where she felt his heartbeat steady and true. What a moment! When you're down and out and not at your best, who comes to your aid, WES a true hunk and comforter! He also lost his mother to illness so he has compassion and understands what Macy is going thru.

Throughout the book when Macy meets Wes while working for Wish Catering, she and Wes play the "Truth Game" and this is the way they get to know each other so well. Their likes and dislikes, what their thinking and so forth, The catch is, you have to tell the Truth. I like that game, no long story telling just right to the point..Thus motivated by this, I'm playing the Truth Game with my friend and its going pretty good. No judging of one another, just Truth!

Another part in the book that just got me thinking and I really enjoyed was when Macy runs to look for Wes as he left her house. They had a previous conversation where Macy was telling Wes that I guess things a re back to normal she would be with Jason and wes would be with Becky. Macy is out of breath when she reaches him and told him that there has been a change in the "Truth Game." He didn't understand, she told him that he has to ask her the question he passed and then the game would be over. He didn't know where she was going with this. Macy thought to herself, " I knew, in the silence that followed, that anything could happen here. It might be too late: again, I might have missed my chance. But I would at least know I tried, that I took my heart and extended my hand, whatever the outcome." This paragraph had so much meaning for me. Isn't that the way its suppose to be, to take that chance and if you really have a good feeling about the situation, take that step and go for it..

I'm so glad Macy took that step because when Wes asked her the question, "What would you do if you could do anything?" Macy closed the gap between her and Wes and kissed him right there in the street for anyone to see. She then says, " As for me, I was just trying to get it right, whatever that meant. But now I finally felt I was on my way. Everyone had a forever, but given a choice, this would be mine, The one that began in this moment, with Wes, in a kiss that took my breath away, then gave it back-leaving me astounded, amazed and most of all, alive." Was that deep or what. I love that part in the book.

Macys father before passing away bought her a gift and she wasn't suppose to open it until he told her. When he passed she just pushed the gift aside in her closet. As time goes on and she's friends with Wes, she decides to open the gift and to her surprise it was a sculpture of the angel that Wes made. Her father told her it was gonna be a great surprise and indeed it was!

It's hard when a parent passes away, leaving you with only the memories to reflect on. My father recently passed away last year due to illness. So I could sympathize with Macy as she had flashbacks of her father. Unlike Macy, where she saw her father pass away, noone was in my fathers hospital room when he passed. It was like, he didn't want anyone around when he took his last breath of life! I think he wanted it that way. He wasn't in pain when he passed nor was he conscious according to the doctors, but I believe he could hear us all when we spoke to him. The last night I was with him, it was my watch and I did the night shift. We never left him alone. For some reason in the morning, I looked at my dad as he lay there still and I don't know it was like I was prompted to whisper in his ear, "Dad, if you're too tired and you're body wants to rest and you want to be at peace, its OK.. go ahead, we will be fine! The next day, sure enough he passed away! I was devastated, I didn't know what to say, I regretted saying what I said to him for a moment, but I knew it was his time to go. His body has been thru so much and it was too much physically to try and stay alive to be with your loved ones. I know he gave it his best, but what matters is that he's at Rest with the one on high who brought us all down to earth! Sorry, kind of went off from the book, but what is a book if you can't relate it to real life! Fictional or Non-Fictional it is the Circle of Life!


Delia and Kristy were two characters that made the book come alive and have some real life incidents and attitudes. Delia the owner of WISH, somehow always has mishaps during her catering and its like without them she doesn't really feel normal. In any case, she always handles everything in a fast pace and gets the job done!

Kristy is such a vibrant girl, living life, adventurous and pretty much spills the beans about Wes and Macy and how they both know they want to be with each other but because of their different personalities just can't seem to get it right. She compares Wes and Macy to a novel she read and explains everything to Macys mom and the whole Wish Crew at Macys house while they are at work. Kristy is a kind of friend I wouldn't mind having, Speaks the truth and just tells it like it is, and she also has your back!

Bret is a Sci-Fi junky. He plays the Gotcha game with his brother Wes and always loses. Wes pretty much looks after Bret. He makes me laugh when he pulls up in his new car, what once was an ambulance, too funny

Monica- quiet and sticks to her words of Mmm Hmm for everything

Caroline- Macys sister, she renovates their old beach house, where they have plenty of memories with their father. She was the outspoken and older sister. It was her idea to re-do the house and have her mom and Macy come to take vacation. She was tired of not talking about the good memories they had with thei dad and it was time to move on and remember him and everything he's done for them

Well, this has got to be one of my longest reviews and sharing of my feelings. To all who read it, thanks and enjoy! Sometimes, well most of the time, I can't stop and just type away.