Hello friends. Today I'm going to do something that I've never done before in this blog. And that is to share some book title recommendations.
About a years ago, I got back into reading. When I say reading, I mean the kind where I did not have to highlight every other word or mark the pages for future reference. The kind of reading I am talking about is one that is only for leisure. It seemed like when I got back into school, I have forgotten how to read just for fun.
So anyways, a year ago, I got back into it again and have read a few titles that I talk about over and over again to anyone that would be willing to listen. So with that I figured that I would compile my favorite books in my blog so that a. they are all in one place and b. it would be easy to point my friends to a source.
Also, if you are looking for more of my latest reads, you can always check my "Goodreads" account and the link is located on the right hand side of this blog. I signed up for a reading challenge there this year and my goal was to read 68 books. I have been a voracious (is that even an appropriate term for reading?) reader lately and as of August, have read 72 books and counting.
Now I don't want you thinking that I have some kind of superpower that I am able to that. Know that I don't watch TV much, and I am a fast reader. Sometimes when the book is not really engaging me, I would skip some paragraphs and just read the dialogue parts. I also read before I go to bed every night and, like I said before, I do this for fun. My mind might wander a bit from time to time but then again I am not going to be quizzed after reading it so I don't put too much stress on myself with what I'm reading.
Ok so enough of that. Let's go on with the recommendations.
I love both regency/proper romance as well as Contemporary lit so I will divide my post and in this one I will concentrate on the proper romance suggestions. Here are my five favorites...
1. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
If I were to tell you a book that you NEED to read, this one is it. This was actually the book that got me reading again last year. I seriously could not put it down. I have probably read this about 8 times already and I own the ebook and the printed version of this book.
Love, love, love this book. The story line wasn't just a romance story. It included selfish love for family and there was even some "action" scenes. I couldn't put it down. So happy for the ending and for Marianne. She deserved Phillip. I just have to add that this book was some major swoony factor. Every interaction between the two main characters are perfectly crafted and their banter is just too cute for words. Seriously the perfect read if you want to put a smile on your face.
2. Friends and Foes (The Jonquil Brothers #1) by Sarah M. Eden
This was a really great read. I love the story line and the banter between Philip and Sorrel. I also liked the "action scenes". This book had it all and with a great balance. I have to say that the chemistry between the two characters alone makes me want to read this book over and over again. I love female leads that are smart and witty. Gone are the days when we have leads that are "damsels in distress". Sorrel was one of those strong characters but have some weaknesses and in those weaknesses where we see the value of a hero like Philip. Philip on the other hand is such a dandy and focuses more on his outside appearance that he becomes a joke. But then this is all a front for a secret that he keeps, even from his family. I'm telling you this one is such a great read. Warning though, this is part of a series so you might have to prepare yourself for reading a few books in this series. But they are all so well written :)
3. Seeking Persephone (The Lancaster Family #1) by Sarah M. Eden
I am a big fan of Ms. Eden. My advise if you are going to start reading her books, you need to start with this one. This book is the first one from the Lancaster family plus some of the characters here will also show up in the Jonquil brothers series as well. I love starting series from the beginning,even if they say that books can stand alone. There are little details that will have more meaning to you, as readers, if you know the backstory of certain characters and you cannot really get that with the little snippets in the consequent titles.
This story was super cute. It reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. I love how the love story between Adam and Persephone evolved. But I have to admit, my favorite character was Harry (Adam's best friend). He is so funny and yet very intuitive. He is a great friend to both Adam and Persephone. Adam is also a fun character to get to know. Just like "beast", he is so misunderstood but there is a soft side to him. He is also very hilarious.
4. Heir to Edenbrooke (Edenbrooke 0.5) by Julianne Donaldson
This novella is a perfect way to accompany your Edenbrooke reading. I even have read this one plus Edenbrooke simultaneously. Yes! I am that obsessed. I love how reading them side by side, especially during the character's first encounter helps me better understand each person and their thoughts during their first meeting.
Being that one of my favorite books of all time is Edenbrooke, I could not pass the chance to read this too. I loved the back story of Philip and what came about before the fateful night that he met Marianne at the inn. It helps me see why he was acting unlike a true gentleman on their first encounter. I had more sympathy and respect for his character because of that.
I have to say that my favorite part of this book is his viewpoint of the banter between him and Marianne at the inn. And the sweetness of his realization that Marianne is different from all the ladies of the ton that he has met before. I love the ending but wished it was longer. I would have loved his viewpoint and feelings throughout their time in Edenbrooke.
5. Mr. Darcy's Diary (Jane Austen Heroes #1) by Amanda Grange
I cannot talk about regency romance novels without paying homage to Jane Austen and her wonderful books. I have always loved Pride and Prejudice. It's one of my favorites from Jane Austen and I felt like I was living under a rock because I just recently found out about these series of books from Amanda Grange. I didn't know what to expect from this read. I have never viewed Pride and Prejudice's story line in Darcy's point of view and this version got me really believing that his initial snobbish demeanor was not a conscious effort to be so above everyone else. It was a combination of many factors like his upbringing, his resolve to be the best gentleman that he can be and other things. I especially loved the little peek at life after him and Elizabeth got married. That was so sweet to see him and Lizzy entertain family and friends at Pemberley. Even Lady de Bourgh seemed to have softened her stance on the Bennetts. So sweet. I will definitely read this again.
It seems that many versions of the classic Pride and Prejudice have either gone dark (ie zombies) or really sexually graphic but this one was still pretty clean and I love that.
So that's my top five regency/proper romance favorites. I hope this helped you weed through the many books out there and that if you have not ready any of these titles, that you will give it a try. Let me know what your favorites are too as I like to always add great reads to my "to be read" pile.
Till next time,
Grace
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