Books
I just finished Why Dukes Say I Do by Manda Collins. This is the first in the, " Wicked Widows" series. While there are some authors that I routinely check to see if they have any new work, I typically find the historical romances I love so much at my local library, just perusing the stacks. Because of this, once in awhile I check out a book that I have already read, but that doesn't happen often. However, to save myself some time when I get home from the library I check my shelves on Goodreads.com (side-note: if you are a reader and do not have a Goodreads account you are missing out. Click the above link to check it out) to see if it is one I have already read. Turns out I had yet to read anything my Manda Collins.
I was delighted by this book. It is the story of the widow, Lady Isabella Wharton, a woman that has a few secrets from her past and Trevor Carey, the newly titled Duke of Ormond. Isabella is essentially blackmailed by her deceased husband's mother into leaving London and going to the country to try and convince the Duke that he must come to London and take up his Ducal duties.
Trevor Carey has no desire to go to London and is perfectly content to remain on his country estate with his sisters. He has little affection for London society and prefers a simple life. The Duke and Isabella strike a bargain that may bring the reluctant Duke to London after all, but Lady Isabella's past rears its head and someone has followed her all the way from London to cause her harm. Now the Duke and Isabella must figure out who is after her before it is too late.
This was a very enjoyable read. It is well paced, the budding romance between Isabella and Trevor is refreshingly more direct than in most historical romances. There are interesting supporting characters and while there is the element of mystery, it is written in such a fashion that it does not weigh the rest of the story down. I found myself not wanting to put the book down and as soon as I had finished it I immediately went online and had the titles that my library owns by the author put on hold for me. I even put in a request that they purchase one that they didn't have. I cannot wait to read the next one by Manda Collins. If you prefer to purchase your books either print or digital, just click on the book image above and you should be taken to Amazon to order.
TUNES
I have have been listening to a couple of tunes over the past week or so. One is an oldie
but goody and the other is a bit newer. The first is, "Luka" off of Suzanne Vega's 1987 release, Solitude Standing. Some of you will remember that when this song was released it seemed you could not turn on a station that wasn't playing it. I liked it then, but I had not heard it in a very long time until recently. Turns out I still really like it. Surprisingly the song has not had the longevity as "Tom's Diner" which was released on the same album. It isn't that version of "Tom's Diner" that is still played today, however. It is the 1990 remix done by DNA with Suzanne Vega. Luka is a happy, sing along type of song that just happens to be about child abuse.
The second song is equally as happy and up beat, but it too has a disturbing a message. It is about planning to shoot kids at school. It is "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People It was originally a viral hit, but was released on the 2011 album Torches after the group was picked up by a label. Yes the story line is horrible, but the song is so upbeat and catchy that you can't help but sing along. Interestingly, songs that are upbeat and tell me to be happy don't appeal to me in the least, but for some reason these two songs, although told in different styles can lift my spirits. I don't know if I really want to ponder what that says about me. Again, with either of these songs, you can click on the image and be taken to Amazon. You can preview the songs and purchase the album or just the single.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am not the most eloquent person and I am sure I have grammatical errors, but I hope you found it helpful or enjoyable anyway.
See ya next time.
