September was a rough reading month for me. I had more books I didn't finish then what I read. Most of them were historical romances/historical fiction. I think I am just going to have to face facts that I can't read these genres anymore. Why is it so hard to break up with a genre???
Title: A Dangerous Inheritance
Author: Alison Weir
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Hutchinson
Number of Pages: 537
Source: Netgalley
England's Tower of London was the terrifying last stop for generations of English political prisoners. A Dangerous Inheritance weaves together the lives and fates of four of its youngest and most blameless: Lady Katherine Grey, Lady Jane's younger sister; Kate Plantagenet, an English princess who lived nearly a century before her; and Edward and Richard, the boy princes imprisoned by their ruthless uncle, Richard III, never to be heard from again. Across the years, these four young royals shared the same small rooms in their dark prison, as all four shared the unfortunate role of being perceived as threats to the reigning monarch
I am a sucker for this time period, but unfortunately I just could not get into this story. I loved the idea that this was about Lady Jane's younger sister, but had a had a really hard time getting into it. The writing was good, but the story itself just did not hold my interest. I had a hard time getting into the mystery itself and found myself not connecting to the characters.
Title: Temptation In A Kilt
Author: Victoria Roberts
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Bad Boys #1
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: Netgalley
It's a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong's desperation that she's seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn't care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control...
He Redefines Dangerous...Ciaran MacGregor knows it's perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he's stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak.
I admit I fell for the cover of this book. Who can resist a highlander in a kilt? Not me apparently..however as much as I used to love historical romances set in the highlands, I think I may have to break up with this genre. I had a really hard time with the accents. I know that the authors want to be authentic, but sometimes it makes me not be able to get into the story being told, and that was the case here. I'm still wondering when this happened, because I used to love books set in Scotland just because of the dialect being told. I feel horrible about not liking this book more, but sometimes a genre just doesn't fit anymore.
The Trouble With Highlanders
Author: Mary Wine
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highlander #5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Number of Pages: 320
Source: Netgalley
After a night of intense passion, beautiful heiress Daphne MacLeod left Norris Sutherland without so much as a backward glance. Norris, the son of a very powerful Earl, is used to getting what he wants — and right now, he wants Daphne back in his bed.When Daphne is kidnapped by a rival clan leader who is intent on forcing her into marriage so that he can control her lands, Norris has a choice to make. Will he let go of the one woman he's ever desired for more than one night, or will he resolve himself to rescuing the woman who has captured his heart.
Le Sigh. Another Highlander book that I couldn't get into, and it saddens my heart greatly. I have to say though, that most of my problem was I didn't know this was book 5 in a series, and while it worked ok as a standalone, I couldn't help but thinking I was missing something that everyone else knew. I really want to go back and read the other books in this series, because I think I would like the book much more having done so.
Title: The Recruit
Author: Monica McCarty
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Guard #6
Publisher: Ballatine Books
Number of Pages: 352
Source: Netgalley
Release Date: October 30th
Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed. The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?
I really don't know what I was thinking requesting all of these historical romances from Netgalley. I honestly thought I would love them. However, this one fared the same as the rest, for the same reasons. This was another one that I didn't realize was apart of a series, but had hopes I could read it anyway. However, this is the book that made me realize that apparently I can only read historical romances that have paranormal elements in them or are time travel romances. Someday, I really do want to give this book another chance, because I think I could like it if I get back into the swing of reading historical romances again instead of so many Urban Fantasies.
The lesson learned this month? Stay far away from netgalley!
