Finished Pillow Talk by Freya North. This is a contemporary romance.
London jewelry designer Petra Flint is surprised to hear a song on the radio by a boy that she once knew, and Petra wonders whatever happened to Arlo Savidge. She doesn’t know that Arlo now teaches music at an English boys’ school — and that their paths are about to cross again after several years. When Petra and Arlo meet again, they find themselves reminiscing about the past and trying to forge a future together. But a series of misunderstandings and the secrets that they both have threaten to keep them apart for good this time …
There were some things that I enjoyed about this book, especially the English setting, the tidbits about Petra’s work as a jewelry designer, and Arlo’s musings on music.
However, there’s a lot going on in this book. Petra sleepwalks, is devastated to find out that her boyfriend is cheating on her, recalls memories of an elderly woman that she used to visit, and wonders what to do with the exquisite piece of tanzanite that the woman left her when she died. Arlo fends off the advances of a female teacher at his school, teaches music to his students, and struggles with the guilt he feels over how a past relationship ended.
Most of this happens before the two of them meet again. These story lines are interesting, but they really slow down the plot. I wanted to see Petra and Arlo meet and rekindle their relationship, but that doesn’t happen until about a fourth of the way through the book. Then when they do meet, they’re both on their way to somewhere else and don’t exchange contact information, so they have to start searching for each other. Once they finally meet a second time, the plot finally kicks into gear.
Petra and Arlo have a sweet relationship, and it was nice to see them fall in love. However, I didn’t think that a subplot about a past relationship of Arlo’s added very much to the story. Neither did one about Petra’s uneasy relationships with her divorced parents.
Overall, this book didn’t work on every level for me, but if you like stories set in London, you may enjoy this one.
My grade: D+
Would I read this author again: Maybe. I found parts of the book interesting.
Memorable quote: “But it’s not Arlo’s voice. At least, I don’t think it is. In fact, I’m sure it isn’t. His voice is still crystal clear in memory — though I’m having to rack my brains to remember exactly what he looked like.
Arlo Savidge. I wonder whatever happened to Arlo Savidge.”
Finished Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner. This is the first book in her Runaway Brides historical western romance series.
Edwina Ladoux knows that there’s nothing left for her and her half-sister, Prue, after their Louisiana plantation is sold for taxes, so Edwina answers an ad for a mail order bride in hopes of getting a fresh start for her and Prue. Soon, she and Prue are headed to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, where Edwina meets Declan Brodie. Declan has a ranch to run and four kids to raise, and he doesn’t know what to make of Edwina, but the two of them agree to a trial run to see if they can make things work. What they don’t count on is falling in love. Just when things are looking up for the new couple, an old enemy from Declan’s past returns and vows to get his revenge on Declan — revenge that just might involve Edwina paying with her life …
I love westerns, and I was happy to learn that Warner had a new series coming out. I’m also a sucker for the mail order bride plot, which this book features.
I enjoyed a lot of things about the book. I loved the Colorado mountain setting and the way that Edwina and Prue becomes friends with two other single women in Heartbreak Creek (both of whom I’m assuming will get their own books at some point, along with Prue). Plus, Edwina and Declan were both likable characters. It was fun watching Edwina take charge of Declan’s kids, whip them into shape, and get them to trust and respect her. Plus, Edwina and Declan have a sweet, believable romance. They both have their fears and insecurities, but they both see the good in each other.
However, I would have liked to have seen more of the villain, who is off-screen for most of this book. Also, I thought that one of the main problems at the end of the book was solved a little too easily. Warner creates this conflict between Declan and Edwina (which I won’t spoil here), forcing Declan to take a stand and decide what he really wants. But then, the conflict is resolved another way.
Overall, though, this is a solid read. If you like western romances, check out Warner’s books.
My grade: C+
Would I read this author again: Yes. I love westerns, and I like Warner’s books.
Memorable quote: “Edwina already knew the words by heart:
Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English-speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores, and gamblers need not apply.
Such a romantic.”
Is over at:
So I thought I would go ahead and share this before the Touch of Frost blog tours kicks into high gear, but I can finally share the cover art for Kiss of Frost.
I think this cover is absolutely gorgeous. I love her post, the snow, the sword in the title, and the little gargoyle on the left. I think it goes so well with Touch of Frost and the overall cover art style of the series. Plus, this cover really fits the book and the plot. Here’s the back cover blurb:
Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle …
I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword …
Kiss of Frost will be out on Nov. 29, and you can read the first two chapters here. The book is also up for pre-order at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Are you excited yet? I am! 
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