Thursday, January 13, 2011

Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Genre: Teen Lit

Publication Date: January 2011

One Word Review: Fun

Author Website: www.elizabetheulberg.com

First Line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.”


GoodReads Synopsis
: After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London. Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway? Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

Kathy’s Review: Like many others, Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite books. I haven’t read too many spin-offs, since I think the original is perfection. But, when I heard about Prom and Prejudice I knew I had to read it. So, last night I downloaded it to my new Kindle and curled up and enjoyed reading my favorite story with a few modern twists.

I thought Eulberg kept pretty close to the original plot, making a few adjustments here and there. I liked that it was similar, but also wondered if it was too similar? I enjoyed the boarding school setting and the fact that it was in modern times. I of course liked Will and Lizzie, and all the supporting characters. The story moved along nicely and I ended up reading it in one sitting. I loved that it was clean and cute. I enjoyed Eulbergs first novel The Lonely Hearts Club and I enjoyed Prom and Prejudice, so I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next.

Bookworm Rating: 4.5

Monday, January 3, 2011

The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

Genre: Regency Romance

Publication Date: December 2010

One Word Review: Fun

Author Website: www.sarahmeden.com

First Line: “Blast it all!”

GoodReads Synopsis: When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he asssumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he couldn't be more mistaken--the maid is not only a lady of birth, she's the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentlemen, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle.

Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine's utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife's transformatoin from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately each of them wonders if theirs maay become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted. As a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

Kathy’s Review: When I was surfing the net the other day and found that Sarah Eden had written a new book I went out and bought it right away. I didn’t read the description or anything; I just knew I had to have it. Regency novels are becoming a favorite of mine. I love the setting, the (clean) romance, and just everything about them. Eden has written many regency novels, unfortunately only two are out in print right now (Courting Miss Lancaster and To Kiss A Stranger).

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the storyline of Crispin and Catherine being forced into marriage and slowly coming to love one another. I’m a sucker for a good marriage-of-convenience story anyway. Crispin was a good leading man, doesn’t always think before he speaks, but he has a good heart and tries his best to take care of his new wife. Catherine has had a hard life, especially the past eight years which have made her pretty timid and a little emotional. Underneath all the fear, she has a spunky personality that Crispin is determined to draw out.


I liked Courting Miss Lancaster a little more, but I still really enjoyed curling up with this one. I can’t wait for more from Sarah Eden!

Bookworm Rating: 4