Review: Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

Title: Queen of Someday

Author: Sherry D. Ficklin

Series: Stolen Empire #1

My Rating: ★★★★☆ (more like 3.5)

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction, Romance

Publication: October 7th 2014 by Clean Teen Publishing

Format Read: eARC via NetGalley

Goodreads/Amazon/Book Depository

Description from Goodreads

ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

My Review:

CONS:

- The book focused on what was happening inside the palace, but I was a bit curious to know what was going on outside of it. Sophie constantly said that there would be a war if she didn't marry Peter and become the queen of Russia, but I didn't feel that the stakes were that high. And this is why I believe that the alliances among the European countries should have been explained in detail, because I didn't fully understand how fragile they were.

- When is the story set? I know that it takes place in the past, but I don't know the exact year. I've never been good at history, so I don't know much about Queen Catherine.

PROS:

- I liked Sophie's transformation during her time in the palace. It was interesting to see how this innocent and brave girl became the strong queen of Russia. I was rooting for her from the very beginning, especially since everyone wanted to get rid of her. During her stay in the palace she learned about love, loss and betrayal, but I liked that she didn't let these things faze her; she accepted her fate, and learned to make the best of life.

- I love the historicalness of this book; I was a big fan of the balls, banquets, maze like halls and rich gowns.

- The story wasn't predictable. Whenever I thought I knew where the story was going, something unexpected always happened. I was more than half way through this book and still didn't know how it would end.

- The side characters are very interesting. Obviously, I liked all those who are on Sophie's side, especially Sergei - he was kind and understanding from the very beginning.

All in all, this is not your typical happy ending book. It's happy/sad, but I love the way the book ended. The main character is great and doesn't whine about how unfair her life is. Although I had a few issues with the setting, I truly enjoyed reading Queen of Someday. If you like a lot of drama and intrigue then this book is for you.

Review: 1932 by Karen M. Cox

Title: 1932
Author: Karen M. Cox
Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format Read: Kindle, 204 pages


Description from Goodreads

1932 is a twist on Jane Austen's classic, Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet has always led a pampered existence as the daughter of a university professor in the Midwest until the safety of her world dissolves around her due to unforeseen adversity. Amidst the ensuing upheaval, what -- and who -- might she discover as she rebuilds a life for herself and her family in the sleepy, backwater town of Meryton?

This title won a Bronze medal in the Romance category at the 2011 Independent Publishers Book Awards.

My Review

I'm a big fan of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and I've watched the 2005 movie adaptation of the book countless of times. Although I've never read P&P retellings before, I've been craving for more Mr. Darcy after reading Romancing the Soul by Sarah Tranter. So, I impulsively picked up 1932, and I think I did a really big mistake. I shouldn't have read it because now I'm completely OBSESSED. I read it a few weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about it! It took me forever to write this review because my thoughts were all over the place, and it was so hard to put them into words. Therefore, I think I'll just start by telling how much I love this book! I practically devoured it all in just one day. I was hooked from the very first page and just couldn't stop reading. 

I really like the idea that's inspired the author to write 1932, I think it's singular and really creative. The story takes place during the Great Depression where Elizabeth, a city girl from Chicago, has to leave her home to move to the countryside because her father loses his job. So, the author basically switches the characters' roles: in this book the Bennet family are the newcomers while Mr. Darcy and Bingley grew up in Meryton. 

I like how Elizabeth was portrayed as more responsable and selfless than Austen's Elizabeth. Due to their difficult financial situation she does so much to help her family, and I find it really easy to relate with what she's going through because in these past years, life hasn't been all sunshine and flowers for me either. As for Mr. Darcy, he is noble and proud as always but I like how he also has some insecurities. Aside from Elizabeth and Darcy, the rest of the characters were great to read as well. I love how Mrs. Cox added new characters (like the little Maggie) and twisted the relationship between the other characters (I've never thought I'd be really fond of Fitzwilliam).

Obviously, the romance is one of the main reasons why I love this book. It's sweet, endearing and didn't feel rushed. I love reading all the arguing, and I thought the dialogues were great and clever. At first Elizabeth and Darcy constantly just run into each another, and I like how Maggie plays a big part in bringing them together. There were times when I felt that Darcy looked a bit like a creeper, listening to Elizabeth's private conversation with her sister and all, but then that only made me love him more. Austen has never really gave us a taste of Elizabeth and Darcy's married life, so 1932 is certainly satisfying for that aspect. 

I probably didn’t do justice with just exactly how much I loved this book, so let me just tell you that 1932 succeeds beautifully on an emotional level. 
It was so nice to get invested in the characters I've known for so long all over again. I enjoyed reading all the family issues, the gossiping and the drama. This is one of those books that I would like to forget, so I can reread it again. I highly recommend it!

My rating 5/5 stars

Review: The Noble Pirates by Rima Jean

Title: The Noble Pirates

Author: Rima Jean

My Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★ 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Time Travel, Adventure, Romance

Format Read: Kindle, 443 pages

Description from Goodreads

A vacation in the Bahamas goes awry, and a woman from 2009 unexpectedly finds herself in 1718 - amidst pirates. Sabrina is so consumed with her present-day problems that the last thing she expects is to suddenly end up face to face with real pirates. The notorious bad boys of the Golden Age of Piracy, Edward England, Howel Davis, and "Black Bart" Roberts, become Sabrina's means of survival in the past, and ultimately, her key to returning to the future.The catch? Sabrina happens to be carrying a book about pirates when she is swept into the past, and that book contains biographies of the very men she meets. She forms relationships with them and learns that, contrary to what she previously thought, they are sailors, servants, and slaves who were pressed into service, victims of social and historical circumstances of the era. When Sabrina finds herself falling in love with Howel Davis, a sailor who becomes a pirate out of desperation, she begins to wonder: Can she use her knowledge to change the past?

My Review:

Firstly, I must say that I didn't know anything about this book when I dived into it. Well, except for the fact that it's about pirates. I didn't even look through the blurb because I knew I would love this book! Needless to say that I wasn't disappointed. I love historical stories, and if you add pirates, time travel and a bit of romance in the equation? Simply perfect. 

Our protagonist is Sabrina, a 31 years old lawyer from the 21st century. Due to a storm she's transported back to 1718 where she's rescued by a troop of pirates. While she tries to survive and find a way back to her family, Sabrina dresses like a man and meets several pirates: most of them are really cruel and barbaric, but there are some who are good and honorable, hence the title "The Noble Pirates". 

It's fun to read how Sabrina reacts to the weird events in her life. She has to cope with the old ways of the 18th century where women have no freedom and can't survive without being under the protection of men.

I like how the romance builds up gradually and unhurriedly. At first I thought there was something going on between Sabrina and Captain Edward, but as I learn more about Howel and his hazardous journey to becoming a pirate, I realized that Howel and Sabrina make a good match. Howel makes a great love interest and I think the author did an amazing job on portraying the righteous and caring aspects in his personality. 

There's a bit of mystery going on, and I was really curious to see if Sabrina would be able to change the inevitable. I truly hope there is a sequel because I got emotionally invested in the characters.

Overall this book is full of adventure and piracy. It's a quick read and if you love pirates and need your pirate fix then this book is for you.

Review: Rescued by a Duke by Ruth J. Hartman

Title: Rescued by a Duke

Author: Ruth J. Hartman
Rating: ★ ★ ★☆☆ (3.5)

Genres: Historical Fiction, Clean Romance

Format read: Smashwords, 55,960 words

Synopsis from Goodreads

Sasha Douglas has hit rock bottom. Literally. Left all alone after her brother's murder, she thought things couldn't possibly get worse. Until she finds herself trapped, injured, and frightened with no hope of escape after falling into an abandoned well.

Garrett Rothchild Cantlebury, the 5th Duke of Ravensworth, is shocked to discover a woman trapped in his abandoned well. The place that holds reminders of horrible loss for him. Determined to save the poor girl, he pushes those thoughts aside, refusing to dwell on them. But the rescued damsel in distress ends up making him face a darker truth. One that threatens both their futures.

Can Sasha and Garrett put family tragedy behind them and find love together?

My Review:

This is a sweet and pleasant love story about Sasha, a poor but charming woman, and the wealthy yet kind Duke of Ravensworth. These two meet each other under unusual circumstances; Sasha incautiously falls into a well and injures herself, but fortunately is saved by the Duke, hence the title Rescued by a Duke.

Even though the two meet during a singular incident, they are immediately attracted to each other.

The romance is really cute and heart-warming. I love how the Duke doesn't care that Sasha isn't a member of high society, he knows he loves her and that is all that matters.

The second half of the book is really good. It was intense with a bit of drama.

The story is quite predictable and a bit short for my liking, but apart from that I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to those who are looking for a sweet and clean romance story.