Monday, February 28, 2011

WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE, the latest from Julie Ann Long - I'm giving away a copy!

I ordered WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE by Julie Anne Long after receiving daily excerpts via email from Eye on Romance. (I have found so many fabulous books through them.) I ordered after the second excerpt, it looked that good! I have two reviews that are past due, but after deciding to sneak a quick peek at the first chapter or two, I couldn't put my Kindle down. Yes, those reviews remain unwritten.
WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE is not your typical historical romance. It is frou frou free and lacks elaborate descriptions of gowns and ballrooms, instead focusing closely on the characters and their emotions and motives.
I had a love/hate relationship with a couple of the characters, including the hero, for a good deal of the book. The hero, Alex, is considerably older than the heroine and while today I might find that a tad squicky, considering the times, it's believable. The contrast between them is crucial to the story. The hero at times put me in mind of the television character "House." He's jaded, undeniably tortured, arrogant, and seemingly uncaring of anyone else, almost to the point of cruelty. Undoubtedly one of the most uniquely original heroes I've ever read. The heroine, Genevieve, at first looks to be your typical historical heroine - sweet, young, and innocent, dreaming of a future with the young man she's loved for most of her life. She sees things with far greater depth than most and Ms. Long's descriptions of Genevieve's thoughts and dreams are simply beautiful. It isn't long before the reader realizes that Genevieve isn't exactly what she seems. She's young and innocent, yes, but she's intelligent, courageous and not the least bit intimidated by the brash, worldly Alex. And while Alex seems somewhat cold hearted and unfeeling almost to the end of the book, one unexpected and hugely unselfish act on his part was all it took to toss me head over heels in love with him.
Ms. Long's talent as a historical romance author is a true gift. WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE is an absolutely beautiful story and I give it my highest recommendation.
I've decided to give away a Kindle copy of WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE. If you're interested (and you should be!), just leave a comment. Remember, a Kindle is not required to read Kindle books, so don't let that discourage you from entering. There are several other methods of reading Kindle books. Do you enjoy historicals? Are you familiar with Julie Anne Long's work? I've read several of her books and have yet to be disappointed.
Want a copy of your own - buzz on over to Amazon!
I'll draw the winning name on Friday, March 4th. Good luck!
Thanks for checking it out,
Laurie

11 comments:

Booklover1335 said...

I'm currently reading A Lover Like No Other by Julie Anne Long after reading glowing comments from another author about Julie's books. I would love to win a copy of What I Did for a Duke!

Kati R said...

At 14 years old, I discovered historical romances are my local library and have been in love with them since. I just finished TO LOVE A THIEF which is my first ever Julie Anne Long book. (courtesy of Vauxhall Vixens) I absolutely loved it. I would love to win a copy of WHAT I DID FOR A DUKE and continue to grow my JAL library on my Kindle. Thanks for the chance.

Estella said...

I love JAL books---and I have a Kindle.

Jane said...

I am a fan of Julie's books. I especially love TLAT.

Linda Young said...

Sounds like an awesome book. Can't wait to read it!

Thank you for the giveaway!

Ammy Belle said...

Awesome! Thanks so much!
apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

Scorpio M. said...

I'd love to win a Kindle copy! I have been a fan of JAL's writing, my favorite so far has been Cynthia & Miles' story...Like No Other Lover.

Thank you!

Unknown said...

I love Julie Anne Longs books I have read a few of them. They have all been very good.My little Kindle that my son bought for me is just dieing to download one of Julie's books. Its begging for it. Since it is not very old it wants to put Julie in its memory. Can't you here my Kindle begging.

Chris said...

I just picked up "To Love a Thief" I would love to add this to my collection. Thanks!

Angie-la said...

I am familiar with Julie Ann's books, but on this one; you had me at "The hero at times put me in mind of the television character "House." :)
Now I must read this!

Unknown said...

I have been reading some of her stories and I must say that they are witty and i just can't put it down. So please share this with me.