These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer
Rating: 9/10


In spite of the fact that this novel was written back in 1926, These Old Shades is a charming example of historical romantic fiction in the early twentieth century. This was one of the first romances Stephanie Laurens ever read, and you can tell it has had a profound impact on her writing. Very impressive in terms of historical accuracy, even if the manner of speaking is occasionally confusing.

The Glittering Lights by Barbara Cartland
Rating: 4/10


A great plot for its time, The Glittering Lights is a tale of a brave young woman who, when her intended future husband shows more interest in stage girls than in coming and marrying her, she disguises herself as an actress and goes to London to snag him by any means necessary. The story was great until the very last page, at which time the tone changes markedly to how she has found her "master" forever. This really soured me to the story and I found myself disgusted.

Pride & Prejudice
Official website

Jane Austen fans will be happy to hear that the new Pride & Prejudice is looking like a winner. It's set in a slightly different time-period than the much-loved A&E version. This version is different enough to make it worth seeing the story retold. The Bennet sisters are played by Keira Knightley (Elizabeth), Rosamund Pike (Jane) and the noteable new girl Jena Malone (Lydia). Donald Sutherland plays the complaisant Mr. Bennet. The luscious Mr. Darcy is played by Matthew MacFadyen and Mr. Collins by Tom Hollander, both of whom you might know from the movie Enigma. Judi Dench is perfect for the role of Lady Catherine de Bourg. Roger Ebert liked it, too!


The Libertine
Official website

The synopsis makes it look like the story of Byron... a rake! A Rogue! The story of the Earl of Rochester, a 17th century poet who was not appreciated until after his death. I hold to my opinion that there has never been a bad Johnny Depp movie so.... this one looks like a winner!


Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Official website

Harry needs no introduction but having seen it, I can say that it was fantastic, with more romance now that the kids are growing older. Hermione looks great at the ball and Fleur is suitably haughty. And Harry looks stupendous in a tux, while Ron's is a bit... shall we say ruffled?


Legend of Zorro
Official website

Alejandro De LaVega is now a daddy. His beautiful wife, Elena, and their precocious young son, Joaquin, are his most precious possessions... but duty calls and he continues to put on the mask. The mask of Zorro! *insert flaming Z here* But since Alejandro won't give up the mask, Elena dumps him! Then she starts dating some stuffy French count! Of course, he's got to be bad. .. While the plot and dialogue here are not really all that, we still get great eyefuls of the sezy swordsman in black and his ethereal Latin beauty.


Shopgirl
Official website

Claire Dains makes an appearance as a girl torn between a younger struggling musician and an wealthy older divorcee (Steve Martin). I'm a big fan of Claire from as far back as My So-Called Life and such, not to mention Romeo and Juliet...

Segment: Romance Podcasts
Two great new podcasts for romance readers and writers


Sherrilyn Kenyon's Midnight Ramblings - All about the Dark Hunters
Katie MacAlister's KatieCast - Fun questions from fans

Segment: Latest News
Two long-awaited books have hit the stands.


Lisa Kleypas's Wallflower series - It Happened One Autumn


The second book in Lisa Kleypas's Wallflower series - It Happened One Autumn came out yesterday. I walked over to the mall and picked it up straight away! I've been waiting almost a year since finishing the first in the series - Secrets of a Summer Night.


Christina Dodd's Distinguished Academy of Governesses Series - My Fair Temptress


There's also the newest in the Distinguished Academy of Governesses books from Christina Dodd, titled MY FAIR TEMPTRESS. Miss Caroline Ritter offers her services as a gentlewoman in a sort of reverse queer eye when she tutors the mysterious Earl of Huntington. These books are always fun!

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