Mischief by Laura Parker

Back cover copy:

ONE NIGHT OF SURRENDER

When Napoleon brings his war to Persia, clever but shy Japonica Fortnom is chosen by the ailing Viscount Shrewsbury to arrange his escape from Baghdad. Desperate, she turns for help to the infamous Hind Div, a man as mysterious as he is merciless. Thinking her naught but a wily assassin, he drugs and seduces her in a night of passion that marks her very soul. Realizing her innocence too late, he agrees to send her to safety, aching to find her again some day...

TWO FATES INTERTWINED

Pushed into a hasty marriage to provide the dying Viscount's five daughters with a trusted guardian, Japonica finds herself wed, widowed, and with child--all in the space of a fortnight.

A year later, she arrives in England, wishing only to settle her unruly charges with Devlyn Sinclair, the new Viscount. She is stunned to discover he is none other than her savior and seducer--and that war wounds have left him with no memory of his former identity, or of their night together. Wary of claims he might make on their child--and her--Japonica keeps the past a secret, even as they share a household. Yet there is no denying the powerful emotions that draw them to each other...now and evermore.

I picked this one up at work. I couldn't resist that it starts out in Persia. The back cover copy is actually quite accurate. It does a good job of explaining things without giving too much away.

Japonica is a great character. She's used to being on her own and is independent without falling into feisty territory. She's quite strong and I could even forgive her for the secret baby plot point. And suffering heroes? Devlyn definitely suffers. Literally tortured, he's now got a hook for a right hand and suffers from mood changes and crazed nightmares and fevers. They definitely had a lot to deal with to get their HEA.

I'm still trying to decide if this is a definite keeper, but it's up there. Quite enjoyable and if you're in the mood for a Napolean-era romance set in Persia and England, you might try picking this one up.

I'm 22 weeks along!

So I'm over halfway done with this pregnancy. Things are going well. Of course, I still can't believe how much I can sleep. At least I have an excuse.

We had our final ultrasound on Friday. All is well and she's right on track. I feel like these last few months are going to fly by and that I really should get on top of things such as painting the nursery. I already plan to do a forest theme and am using this as inspiration. I also have an obsession with owls and have scoured etsy looking for ideas. Haven't bought any yet, though. It always seems too early, or there are bigger things that I want to buy before buying all the little things.

I've also found that the Baby Center boards are addicting and although I post quite infrequently, I can spend way too much time perusing them.

At least I have plenty of people to ask for advice. Sarah, Angie, and Jane have all been quite useful.

Also, the thing I've craved most is mac & cheese. Most lunches that I have at work are of Easy Mac. Yum. Although right now I really want a DQ Blizzard. And Wendy's Frosties are always good....

*that pic is neither me, nor what I look like. Still don't look very pregnant.

Meeting "The Rogue"

I'm working on a review of Dead and Kicking by Wendy Roberts, but don't have it up yet.

Also, the very fabulous Mcvane is working on a new blog look for me based on my fave Chat Noir from a few years back.

In other news, a funny moment at work happened when Sarah Palin* and her entourage came in to sell her book, Going Rogue. Much hilarity ensued when she wasn't happy with her offer, which led to perhaps changing the name of Half Price Books to something else when she gained office. Also, when Half Price Books' hippie-roots were mentioned, hippies were dissed. Anyways, you had to be there and it was so funny. I definitely had a hard time keeping a straight face.


*a much younger SP, actually. This one wasn't old enough to have grown children.

Happy New Year!

2010 is going to be a crazy year, I predict. Mostly from adding to the family.

No real resolutions this year, though I do want to try to blog more. And take more pictures.