Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Fire and Ice Tour: Special Mini Review of Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn!



I was suppose to have a great guest post today by an author that I really love but with email fail, time constraints, Twitter troubles and a busy life we could never get our schedules together and a guest post created in time, so sadly she isn't able to be here today. 

So instead I thought I would review a fabulous prequel novella I read this past week for one of my favorite historical romance/mystery writer's, Deanna Raybourn.

As some of you may or may not know I love reading about the 1920's. It was a crazy wild time in our history. With the war ended, many husbands, fathers, sons and brothers were gone and the world was on the cusp of change, especially when it came to woman.

Woman started working outside of the home leading their own lives and really standing up for themselves and making a name in the world. 
 They started becoming factory workers, pilots, nurses and secretaries to name a few. 

Plus, hello, the roaring 20's. Need I say more?

So it is without further ado I give you, Whisper of Jasmine.



Book Description:
New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn transports readers to a magical New Year's Eve party in 1914, where two guests will discover the passion of a lifetime in this prequel novella…

Notorious socialite Delilah Drummond won't be deterred by the war. Instead, she decides to throw the event of the year, and she's handing out invitations with an eye for wanton fun and wild abandon.

There is the dashing explorer and archaeologist Gabriel Stark, a man at a crossroads in his life. Brilliant and restless, he's just committed to a secret enterprise that forces him to play a public role very different from the man he truly is.

And then there is the charming if flighty Evangeline Merriweather. Evie has dreamed her whole life of adventure. Little does she know, she's about to get more than she bargained for. Especially after her vivacious Aunt Dove acts as fairy godmother, if a saucy one, providing a scandalous gown and a whisper of jasmine on her skin….

Evie will shake cool Gabriel to his core, but just how far are they willing to take love at first sight?

One seductive night will change Evie forever. Watch for her next adventure, in the City of Jasmine.




One of the best parts about the novella besides the amazing story and characters is that it is FREE right now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble so make sure you pick up a copy for yourself.


The early 1900's just happen to be one of my most favorite time periods to read about and when you combine that with one of my most favorite historical writers, you have a win win situation.

Raybourn is truly a master at her craft. She is just an amazing writer that creates amazing storylines and characters and her Lady Julia Grey series happens to be one of my all time favorite series. 

I just knew with that series being put on hold (at least I am really hoping it is only being put on hold) I missed her writing and decided that it was about time that I branched out and tried another one of her books. When I saw this prequel to a book set during WWI I knew I had found the one to try. 

And can I say for the record that I loved it? It has all the magic from her Julia series but in a completely different era with completely different characters. It was fabulous. This may be a novella but it is packed full of goodness that by the end, leaves you craving the next book. 

With romance in the air and mystery and dangers afoot, I can not wait to dive into City of Jasmine.

Once again I am blown away by Raybourn's talent and skill. I just know this will be one of those books that will stay with me long after I have read it and one that I will eagerly devour when it is released.






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by and outside source, I was not compensated for this review.*



Before you go make sure and check out all the other great stops on the hop today to help bring in Valentines Day and make it all about the romance!


Caroyln@C.M. Brown Blogspot: The Protector Series, He Came For Mine by C.M. Brown
Candace@Candace's Book Blog: Huntley Fitzpatrick: What I Thought Was True
Alicia@Addicted Readers: Tracy E. Banghart: Shattered Veil
Maja@The Nocturnal Library: Jamie Lee Moyer: Delia's Shadow

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19 comments:

  1. I'm sometimes a little nervous to try a different series from an author I love, worried it won't have the same affect on me as the one I fell in love with. It's always the best feeling when it's clear that worry was for nothing though! Glad this one worked so well for you Ali and I can't wait to read your thoughts on City of Jasmine!

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    1. Me too and thanks Jenny! I just started it and am absolutely loving it!!

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  2. I love the roaring twenties and this sounds wonderful, I shall add it to my list!

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  3. Oh I love books set in the 20's! This sounds wonderful! I'll go grab it right now!

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  4. I love this era as well as I like to see what the world was like for my grandparents when they were very young. I am totally downloading this. It sounds wonderful!

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  5. I don't read many fictional books from that time period, but I do love it. The late 1800s - early 1900s really is a fascinating time in history. This sound like it'll be a great series.

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    1. It really is Christy, I think that is why I like it so much. So much happened and not just here either, all over the world.

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  6. I also love the early 1900's It's a bummer her Lady Julia Grey series was put on hold, but fantastic that you have this story to tide you over until you get another book. Lovely review!

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    1. It is a bummer but nice to have something else from her I am enjoying.

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  7. oh early 1900s, lots of possible stories there. I haven't read her books, even thought I been loving your reviews of her books. It's wonderful to hear that she is an amazing story teller. Will have to add her books to my list.

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    1. Yay I hope you do try her one day Lily, she is so worth the read, even if you don't normally like this genre.

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  8. This sounds good, I don't read a lot of historical books, but your review has me curious about this.

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    1. I think you would like this even if you don't care for historical Ellen, there is just something about her writing that draws you in.

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  9. Oh, yes, this pre-World War I period is my favorite too! I rarely read historicals, but when I do, I prefer them to be from that time.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for being so amazing while I was too sick to handle my blog. :)

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    1. You need to try this, I think you will love it too!

      So glad you are feeling better. :)

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