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February 11, 2013

Book Review | Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards, by Kit Brennan


I know I don't post book reviews very often on Gaby's Beauty Blog, and I don't really have a good excuse for it - I just read less since I am working full-time, and when I am not, I work on the blog or I read blogs instead of  books. I am never one to skip on historical romance novels, so when I was given the opportyunity to be sent a complimentary print galley of the rollicking first installment of the new series by debut author, Kit Brennan, I could not say no!

The book - a fun, sexy, fiery romance - follows Lola Montez, an actual historical figure who began as a divorced 20 year old Irish Dancer, but through sheer intelligence, chutzpa, sexuality and political savvy, became Lola Montez, a celebrity sensation in Europe, and a powerful, formidable political force as well. Sort of like Evita Peron of the Victorian age, but much more flamboyant; truly one of the first iconic modern women. What surprised me most was that Lola is real, and her true life is in many ways, more spectacular than the novel.

It is 1842, London, and the gorgeous, ever-capricious 22-year-old Eliza Gilbert, (aka Lola Montez) is in deep trouble and seeks escape from a divorce trial. Desperate to be free, Lola accepts an alluring offer of a paid trip to Spain, if she will only fulfill a few tasks for Juan de Grimaldi—a Spanish theatre impresario who is also a government agent and spy for the exiled Spanish queen, Maria Cristina.

Lola soon finds herself in Madrid, undercover as a performer in a musical play. But when she falls dangerously in love with the target, General Diego de Léon, Lola becomes a double agent and the two hatch a plot of their own. Disaster strikes when the plot is exposed, Diego is captured, and Lola is forced to flee on horseback to France, with a dangerous group of Loyalists in hot pursuit.

Written with zest and a passionate, fiery fervor, Whip Smart will be sure to irresistibly whisk you into a vivid journey through 19th Century, France, England and Spain, riding sidesaddle with Eliza Gilbert, the hot-headed Irish girl, as she transforms into Dona Maria Dolores de Porris y Montez - a.k.a. Lola Montez, The Sensation of Europe! I absolutely enjoyed this fast-peaced, well-written book and its complete cast of amazingly portrayed characters. This tale of passion - not your typical romance novel! - intrigue and danger will suit everyone taste and you will simply not be able to put it down, and I can't wait for the sequel!

Whip Smart: Lola Montez Conquers the Spaniards is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for around $14.95.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

5 comments:

  1. Wow, sounds interesting. I've been wanting to read new books lately, but I don't know what genre I want to start again.

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  2. It's nt the type of novel I normally read but I like the sound of this, different!

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  3. Sounds like a good book, I always like it when a head character finds a way to climb the social ladder.

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  4. This sounds good. I must read it. XOXO

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  5. Oh boy,, moi aussi jje lis moins qu'avant et ca me désole! Je lis quand meme le soir, mais surtout des trucs de self-help ces temps-ci! J'aime bien l'idée de l'espionnage, j'aime bien les mystères!

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