Simmer All Night

Bad Luck Abroad #1

by Geralyn Dawson

Cherished for her "unique charm and delightful sense of humor" "(Romantic Times)," Geralyn Dawson brings a heart-catching pleasure to her romances that readers have come to expect. Now she cooks up a delicious new story where the taste of Texas blends with the flavor of Britain to create her most lovable characters yet. A CHILI QUEEN IN ENGLAND

Independent daughter of socially prominent Texans, Christina Delaney stirs up scandal along with her spicy Texas Red when she's crowned Chili Queen of San Antonio. Her family reacts to this culinary coronation by packing her off to live with her grandfather on his English estate, hoping to transform Chrissy from Chili Queen to countess. Never mind the fact that what she longs for is a modest home and loving family deep in the heart of Texas.

A TEXAN WITH A CRAVING

Born British but reared Texan, Cole Morgan would do anything for the Delaney family, even escort the incorrigible Christina to England. Besides, he has his own agenda abroad: to locate the missing copy of the Republic of Texas' Declaration of Independence. But when a viscount offers Christina marriage, Cole is forced to see that the girt he grew tip with is now a woman whose fiery passion -- and love -- he craves. So he sets out to win her, and in the process proves that only he can make the Chili Queen...

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Contemporary

416 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Geralyn Dawson is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She is a three-time finalist for the prestigious Romance Writers' of America's RITA award and a recipient of their Top Ten Favorite Books of the Year award. She received Romantic Times magazine's Career Achievement award and its Reviewer's Choice award. In 2009, the American Library Association named her romantic suspense novel, ALWAYS LOOK TWICE, as one of the top ten romances of the year.

Reviews

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only thing in the blurb for this book that interested me was the free download. I've never read the author, and not only had second thoughts about downloading it, but third and fourth as well. I don't have a Kindle. I have the Kindle app on my Iphone, and I have Kindle for PC. Most of my downloads are short free reads that can be easily accomplished on these 2 devices. I love books, but due to budget constraints I'm being forced to reread favorites or download free ones. Most of my short free downloads are mildly entertaining for the time that it lasts but in the end I come away with the overall opinion that I'm glad I didn't pay money for it.

I can't tell you the chain of events that led to this book, but like most everything in my life these days I will blame it on the Twitter or one of the bloggers I have gotten to know there. Some one tweeted or mentioned a free download and I took a look. Then I moved on to search other books for my wish list.

Now here are all the reason why I hesitated to download this book:

First, I love historical romances, usually the ones set in England. I have never read an American historical. There is nothing about the wild west yippy kye aye cowboys that appeal to me. (I live in the "Wild West" and it gets really boring.) There just doesn't seem to be enough history and tradition for me in the American West.

Second, the idea of becoming Chili Queen just struck me as utterly ridiculous and I had no idea how that could be so scandalous as to get you sent to England.

Third, in the blurb on GoodReads, there are 2 editing errors. (I have corrected them in my post) Blatant errors in books are my pet peeves and if they can't get it correct in the advertising I have little hope for enjoying the novel.

Here's why I downloaded the book:

I'm sitting at the coffee shop, when horror of horrors, I realize I have forgotten to bring a book with me. I have a couple of hours to kill, and my day isn't going very well. Without a distraction there is a chance I could kill people instead of hours. So I turn to the book that I really don't want to read. I'm desperate and people's lives are at stake. I had No idea it was a full length novel. So here I sit at the coffee shop with only my Iphone and this book that I'm dreading and I begin reading.

Here's what happened:

This book grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon, last night and this morning doing nothing but reading this book ON MY IPHONE. There were times when my eyes strained and my head ached and I could not separate from this book. It is one of the funniest books I have read in a long time. She captured the spirit of America, the stubborn pride and rebellion that makes us at heart who we are. There was always a shenanigan that had me busting at the seems with laughter. By chapter 3 I wanted to be the Queen of all Chili Queens.

Oh there were parts when I wanted to scream at Chrissy to quit rebelling and acting like a selfish child. It did seem as if she held her resistance to marriage just a little to tightly. Her fights against the hero boarders on ridiculous at times. But somewhere in my heart I understood why she fought so hard against marrying the person "chosen" for her, even if he was the one perfect for her. But through the heart ache and the tears the laughter just kept coming. The passion between Chrissy and Cole was hot and swept me up with them. Their fights, their passion, their love, frustration, laughter, I was with them for it all.

And the worse part of this book is right towards the end, you see where things are heading with her brother. Now the only thing I can do is download the next book in this series and follow Jake on his adventures in the Scottish highlands.This book isn't free and I have to read it on my phone, but I will make the sacrifice.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christina Delaney is constantly getting into mischief that scandalizes her proper family. This time she has been crowed the Chili Queen of San Antonio. Family friend, Cole Morgan, finds her dancing barefoot and kissing cowboys. Her mother decides it's time for Chrissy to go to England to visit her Grandfather, hoping he can tame her wild ways. Elizabeth Delaney asks Cole to to accompany her daughter on the trip since he is also traveling to England to look for one of the copies of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Cole has trouble keeping Chrissy out of the mess she makes. He also has trouble keeping his hands to himself.


The first half of this historical romance drags. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it just went on and on. Thankfully, after arriving in England, the story did pick up the pace. I didn't find this book as funny as the first two books in the "Bad Luck" series. Hopefully the next book will be better. My rating: 2.5 Stars.

[Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun light read. This was romance as well as family drama. The characters developed and matured over the course of the story which is good because otherwise Chrissy would have been one of the most annoying characters in Dawson's collection. I did have to remind myself that she was supposed to be young which could contribute to her immaturity.

[Selena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick quirky read light and a bit sexy

[BonJo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book with many smiles.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional!

This story was so full of twists and turns, extremely well researched and written and thoroughly enjoyable! I'm looking forward go the rest of the trilogy!

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining

[Monique Lebrocq · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Texas,
this book’s for you. Chrissy and Cole
are hot as chili.

[Dane · Rating 4 out of 5]

headstrong, a natural flirt, and wild chrissy delaney is done conforming to what a proper lady should be like. good thing that cole morgan finally sees the puzzle chrissy really is.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please see full review at Reader's Edyn: http://bit.ly/vxfziT

Review:
Simmer All Night is the first book I have read by Geralyn Dawson (also writing as Emily March). I have been branching out into various genres of late and find that I have missed my historical romance fix. This book was great for soothing my craving. Containing the necessary elements needed in a Texas based historical, such as the stubborn heroine and the hero with the Southern drawl and sexy charm, I found myself instantly loving Cole and Chrissy. Who doesn’t love a Southern male that wreaks of masculinity? Cole may be a lawyer, but he is Texan through and through. And the drawl? *swoon*

My dislikes within the story focus on situations that may have been drawn out a bit too long. Chrissy and her mother have a difficult relationship. Chrissy does not believe that her mother loves her equally compared to her brother, Jake. As a result, when Cole confesses his love (don’t worry, it’s pretty early in the book, so not a big spoiler here), Chrissy distrusts his announcement. Part of this is because Cole has always been indebted to Chrissy’s mother. Elizabeth took Cole in after he lost his family and treated him as her own despite the differences in social standing. In the end, all situations are resolved fairly quickly once confronted and/or accepted which leads me to believe that they could have been solved quite a bit faster had the characters not been so stubborn.

Another difficulty was the explanation of the villain. Yes, every story must have some type of villain that threatens to separate true love. But this villain, although introduced early enough in the story, is not well explained. He seems to turn into a villain quite suddenly and exits just as abruptly. I found the hows and whys lacking in adequately recounting just exactly how he managed to follow such an evil path. Additionally, I do not know that I understood completely the reasoning behind his … err … specially replicated room. (Don’t want to spoil it – sorry!)

Those issues aside, I found the story enjoyable. Rather than center around one consistent backdrop, Ms. Dawson dares to accomplish bringing two historical settings to life. The crossover from Texas to England in the 1800’s was fun to read. I have a feeling a like feat will occur in the next installment of the Bad Luck Abroad series.

I appreciated the historical additions spread throughout the story pertaining to Texas history; the focal item being the retrieval of the Texas Republic’s Declaration of Independence. Cole is sent to England by Chrissy’s mother to follow a lead regarding the possible whereabouts of the document. But Chrissy’s often scandalous antics result in her being banished to England to stay with her Grandfather. Obviously convenient is Cole’s upcoming trip and so he is elected as Chrissy’s escort. When all is said and done, the lead ends up supplying a new adventure: this time in Scotland. Having weaseled out of the trip to England the first time, Jake is quickly dispatched to Scotland to follow this new lead concerning the Declaration. Let’s see – Jake, a Texan at heart, traveling to the Scottish Highlands? The possibilities are endless. I look forward to reading Bad Luck Abroad # 2, Sizzle All Day.

(Book gifted via Amazon by Emily March: Bad Luck Abroad contest)

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a few words, this book is ‘much ado about not a lot’. Geralyn Dawson drew the character of Christina Delaney just barely this side of an obnoxious eccentric. As the story opens, Chrissy has been named the Queen of the Chili Queens of San Antonio. This might be something to aspire to except she is part of one of the most proper and respected families of the area.

Chrissy is at the rebellious stage and has been for the past umpteen years. Christina’s brother, Jack, and his best friend, Cole Morgan, are always trying to find ways to calm the waters of Chrissy’s latest scandal.

Chrissy's mother, Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of Thornbury, decides to send Chrissy to her grandfather in England. Elizabeth remembers what a task-master her father was with her own pranks. She also sends Cole, a close friend of the family, to England with her. He is trying to find one of the original Declarations of Independence of Texas, which have disappeared over the years. Rumor has it that they may find one among the gentry.

Cole is dedicated to Elizabeth; even though he’s upset with the awful news that he will accompany Chrissy, he does it because Elizabeth asks. Chrissy is furious. It doesn’t take Chrissy long to enter into her seventh engagement (of her short life).

In the end, the confrontation between mother and daughter causes an amazingly quick transformation in Chrissy’s mom. As I was reading this book, it was fun and there were plenty of twists. However, looking over the whole book, it seems a bit silly. Chrissy won’t marry Cole because he ‘doesn't love her as she is.’ After a while, it seemed that there was too much whining about being loved for herself, warts and all.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started as a 4-star; started going downhill about 1/3 way through but sat at a very solid 3 until we got close to 3/4 way done, then it quickly slid into a 2-star. Good thing it ended when it did otherwise it might have ended as a 1.

Despite my rating I found I liked this author, though I had never read her before. The writing was solid and compelling though occasionally she fell into using modern day slang which can be slightly annoying, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was Chrissy -- the female protaganist. People kept saying how sweet and kind-hearted she was, but all I could think was "spoiled little brat". By the time we got to the end I just wanted to take her by the shoulders and scream at her "You don't deserve anyone in your family or Cole!".

I understand the heartache from her backstory, but her behavior was inexcusable and childish as far as I was concerned. I had zero sympathy for her when she continued to act so selfish, used other people just to spite her mother, and refused to accept responsibility for her behavior.

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christina and Cole's story which starts in Texas moves to a country estate in England that belongs to Christina's grandfather.

This is a great addition to the series. Like the first two there is a wonderful heroine who isn't cut from society's mold. Her hero is strong, careful, and at first unaware of his love for her. This story has it all. The usual side of young children who in trying to help get things really exciting. It was a fun read, following Cole and Christina's road to each other.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fun read but barely worth the time. You will take nothing from it except for the fun of it. A free-spirited Texas girl, Christina is sent off to England to tame her wild spirit. She is escorted by Cole Morgan, an orphan the family had raised and she had grown up with. As the story progresses and she becomes involved with an Englishman, Cole realizes he loves her. Thus begins the romantic tug of war and games.

[Kimy Nalder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. In the beginning I knew what the final outcome was going to be, but there were plenty of twists in the middle of the book. Chrissy, the main character was fully developed and likeable. There was a good mix of funny and serious parts.

I will definitely read this book again.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of free ebook I really enjoy. Stress free chic lit, nice junk food reading for a change of pace. I liked the love story in this one, but the chili references and whole bad guy/murder mystery plot details were a bit much.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Liked the characters, although there were a few times Christina's obstinate, stubborn behavior became annoying. However, I still liked the uniqueness of the story. It was overall a fun, light read.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to finish this one because it dragged alot from the middle to the end. You KNOW how it's going to end from the very beginning. I just don't understand why it took so long for Chrissy to grow up.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fu. Premise, epically when you've been in old San Antone.

[Ashley Stringham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started and then it got too trashy, I couldn't finish.

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️]

Kindle Freebie 6/4/12

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read; I laughed out loud more than once and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters in this book, though the plot was a little contrived and there were some seriously corny moments.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gd endg, recognizg & changg negtv behvior towrds a lvd one (mom/daught), lvg a person for who they r. Gd lv affr betw Texans Cole/Chrissy vistg England

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of historical fiction, but I liked all the references to Texas.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first two books, but was disappointed in this one. Not sure I will read the fourth.

[Bianca Benavidez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the plot, the characters were not my favorite.

[Mitzi]

Free Kindle book 11/1/11

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

Free on Amazon 06/04/2012.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

haha i loved this book that girl had some fire in her it was so fun to read