I'm reading the whole Hellions series, and overall, I like Sabrina Jeffries as an author, but this one just didn't do it for me. The lovers bored me (I'm reading the whole Hellions series, and overall, I like Sabrina Jeffries as an author, but this one just didn't do it for me. The lovers bored me (sorry, but they did), and I found myself skimming through some scenes just to end the book faster -- never a good sign. Oh, well, can't win 'em all! (And judging from the book's Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ rating, my views are definitely in the minority!)
Merged review:
I'm reading the whole Hellions series, and overall, I like Sabrina Jeffries as an author, but this one just didn't do it for me. The lovers bored me (sorry, but they did), and I found myself skimming through some scenes just to end the book faster -- never a good sign. Oh, well, can't win 'em all! (And judging from the book's Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ rating, my views are definitely in the minority!)...more
Snuck this off my daughter's shelf for late night reading during my last visit -- first tale I've read from this author, and quite a pleasant read. I Snuck this off my daughter's shelf for late night reading during my last visit -- first tale I've read from this author, and quite a pleasant read. I guess I'll be perusing those shelves for another of Heath's books soon .... ...more
I sometimes think that romances are rated by readers (ordinary readers like me, not people paid to critique a book) based on how closely they identifyI sometimes think that romances are rated by readers (ordinary readers like me, not people paid to critique a book) based on how closely they identify with the heroine. Short, round, and graced with at least a few freckles, I could identify with Lady Stella even if I'm not red-haired and bespectacled. (And I could identify even more with Eloisa James' childhood experience, so take my advice, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ readers, and don't skip the notes at the end. I hope Eloisa shows up at her high school reunion in a limo with her Italian knight husband on her arm!)
This story runs concurrently with the story in James' previous book, The Reluctant Countess. I don't remember reading another romance using that approach, though I've read many with stories that happen consecutively. Though this story works as a stand-alone tale, it did make me wish I had kept my copy of The Reluctant Countess so that I could read it again now that I see how it fits into the whole debutante season. ...more
I'd read Married by Morning years ago, and was willing to escape into it again, but I most liked the second novel, Love in the Afternoon, that told BeI'd read Married by Morning years ago, and was willing to escape into it again, but I most liked the second novel, Love in the Afternoon, that told Beatrix's story. Odd, animal-loving Beatrix who, if she were living in today's era, would definitely wear a T-shirt that says, "I don't care who dies in the movie, as long as it's not the dog." How lovely that she meets a hero who puts up with her animal-rescuing ways . . . . (I say this as a woman married to a man who tolerated -- no, actually participated in -- my rescue of a 3-week-old kitten WHILE WE WERE ON VACATION! So way to go Beatrix -- there are some good ones out there!) ...more
If you like historical romance (aka "bodice rippers"), you can't go wrong with Lisa Kleypas. This was a 2 for 1 edition containing two of Kleypas' preIf you like historical romance (aka "bodice rippers"), you can't go wrong with Lisa Kleypas. This was a 2 for 1 edition containing two of Kleypas' previously published novels (for those of us who missed them the first time around). I quite enjoyed both stories following the Hathaway sisters and their "happily ever afters." Since one story was 3 stars for me and one 4 stars, I'm rating this edition a strong 3.5 stars (even though I don't recall anyone's bodice getting ripped. Lol) ...more
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not going to pass up a story with a vicar's daughter as the heroine . . . .Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not going to pass up a story with a vicar's daughter as the heroine . . . ....more
Another new author for me -- I liked this book enough to go out and buy another by the same author, which is exactly what publishers want readers to dAnother new author for me -- I liked this book enough to go out and buy another by the same author, which is exactly what publishers want readers to do, so I definitely made someone happy!
If you lead a quiet, uneventful life, but you dream of throwing all caution to the winds and letting your wild side show for just one night, then this is the book for you. What happens in London stays in London for our ever-so-dutiful heroine -- right up until it doesn't. And when it doesn't, well, who could resist retribution that comes packaged in such a tall, dark, and handsome form? A thoroughly entertaining escape from the hum-drums of daily life! ...more
I want to remind my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends that a 3 star rating from me is a POSITIVE rating from me. (I say this because my much more literary daughter inI want to remind my Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends that a 3 star rating from me is a POSITIVE rating from me. (I say this because my much more literary daughter informed me that 3 stars is not generally considered a good rating, but when I give it, I mean it quite literally -- "I liked it," so read this review accordingly.)
This was my Christmas romance, though it is not recent. (Copyright is 2013.) I quite enjoyed the intertwining of stories by 3 great authors of romance, all taking as their starting point a most unlikely and ill-advised kidnapping of several potential "brides" (and one inadvertent bystander) by the potential grooms' crotchety old uncle. Much snow-bound silliness ensues, to the delight of any dedicated reader of historical romance. (I would say that this book is very light on history -- and it probably is -- but while taking a Women's Literature through the Ages college class many years ago, I was appalled to read a diary entry by a woman who lived during the middle ages who had to spend long weeks in hiding because the local baron was intent on kidnapping her to obtain her lands through forced marriage. Therefore, the plot of this book may be less far-fetched than it at first seems. However, rest assured, dear Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends, there is no forced anything in these romances. Even the crotchety old uncle merely intends to put his heirs in close proximity to potential brides and has no darker agenda.) So, if you're looking for a light-hearted Christmas read a) do you really shop this early for the holidays? and b) check your local used bookstores for this book !
A very strong 3.5 stars -- I like Quick's heroines. They are always intelligent and never silly (though at times this plot was (-:) I especially likedA very strong 3.5 stars -- I like Quick's heroines. They are always intelligent and never silly (though at times this plot was (-:) I especially liked the first "love" scene which was so very far from perfect. I suspect this is far closer to the truth for most of us than anyone is willing to admit! ...more
I am not entirely sure why I so enjoyed this book, but it definitely was a 5 star read for me (though it's truly a romance and not erotica, so be sureI am not entirely sure why I so enjoyed this book, but it definitely was a 5 star read for me (though it's truly a romance and not erotica, so be sure you're getting what you're looking for if you decide to try it). I identified greatly with the hero of this story (yes, you read that right), who as the eldest in his family, was SO very responsible, and SO very well-behaved, and SO very idealistic, and therefore, SO very shattered when his illusions about his family came crashing down around his ears. I also identified with being young and impulsive and so filled with righteous anger that ill-considered and ill-timed words are spoken (shouted, really) that can never be undone. (I am a preacher's daughter who, as a teen-ager, once told the district superintendent of our church -- my father's boss -- to fuck off. So, yes, I understand being young, impulsive, and disillusioned, to say nothing of stupid.)
As you have no doubt gathered, a major theme of this story is the emotional cost of maintaining a perfect facade for the public and the disillusionment that follows when that facade is shattered. Balogh does a beautiful job of setting the scene; she devotes several pages to describing the idyllic home, village, and family that inhabit Ravenswood before ever introducing, in more that a cursory way, the principal characters in this romance. As the story progresses, she also describes the inanity of the aristocratic loyalty to pretense, a loyalty that I would have thought exaggerated prior to the recent publicity surrounding the British royal family. (No one has missed that, surely.) But she also fills her book with love of family (however imperfect) and the richness to be found in a close-knit community that I found endearing.
The book is full of romantic tropes, of course. The war-weary hero's heart is finally unchained by the love of a good woman. (Apparently, male disillusionment equals running off to war.) True love never dies, even if barely given a chance to begin before the lovers are parted, etc. etc., etc.. But no one I know reads romances to be treated to a heapin' helpin' of reality, so I'm okay with the happily ever after here, complete with charming wedding surrounded by loving family and the goodwill of charitable villagers.
Given that there is a family tree for the Wares of Ravenswood printed in the front of this book, I'm sure that this is the first of several books in a new series by Balogh. And given how much I enjoyed this story, I will be sure to read them! ...more
I enjoyed this, but I do offer a caveat: If you want lots of action (both in and out of the bedroom), this is not the book. Our hero is quiet and dutiI enjoyed this, but I do offer a caveat: If you want lots of action (both in and out of the bedroom), this is not the book. Our hero is quiet and dutiful (though also wealthy through his own efforts and, of course, tall, dark, and handsome) and the heroine can't wait to get out of the societal spotlight and lead quiet evenings at home. If this is not your cup of tea (sipped quietly in the parlor while embroidering -- and that's the hero doing the needlework!), then this is not the tale for you! ...more
I'll always get myself to the bookstore for a new story by Eloisa James. I enjoyed the heroine with a "past" that she accepts as a fact of her life anI'll always get myself to the bookstore for a new story by Eloisa James. I enjoyed the heroine with a "past" that she accepts as a fact of her life and without continuing shame (though curses on you, all scoundrels who prey on innocent young girls, whatever century you live in!) I was happy to see her vindicated. As always with James, a good read . . . ....more
A Pygmalion-type story from the now well-known Julia Quinn of Bridgerton fame, I don't know how I missed it the first time around (copyright 1996). BuA Pygmalion-type story from the now well-known Julia Quinn of Bridgerton fame, I don't know how I missed it the first time around (copyright 1996). But kudos to the enterprising used book store owner who pulled all the Julia Quinn books to the front of the store and showcased them for readers to easily find -- that's a clearly a person who how to capitalize on current market trends! A strong 3.5 stars . . . ....more
I was somewhat bothered by the message that marriage and family is the more satisfying option in our heroine's life, in spite of her successful careerI was somewhat bothered by the message that marriage and family is the more satisfying option in our heroine's life, in spite of her successful career in charitable work (which she has to turn over to someone else when she marries) but not bothered enough to pan this book. It's set in the 19th century, after all, and it is FANTASY. God save us from being politically correct even in our dreams!...more
My Christmas present to myself, books by this author never disappoint. And speaking of the holidays, may everyone reading this have a most wonderful 2My Christmas present to myself, books by this author never disappoint. And speaking of the holidays, may everyone reading this have a most wonderful 2023 free of any disappointment!...more
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