I've read several of Allison Lane's Regencies and enjoyed them, although her books have a different style and perspective than many Regency authors. (This book references several of her previous books - even including footnotes referring to previous books! - but I was able to follow the story even though I hadn't read all of the previous books in the series.)
Kindred Spirits by Allison Lane
(2002, Regency) 2/4/07
Grade: 3
Jack believes that he’s lost his honor after Waterloo, and is on the verge of suicide when he meets Marianne, the young girl he saved from the French 12 years earlier. She’s been in seclusion since then, afraid of going insane from the memories of her family’s death. Can Jack save her from her uncles machinations - and can she persuade him to live again?
A typically serious regency from Allison Lane. I found the story compelling, although I got tired of the hero’s constant whining about “bad blood” and “lost honor”. But the heroine was sympathetic, and their relationship was believable and interesting. The characters aren’t very emotional, but I was interested to see how the plot would play out and how the characters would react. Lane has a surprisingly dark view of Regency society, and it gives her books an unusual outlook. However, a revelation in the last pages was extremely disappointing - it undercut the entire “message” of the story, and annoyed me. I had to grade the book down accordingly.
I've read several books where the author throws in a "dramatic revelation" in the last chapter, which eliminates a problem that the hero and heroine have spent the whole book overcoming. The heroine doesn't want to marry an untitled man, but in the end she decides that love is more important. And then - poof! - he gets a title. The hero is poor and doesn't want to get involved with the heroine because she's rich. He gets over the problem, and then - poof! - he inherits a fortune.
Authors may think that this makes the ending "even more happy" but to me, it just seems like a cop-out. It makes the hero and heroine's emotional triumph over their obstacles seem hollow. Maybe some people like this kind of ending, but it really spoils a book for me.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Issue Romance
I love a good "issue romance", a type of story that Harlequin Super Romance used to specialize in (and still does, sometimes). There's something compelling about a hero or heroine who is able to open her heart and find love, even while overcoming a personal obstacle.
Warning: there's a bit of a spoiler in the review of this book, although I don't think it's a major spoiler.
The Word of a Child by Janice Kay Johnson (HSR 1009)
(2001, Contemporary Series) 1/27/07
Grade: 4
Three years earlier, a police officer came to her door and accused her husband of molesting a child. It ended Mariah’s marriage, even though the charge was never proved. Now, as a middle school teacher, Mariah has to deal with that same officer to help one of her students - and she finds herself more attracted to him than she’d expected.
An interesting and well-written book, although as is often the case with Johnson’s books, the secondary storyline is more compelling than the romance. I wanted to know what happened to Tracy, the student who accused a teacher of rape, and I was tempted to flip ahead to see how that part of the story would turn out. Sometimes the romance between Mariah and Connor seemed like an intrusion. But both the hero and heroine were well drawn, and they were both nicely mature people, capable of dealing with Mariah’s ex-husband as well as their tentative relationship. It was interesting that the question of the ex-husband’s guilt or innocence is never completely cleared up - unusual in a romance.
I've been looking up some older books by Janice Kay Johnson, since I've enjoyed so many of her books that I've read so far. How nice to have found a new author (or at least, new to me) that I enjoy reading!
Warning: there's a bit of a spoiler in the review of this book, although I don't think it's a major spoiler.
The Word of a Child by Janice Kay Johnson (HSR 1009)
(2001, Contemporary Series) 1/27/07
Grade: 4
Three years earlier, a police officer came to her door and accused her husband of molesting a child. It ended Mariah’s marriage, even though the charge was never proved. Now, as a middle school teacher, Mariah has to deal with that same officer to help one of her students - and she finds herself more attracted to him than she’d expected.
An interesting and well-written book, although as is often the case with Johnson’s books, the secondary storyline is more compelling than the romance. I wanted to know what happened to Tracy, the student who accused a teacher of rape, and I was tempted to flip ahead to see how that part of the story would turn out. Sometimes the romance between Mariah and Connor seemed like an intrusion. But both the hero and heroine were well drawn, and they were both nicely mature people, capable of dealing with Mariah’s ex-husband as well as their tentative relationship. It was interesting that the question of the ex-husband’s guilt or innocence is never completely cleared up - unusual in a romance.
I've been looking up some older books by Janice Kay Johnson, since I've enjoyed so many of her books that I've read so far. How nice to have found a new author (or at least, new to me) that I enjoy reading!
Angst By-The-Numbers
I love a good tortured hero, but that isn't enough by itself for a great read.
The Bride Sale by Candice Hern
(2002, Regency Historical) 1/31/07
Grade: 3.5
After being blamed for the death of his wife and son, Lord James Harkness has withdrawn from the world, even though his tenants see him as a heartless villain. But when he saves Verity from a “bride sale”, he finds himself charmed by her sweetness and generosity. She sees beneath his cold exterior to the troubled but loving man underneath.
Full of angst, but surprisingly, I didn’t connect emotionally to these characters. James is a by-the-numbers tortured hero, but his slowly building attraction to Verity seemed authentic. But Verity was just a little too perfect - she’s loved by everyone and seems to have no flaws. She didn’t have enough personality to really make the story come to life. The depiction of village life in Cornwall was well done, and overall it was an enjoyable read, just not as emotionally gripping as it could have been. I
Surprisingly, I was far more moved by Candice Hern's lighter Regency, Change of Heart. Even though it wasn't as "angsty" as this book, I cared about the characters more deeply.
The Bride Sale by Candice Hern
(2002, Regency Historical) 1/31/07
Grade: 3.5
After being blamed for the death of his wife and son, Lord James Harkness has withdrawn from the world, even though his tenants see him as a heartless villain. But when he saves Verity from a “bride sale”, he finds himself charmed by her sweetness and generosity. She sees beneath his cold exterior to the troubled but loving man underneath.
Full of angst, but surprisingly, I didn’t connect emotionally to these characters. James is a by-the-numbers tortured hero, but his slowly building attraction to Verity seemed authentic. But Verity was just a little too perfect - she’s loved by everyone and seems to have no flaws. She didn’t have enough personality to really make the story come to life. The depiction of village life in Cornwall was well done, and overall it was an enjoyable read, just not as emotionally gripping as it could have been. I
Surprisingly, I was far more moved by Candice Hern's lighter Regency, Change of Heart. Even though it wasn't as "angsty" as this book, I cared about the characters more deeply.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Catching Up
Although I've been reading (some) over the past couple of months, I've been very lax in keeping up this blog. (Is anyone really reading it?) So I'm posting a bunch of reviews at once, and I'll try to do better from now on.
Looking back on my last few reads, I feel like such a curmudgeon. Really, I don't hate romance - I want to find a great book, I just haven't found one in a while.
Her Perfect Life by Vicki Hinze
(2006, Contemporary) 1/20/07
Grade: 3
After six years as a POW in Iraq, Katie Slater returns home, to find everything changed. Her husband has remarried, her children are strangers, and her only ally is her best friend, fellow fighter pilot C.D. Quade. How can she make a new life for herself, reconnect with her children, and come to terms with her experiences as a prisoner?
The first half of this book was emotional and compelling. Katie’s struggle to deal with her memories, while finding a way back to her children and family, was heart wrenching. But in the second half, the emotions started to feel false - more “after school special” than real life. Everything turns out perfectly for Katie - her children quickly fall into her arms, her best friend is conveniently carrying a torch for her, and even her PTSD is limited to a few minor quirks. It was nice to see the heroine succeed, but the sugar was piled on with a trowel in the last part of the book.
I kind of feel like the wicked witch, disliking such a nice, well-intentioned book. But nice is not enough! (I should turn that into a t-shirt...)
Looking back on my last few reads, I feel like such a curmudgeon. Really, I don't hate romance - I want to find a great book, I just haven't found one in a while.
Her Perfect Life by Vicki Hinze
(2006, Contemporary) 1/20/07
Grade: 3
After six years as a POW in Iraq, Katie Slater returns home, to find everything changed. Her husband has remarried, her children are strangers, and her only ally is her best friend, fellow fighter pilot C.D. Quade. How can she make a new life for herself, reconnect with her children, and come to terms with her experiences as a prisoner?
The first half of this book was emotional and compelling. Katie’s struggle to deal with her memories, while finding a way back to her children and family, was heart wrenching. But in the second half, the emotions started to feel false - more “after school special” than real life. Everything turns out perfectly for Katie - her children quickly fall into her arms, her best friend is conveniently carrying a torch for her, and even her PTSD is limited to a few minor quirks. It was nice to see the heroine succeed, but the sugar was piled on with a trowel in the last part of the book.
I kind of feel like the wicked witch, disliking such a nice, well-intentioned book. But nice is not enough! (I should turn that into a t-shirt...)
One Book Too Many
Although I've never been a huge fan of Nora Roberts, I have a few of her books on my keeper shelf. The last of her books that I really loved were the Chesapeake books - I gave two of them a grade of 5, which is almost unprecedented for me. Could a sequel to this beloved series be anything but a disappointment?
Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts
(2002, Contemporary) 1/4/07
Grade: 2.5
In the final book in the Chesapeake series, Nora Roberts tells the story of Seth, the abandoned boy who brought the brothers together in the previous books. Now, Seth is an accomplished artist, who has come home after years in Europe. He’s running from his past - but can he find happiness with flower shop owner Dru Banks, who has a past of her own?
Although Roberts is always readable, this was a tedious book. It seemed like nothing but “the minor problems of the pretty people”. Everyone in the book is practically perfect, which gets boring after a while. The book spends a lot of time visiting with all the characters from the previous books. They’re all happy, wise and very, very nice, of course. Seth and Dru have a few minor problems, but they seem like “much ado about nothing”, especially in the face of all that niceness. I enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one is more like “old home week” than a real story. Too bad, because I really loved the previous books.
Whenever anyone asks me about the pitfalls of writing connected romances, I'll point to this book. By the time you get to the final book in the series, all the characters are so beloved that you can't do anything but overload on saccharine niceness.
Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts
(2002, Contemporary) 1/4/07
Grade: 2.5
In the final book in the Chesapeake series, Nora Roberts tells the story of Seth, the abandoned boy who brought the brothers together in the previous books. Now, Seth is an accomplished artist, who has come home after years in Europe. He’s running from his past - but can he find happiness with flower shop owner Dru Banks, who has a past of her own?
Although Roberts is always readable, this was a tedious book. It seemed like nothing but “the minor problems of the pretty people”. Everyone in the book is practically perfect, which gets boring after a while. The book spends a lot of time visiting with all the characters from the previous books. They’re all happy, wise and very, very nice, of course. Seth and Dru have a few minor problems, but they seem like “much ado about nothing”, especially in the face of all that niceness. I enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one is more like “old home week” than a real story. Too bad, because I really loved the previous books.
Whenever anyone asks me about the pitfalls of writing connected romances, I'll point to this book. By the time you get to the final book in the series, all the characters are so beloved that you can't do anything but overload on saccharine niceness.
Another Day In Death
Although I'm not a big romantic suspense fan, I never miss an installment of the J.D. Robb "In Death" series.
Born In Death by J.D. Robb
(2006, Mystery/Suspense) 12/6/06
Grade: 3.5
Another Eve and Roarke mystery. Eve is investigating the deaths of two accountants, who may have stumbled across something shady at work. In the meantime, Mavis is about to give birth, and Eve is warily acting as a birthing coach and hosting a baby shower. But when one of Mavis’s pregnant friends disappears, will Eve save the day?
I’m not sure I can give this a proper review, since I read it at a very stressful time in my life. But it’s a decent entry in the “in Death” series. The original case about the accountants was well constructed. I appreciated the way the murder victims were humanized - they weren’t just anonymous bodies. And of course, the subplot about Mavis and her pregnancy was a lot of fun, especially the baby shower. But having the second mystery link in to the original case seemed too convenient, too coincidental. Usually Nora Roberts writes tighter mystery plots in her J.D. Robb books.
I like J.D. Robb's books best when she writes a really tight mystery - so many romance authors write pathetic mystery plots in their RS novels, but Robb usually does better. This one relied too much on a preposterous coincidence.
Born In Death by J.D. Robb
(2006, Mystery/Suspense) 12/6/06
Grade: 3.5
Another Eve and Roarke mystery. Eve is investigating the deaths of two accountants, who may have stumbled across something shady at work. In the meantime, Mavis is about to give birth, and Eve is warily acting as a birthing coach and hosting a baby shower. But when one of Mavis’s pregnant friends disappears, will Eve save the day?
I’m not sure I can give this a proper review, since I read it at a very stressful time in my life. But it’s a decent entry in the “in Death” series. The original case about the accountants was well constructed. I appreciated the way the murder victims were humanized - they weren’t just anonymous bodies. And of course, the subplot about Mavis and her pregnancy was a lot of fun, especially the baby shower. But having the second mystery link in to the original case seemed too convenient, too coincidental. Usually Nora Roberts writes tighter mystery plots in her J.D. Robb books.
I like J.D. Robb's books best when she writes a really tight mystery - so many romance authors write pathetic mystery plots in their RS novels, but Robb usually does better. This one relied too much on a preposterous coincidence.
Western Romance
Even though this book wasn't everything I'd hoped, I'm still glad to see some genuine Western romances - and Native American characters who are portrayed as three dimensional people.
Twin Willows by Kay Cornelius
(1999, Western) 12/31/06
Grade: 4
When Delaware Indian Silverwillow dies in childbirth, she leaves behind twin girls - Anna, who ends up in a Philadelphia finishing school, and Willow, who lives in a Shawnee village with an adopted mother. Neither knows the other exists, until their paths cross again, in the Kentucky wilderness. Will both sisters be able to find love and happiness?
Although it’s a compelling story about Indians and settlers in the 18th century, unfortunately it lacked romance, since the two main couples spent most of the story separated. The author has a smooth writing style that made the book easy to read, and I wanted to learn more about the main characters. She did especially well in depicting the Indian characters, without turning the whites into one-dimensional villains. But the main story consisted of a lot of “running around” and it got frustrating after a while.
This one gets points for trying something different, even if it wasn't completely successful.
Twin Willows by Kay Cornelius
(1999, Western) 12/31/06
Grade: 4
When Delaware Indian Silverwillow dies in childbirth, she leaves behind twin girls - Anna, who ends up in a Philadelphia finishing school, and Willow, who lives in a Shawnee village with an adopted mother. Neither knows the other exists, until their paths cross again, in the Kentucky wilderness. Will both sisters be able to find love and happiness?
Although it’s a compelling story about Indians and settlers in the 18th century, unfortunately it lacked romance, since the two main couples spent most of the story separated. The author has a smooth writing style that made the book easy to read, and I wanted to learn more about the main characters. She did especially well in depicting the Indian characters, without turning the whites into one-dimensional villains. But the main story consisted of a lot of “running around” and it got frustrating after a while.
This one gets points for trying something different, even if it wasn't completely successful.
Out of Order
I've never felt compelled to read series in order, but I guess it's a little weird to read the first book last.
Open Secret by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 12/28/06
Grade: 3.5
Although Carrie always felt out-of-place in her family, she never dreamed she was adopted. But when private investigator Mark Kinkaid shows up at her doorstep, she’s forced to confront the truth. But is her attraction to Mark just a matter of convenience... or something more?
The first in Johnson’s series, this is probably the weakest of the trilogy, but still, it’s well worth reading. Johnson manages to avoid (or confront) many of the “adoption story” cliches, and deal with the push-pull emotions of an adoptee with two families. The romance is not as compelling here, although the characters are likeable and well paired, but it takes a back seat to the adoption story. The whole series is well written and easy to read, and well worth reading.
I'm very impressed by Janice Kay Johnson (who I've read a few times before). She writes a lot of baby books, but I'm hoping to find some more gems in her backlist.
Open Secret by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 12/28/06
Grade: 3.5
Although Carrie always felt out-of-place in her family, she never dreamed she was adopted. But when private investigator Mark Kinkaid shows up at her doorstep, she’s forced to confront the truth. But is her attraction to Mark just a matter of convenience... or something more?
The first in Johnson’s series, this is probably the weakest of the trilogy, but still, it’s well worth reading. Johnson manages to avoid (or confront) many of the “adoption story” cliches, and deal with the push-pull emotions of an adoptee with two families. The romance is not as compelling here, although the characters are likeable and well paired, but it takes a back seat to the adoption story. The whole series is well written and easy to read, and well worth reading.
I'm very impressed by Janice Kay Johnson (who I've read a few times before). She writes a lot of baby books, but I'm hoping to find some more gems in her backlist.
Gothic Revival?
I seem to be reading a lot of gothic-esque books these days. I guess it's become trendy (even though this book is from 1997). But some authors do it better than others...
Annalise by Libby Sydes
(1997, Georgian) 11/13/06
Grade: 3
After the deaths of her other children, Eleanor, the Duchess of Marchfield, sends for her last remaining son, imprisoned in an insane asylum for 6 years. Despite his insanity, she will marry him off to a naive village girl and hope that he produces an heir. But he’s not as insane as his keepers believed - and the village girl isn’t as naive as Eleanor might want.
It started off as an intriguing gothic, in the style of Victoria Holt. Bryson’s struggle to regain his sanity was poignant and Annalise’s strength was admirable as well. But the I hate you - I love you - I hate you - I love you dance went on far, far too long. (At page 300 out of 375, Annalise was still fighting Bryson every time he touched her, and he was still consumed with “animal lust”.) And then both characters turned on a dime, and were devotedly in love, as a convoluted French Illuminati plot threw them together. It was just too much. If Annalise and Bryson had developed their relationship earlier in the story, the book would have worked a lot better.
I loved Libby Sydes earlier book, Until Spring. This one felt... overcooked.
Annalise by Libby Sydes
(1997, Georgian) 11/13/06
Grade: 3
After the deaths of her other children, Eleanor, the Duchess of Marchfield, sends for her last remaining son, imprisoned in an insane asylum for 6 years. Despite his insanity, she will marry him off to a naive village girl and hope that he produces an heir. But he’s not as insane as his keepers believed - and the village girl isn’t as naive as Eleanor might want.
It started off as an intriguing gothic, in the style of Victoria Holt. Bryson’s struggle to regain his sanity was poignant and Annalise’s strength was admirable as well. But the I hate you - I love you - I hate you - I love you dance went on far, far too long. (At page 300 out of 375, Annalise was still fighting Bryson every time he touched her, and he was still consumed with “animal lust”.) And then both characters turned on a dime, and were devotedly in love, as a convoluted French Illuminati plot threw them together. It was just too much. If Annalise and Bryson had developed their relationship earlier in the story, the book would have worked a lot better.
I loved Libby Sydes earlier book, Until Spring. This one felt... overcooked.
Sometimes Sweet Is Good
The third in Janice Kay Johnson's trilogy about a brother and two sisters who were separated after their parents' died. Hard to believe I'd buy a book titled "Kids By Christmas" but everyone needs a little sweet sometimes!
Kids By Christmas by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 11/11/06
Grade: 4
Suzanne has always hoped to adopt a child, maybe to make up for failing her sister and brother, separated from her at the age of six. But she didn’t expect a troubled brother and sister, who aren’t eager for a new mother. And then there’s her neighbor, Tom, who always seemed so perfect - now she’s beginning to see the real man under the neatnik facade.
I bought this book because it’s the sequel to Lost Cause, a wonderfully angsty character study. This is a more traditional story - Mom finds love with kids and hunky neighbor. But sometimes it’s nice to read something warm and fuzzy, especially at Christmas. The author manages to bring these characters to life, and even though they’re unrealistically nice, they seem like real people. (Even if every problem is solved with a heartfelt talk and sharing of emotions...) I especially liked Tom, who’s the ultimate “nice guy”, but fun and appealing too. A pleasant end to this trilogy.
Kids By Christmas by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 11/11/06
Grade: 4
Suzanne has always hoped to adopt a child, maybe to make up for failing her sister and brother, separated from her at the age of six. But she didn’t expect a troubled brother and sister, who aren’t eager for a new mother. And then there’s her neighbor, Tom, who always seemed so perfect - now she’s beginning to see the real man under the neatnik facade.
I bought this book because it’s the sequel to Lost Cause, a wonderfully angsty character study. This is a more traditional story - Mom finds love with kids and hunky neighbor. But sometimes it’s nice to read something warm and fuzzy, especially at Christmas. The author manages to bring these characters to life, and even though they’re unrealistically nice, they seem like real people. (Even if every problem is solved with a heartfelt talk and sharing of emotions...) I especially liked Tom, who’s the ultimate “nice guy”, but fun and appealing too. A pleasant end to this trilogy.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
I Say No But I Really Mean Yes
I've read some of Susan Sizemore's books in the past - most notably Wings of the Storm which I really loved - but not her more recent books. This one is another book from my TBR pile.
The Price of Innocence by Susan Sizemore
(1999, Victorian) 11/9/06
Grade: 2.5
Years after Sherrie Hamilton has left her pirate lover, she comes to London as a respectable widow and mother - only to find her “pirate” is now Earl Jack PenMartyn. To him, she is still his “Scheherazade” and he will do anything to touch her again, possess her again - and despite Sherrie’s protests, he knows that she wants him as much as he wants her.
Really frustrating. At first, I was enjoying this book - Sizemore has a comfortable writing style, and I liked the characters and the unusual setup for the story. But the book quickly turns to one of my least favorite plot points: “they’re so much in lust that they can think of nothing else” and “she says no but she really means yes”. It really started to bother me. Supposedly these characters were more mature and experienced, but they could only think with their groins. After 150 pages of “I’m hot for him but I keep saying no and he keeps ignoring me”, I gave up. I expected more of this book, especially since it got glowing reviews online.
Admittedly, this is a particular pet peeve of mine - I know a lot of romance readers aren't bothered by the "obsessed by lust" characters that drive me batty. But I really thought the "she says no but she really means yes" plotline had gone out with the bodice rippers. The heroine in this book doesn't just say it once, she says it over and over again - and she seems to really feel it, it's not just for show. But the hero ignores her, and he's still considered heroic? Blech, not for me.
The Price of Innocence by Susan Sizemore
(1999, Victorian) 11/9/06
Grade: 2.5
Years after Sherrie Hamilton has left her pirate lover, she comes to London as a respectable widow and mother - only to find her “pirate” is now Earl Jack PenMartyn. To him, she is still his “Scheherazade” and he will do anything to touch her again, possess her again - and despite Sherrie’s protests, he knows that she wants him as much as he wants her.
Really frustrating. At first, I was enjoying this book - Sizemore has a comfortable writing style, and I liked the characters and the unusual setup for the story. But the book quickly turns to one of my least favorite plot points: “they’re so much in lust that they can think of nothing else” and “she says no but she really means yes”. It really started to bother me. Supposedly these characters were more mature and experienced, but they could only think with their groins. After 150 pages of “I’m hot for him but I keep saying no and he keeps ignoring me”, I gave up. I expected more of this book, especially since it got glowing reviews online.
Admittedly, this is a particular pet peeve of mine - I know a lot of romance readers aren't bothered by the "obsessed by lust" characters that drive me batty. But I really thought the "she says no but she really means yes" plotline had gone out with the bodice rippers. The heroine in this book doesn't just say it once, she says it over and over again - and she seems to really feel it, it's not just for show. But the hero ignores her, and he's still considered heroic? Blech, not for me.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Historical In Name Only
Another book for the book club... my track record has not been good so far.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter
(2006, Regency Historical) 10/22/06
Grade: 2.5
Drake Boscastle’s only thought is the courtesan he plans to seduce - until he stumbles on down-on-her-luck companion Eloise Goodwin, who is trying to keep her charge in line until her wedding. As Eloise’s situation becomes increasingly desperate, Drake finds himself attracted despite himself - but is he looking for a mistress, or a wife?
An author who’s trying very hard to be Julia Quinn - and not doing a very good job. The “historical” background of this book is laughable - the hero and heroine run around (and fool around) like it’s the 21st century, with barely a thought about the consequences. The book is overstuffed with handsome rakes who are being groomed for books of their own. But when the author pauses for a moment to actually develop the characters, there are a few nice moments - I liked the heroine, and the hero wasn’t bad either - but it was hard to believe in either one of them in such a contrived book. Some moments of humor helped, but not enough to recommend it.
I'm not a stickler for historical accuracy. I don't worry about which year the waltz was introduced, or searching for mis-used words. But I expect a historical to have some kind of historical sensibility, a sense that the book features characters who have a passing acquaintance with the mores of the time. I can overlook a lot if the characters are really terrific - but when the rest of the book is only so-so, all the other errors are even more glaring.
The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter
(2006, Regency Historical) 10/22/06
Grade: 2.5
Drake Boscastle’s only thought is the courtesan he plans to seduce - until he stumbles on down-on-her-luck companion Eloise Goodwin, who is trying to keep her charge in line until her wedding. As Eloise’s situation becomes increasingly desperate, Drake finds himself attracted despite himself - but is he looking for a mistress, or a wife?
An author who’s trying very hard to be Julia Quinn - and not doing a very good job. The “historical” background of this book is laughable - the hero and heroine run around (and fool around) like it’s the 21st century, with barely a thought about the consequences. The book is overstuffed with handsome rakes who are being groomed for books of their own. But when the author pauses for a moment to actually develop the characters, there are a few nice moments - I liked the heroine, and the hero wasn’t bad either - but it was hard to believe in either one of them in such a contrived book. Some moments of humor helped, but not enough to recommend it.
I'm not a stickler for historical accuracy. I don't worry about which year the waltz was introduced, or searching for mis-used words. But I expect a historical to have some kind of historical sensibility, a sense that the book features characters who have a passing acquaintance with the mores of the time. I can overlook a lot if the characters are really terrific - but when the rest of the book is only so-so, all the other errors are even more glaring.
Chemistry Is All
I've tried a couple of Emma Jensen's "humorous" Regencies, and didn't care for them much, but I'd heard that her single titles were more emotional.
Entwined by Emma Jensen
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/20/06
Grade: 4
Blinded in the war and embittered by the loss of his best friend, former spy Nathan Oriel is hiding from the world - until Isobel MacLeod climbs through his window. She’s trying to save her family from themselves, but finds herself drawn Nathan - and he sees her as a chance to return to the spy game in London, where no one knows he’s blind...
Well-written and sympathetic characters make this book enjoyable and easy to read, especially in the first half. Both Isobel and Nathan sparkle, especially when they’re sparring with each other. The plot is mostly a MacGuffin, and the resolution of the spy story doesn’t make a lot of sense (the last third of the book suffers as a result). But when the author focuses on the hero and heroine, the book shines - well worth reading.
I read the first two thirds of this book in one sitting, smiling the whole time. If an author can create great chemistry between the leads, the rest of the plot is almost superfluous. The book just flows. Too many authors think "chemistry" just equals "lust" but that's only a small part of it - it's the way the characters interact, the way their scenes together sparkle and flow - if an author can make me believe in the hero and heroine, then I'll buy any kind of silly spy plot that she wants to dream up.
Entwined by Emma Jensen
(1997, Regency Historical) 10/20/06
Grade: 4
Blinded in the war and embittered by the loss of his best friend, former spy Nathan Oriel is hiding from the world - until Isobel MacLeod climbs through his window. She’s trying to save her family from themselves, but finds herself drawn Nathan - and he sees her as a chance to return to the spy game in London, where no one knows he’s blind...
Well-written and sympathetic characters make this book enjoyable and easy to read, especially in the first half. Both Isobel and Nathan sparkle, especially when they’re sparring with each other. The plot is mostly a MacGuffin, and the resolution of the spy story doesn’t make a lot of sense (the last third of the book suffers as a result). But when the author focuses on the hero and heroine, the book shines - well worth reading.
I read the first two thirds of this book in one sitting, smiling the whole time. If an author can create great chemistry between the leads, the rest of the plot is almost superfluous. The book just flows. Too many authors think "chemistry" just equals "lust" but that's only a small part of it - it's the way the characters interact, the way their scenes together sparkle and flow - if an author can make me believe in the hero and heroine, then I'll buy any kind of silly spy plot that she wants to dream up.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Why Didn't It Work?
I'm always intrigued by books set in interesting and unusual times and places. So a book set in Restoration England didn't have to do much to attract my attention.
Puritan Bride by Anne O'Brien
(2004, Restoration England) 10/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Both the Oxenden and Harley families suffered during the fight between the Puritans and Royalists - but now that the King has been restored, it’s royalist Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, who is in control. He proposes a marriage of convenience to Katherine Harley, to ensure inheritance of the Priory - but can two lovers from opposite sides find happiness?
An interesting time period that I knew little about. I enjoyed learning more about Restoration politics - but I found the book easy to put down and a bit tedious. There was nothing obviously wrong with it (other than a ghost subplot that added nothing to the story) but I just got bored with the hero and heroine. The story was emotional and focused on the characters, but the relationship seemed to stagnate in the second half of the book, and there just wasn’t much to compel me to finish the book. (Maybe if I’d been in a different mood when I read it? Hard to say.)
I didn't hate this book - but I started reading it two weeks ago, and practically had to force myself to finish it. I can't explain exactly why, but it just didn't grab me, even though it seems like a book I would like. No chemistry, I guess.
Puritan Bride by Anne O'Brien
(2004, Restoration England) 10/4/06
Grade: 3.5
Both the Oxenden and Harley families suffered during the fight between the Puritans and Royalists - but now that the King has been restored, it’s royalist Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, who is in control. He proposes a marriage of convenience to Katherine Harley, to ensure inheritance of the Priory - but can two lovers from opposite sides find happiness?
An interesting time period that I knew little about. I enjoyed learning more about Restoration politics - but I found the book easy to put down and a bit tedious. There was nothing obviously wrong with it (other than a ghost subplot that added nothing to the story) but I just got bored with the hero and heroine. The story was emotional and focused on the characters, but the relationship seemed to stagnate in the second half of the book, and there just wasn’t much to compel me to finish the book. (Maybe if I’d been in a different mood when I read it? Hard to say.)
I didn't hate this book - but I started reading it two weeks ago, and practically had to force myself to finish it. I can't explain exactly why, but it just didn't grab me, even though it seems like a book I would like. No chemistry, I guess.
Monday, September 18, 2006
When An Author Has Too Much To Say
So many books feel padded, as if the author couldn't fill her page count without repeating herself a few times. But this author has the opposite problem - enough plot twists to fill three or four books!
Dedication by Janet Mullany
(2005, Regency) 9/18/06
Grade: 3.5
Twenty years after her affair with Adam Ashworth, Fabienne is shocked to see him again - now a widower with grandchildren. Between Adam’s reappearance, and her relationship with the daughter she gave up years earlier, Fabienne unburdens her soul to the mysterious author Mrs. Ravenwood - not knowing that the author is actually Adam.
This book is difficult to grade, because it’s a mixture of good and bad. As much as I liked the characters, the book was a jumble of plot points, thrown in almost at random - everything from hidden babies to secret sex societies to unrequited gay love to big misunderstandings. I started wondering what other bizarre twist the author might throw into the mix. But the characters were unique and interesting - it was especially refreshing to read about a hero who’s a grandfather (and who loved his late wife), and a heroine who didn’t waste away when the hero left her. And there were some nice moments of humor and emotion - if only they’d formed a coherent whole!
Alas, I was really looking forward to this one, since it was recommended by a friend. But despite my problems with it, I'll still be looking for the author's next book - she definitely has potential. (Her next book is supposed to be a "Regency Chick Lit". Doesn't sound promising, given my taste in books, but I'm willing to be persuaded.)
Dedication by Janet Mullany
(2005, Regency) 9/18/06
Grade: 3.5
Twenty years after her affair with Adam Ashworth, Fabienne is shocked to see him again - now a widower with grandchildren. Between Adam’s reappearance, and her relationship with the daughter she gave up years earlier, Fabienne unburdens her soul to the mysterious author Mrs. Ravenwood - not knowing that the author is actually Adam.
This book is difficult to grade, because it’s a mixture of good and bad. As much as I liked the characters, the book was a jumble of plot points, thrown in almost at random - everything from hidden babies to secret sex societies to unrequited gay love to big misunderstandings. I started wondering what other bizarre twist the author might throw into the mix. But the characters were unique and interesting - it was especially refreshing to read about a hero who’s a grandfather (and who loved his late wife), and a heroine who didn’t waste away when the hero left her. And there were some nice moments of humor and emotion - if only they’d formed a coherent whole!
Alas, I was really looking forward to this one, since it was recommended by a friend. But despite my problems with it, I'll still be looking for the author's next book - she definitely has potential. (Her next book is supposed to be a "Regency Chick Lit". Doesn't sound promising, given my taste in books, but I'm willing to be persuaded.)
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The Demise of the Regency
When the word came down that Signet and Zebra were abandoning the Regency, I put in a big order at Amazon. I ordered every recent Regency that seemed to have any potential at all, in hopes of finding a great read. So far, I've been disappointed - out of that entire group of 2005-2006 Regencies, I haven't found one excellent book yet. (Besides the ones I reviewed here, there were several more I couldn't finish.) I have just one left - I'm crossing my fingers!
The Marriage List by Dorothy McFalls
(2005, Regency) 9/16/06
Grade: 2.5
After being wounded on the Penninsula, Radford, Viscount Evers, has decided to do his duty and get married. He’s even picked out the perfect girl - she’s feather-brained and a bit mean, but she fulfills all the qualities on his “marriage list”. If only he wasn’t intrigued by May, who is being pressured into marriage to an elderly neighbor to protect her beloved aunt.
So frustrating! At first, I thought this would be an enjoyable Regency. The characters were interesting, even if the situation was cliched. But as the book continued, the characters just kept spinning in place, and becoming more and more annoying. The hero’s insistence on marriage to the nasty Lady Lillian started to seem stupid instead of befuddled, and the heroine’s dithering became TSTL instead of charming. Add in some silly misunderstandings and out-of-nowhere plot twists at the end, and you have a frustrating reading experience. And I really wanted to like this book!!
Thankfully I have over 200 Regencies in my boxes of TBR books. Maybe those older books will be more promising.
The Marriage List by Dorothy McFalls
(2005, Regency) 9/16/06
Grade: 2.5
After being wounded on the Penninsula, Radford, Viscount Evers, has decided to do his duty and get married. He’s even picked out the perfect girl - she’s feather-brained and a bit mean, but she fulfills all the qualities on his “marriage list”. If only he wasn’t intrigued by May, who is being pressured into marriage to an elderly neighbor to protect her beloved aunt.
So frustrating! At first, I thought this would be an enjoyable Regency. The characters were interesting, even if the situation was cliched. But as the book continued, the characters just kept spinning in place, and becoming more and more annoying. The hero’s insistence on marriage to the nasty Lady Lillian started to seem stupid instead of befuddled, and the heroine’s dithering became TSTL instead of charming. Add in some silly misunderstandings and out-of-nowhere plot twists at the end, and you have a frustrating reading experience. And I really wanted to like this book!!
Thankfully I have over 200 Regencies in my boxes of TBR books. Maybe those older books will be more promising.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
A More Realistic Western
I've never understood why American historicals aren't more popular. Millions of people visit historical sites like Williamsburg and read nonfiction books about American history, but American-set books are currently "out of style". Although I like English historicals, there's something particularly compelling to me about stories set here in the U.S.
So Wide The Sky by Elizabeth Grayson
(1997, Western) 9/12/06
Grade: 4
Nine years after she was captured by Indians at age 15, Cassie now has to readjust to white society. The tattoo on her cheek ensures that no one can forget her past. She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Drew, now a bitter widower who hates Indians - but it’s the half-Indian tracker, Hunter, who understands being caught between two worlds.
A compelling story about a unique heroine. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It’s brutally honest about the white’s view of Indians during the 1960’s, and the Indian response to the white settlers. (Most books gloss over both of these.) But a lot of the book is somewhat depressing to read. Cassie’s relationship with Drew is painful and frustrating, and her relationship with Hunter doesn’t really develop until almost the end of the book. I was glad I read it, but I was also glad when it was over.
It was hard to grade and review this book, because I think I'll remember it for a long time - but it wasn't always "fun" to read.
So Wide The Sky by Elizabeth Grayson
(1997, Western) 9/12/06
Grade: 4
Nine years after she was captured by Indians at age 15, Cassie now has to readjust to white society. The tattoo on her cheek ensures that no one can forget her past. She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Drew, now a bitter widower who hates Indians - but it’s the half-Indian tracker, Hunter, who understands being caught between two worlds.
A compelling story about a unique heroine. I’ve never read anything quite like it. It’s brutally honest about the white’s view of Indians during the 1960’s, and the Indian response to the white settlers. (Most books gloss over both of these.) But a lot of the book is somewhat depressing to read. Cassie’s relationship with Drew is painful and frustrating, and her relationship with Hunter doesn’t really develop until almost the end of the book. I was glad I read it, but I was also glad when it was over.
It was hard to grade and review this book, because I think I'll remember it for a long time - but it wasn't always "fun" to read.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Even A Great Author...
doesn't write a keeper every time.
Miss Billings Treads The Boards by Carla Kelly
(1993, Regency) 9/7/06
Grade: 3.5
After her father’s death, Kate’s only choice is to become a governess - but she ends up taking to the stage with a motley band of actors. Lord Henry Grayson, bored and balding, stumbles into the same theatre group (after being shot by his nephew) and finds himself on the stage with a new “wife” - and after a few days with Kate, he doesn’t want the masquerade to end!
This was a charming Regency that started to wear thin by the end. It was refreshing to find a balding hero, and the theatre setting was interesting. There were a few too many secondary characters, but I managed to keep them straight by the end. But the main problem was the relationship between the hero and heroine - by the halfway point, the relationship had stalled, and it didn't develop any more until the end. Even though I liked the hero and heroine, the last half of the book felt like the same thing over and over. Not one of Kelly’s best books, but still worth reading.
I keep hearing rumors that Carla Kelly might write some more books for Harlequin Historical. Even when she's not at her best, her books are still worth reading, so I hope it works out!
Miss Billings Treads The Boards by Carla Kelly
(1993, Regency) 9/7/06
Grade: 3.5
After her father’s death, Kate’s only choice is to become a governess - but she ends up taking to the stage with a motley band of actors. Lord Henry Grayson, bored and balding, stumbles into the same theatre group (after being shot by his nephew) and finds himself on the stage with a new “wife” - and after a few days with Kate, he doesn’t want the masquerade to end!
This was a charming Regency that started to wear thin by the end. It was refreshing to find a balding hero, and the theatre setting was interesting. There were a few too many secondary characters, but I managed to keep them straight by the end. But the main problem was the relationship between the hero and heroine - by the halfway point, the relationship had stalled, and it didn't develop any more until the end. Even though I liked the hero and heroine, the last half of the book felt like the same thing over and over. Not one of Kelly’s best books, but still worth reading.
I keep hearing rumors that Carla Kelly might write some more books for Harlequin Historical. Even when she's not at her best, her books are still worth reading, so I hope it works out!
At Last! A Great Book!
I picked up this book when I was browsing at Waldens - I haven't heard anything about it online, and it's too bad people are missing out!
Lost Cause by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 9/6/06
Grade: 4.5
After a motorcycle accident, Gary decides to contact his sisters, who he hasn’t seen since he was three. After his parents death, they were separated, and he was adopted by abusive parents. Gary is reluctant to open his heart up to anyone - but maybe it’s time to start fresh - and maybe the red-headed social worker is also worth a bit of his heart as well.
A really wonderful, emotional read - one of my best reads of the year, almost a keeper. The author does a great job depicting Gary - his reluctance to feel and love, and his struggles to overcome the past. The romance takes second place to Gary’s emotional journey and his relationship with his sisters, but there was enough connection between the hero and heroine to convince me, especially in the second half. These characters seemed like real people, and I didn’t want the book to end so I had to say goodbye to them!
The next book in the series is coming out in November, although it's a "cute kid" book, like so many other series books these days.
Lost Cause by Janice Kay Johnson
(2006, Contemporary Series) 9/6/06
Grade: 4.5
After a motorcycle accident, Gary decides to contact his sisters, who he hasn’t seen since he was three. After his parents death, they were separated, and he was adopted by abusive parents. Gary is reluctant to open his heart up to anyone - but maybe it’s time to start fresh - and maybe the red-headed social worker is also worth a bit of his heart as well.
A really wonderful, emotional read - one of my best reads of the year, almost a keeper. The author does a great job depicting Gary - his reluctance to feel and love, and his struggles to overcome the past. The romance takes second place to Gary’s emotional journey and his relationship with his sisters, but there was enough connection between the hero and heroine to convince me, especially in the second half. These characters seemed like real people, and I didn’t want the book to end so I had to say goodbye to them!
The next book in the series is coming out in November, although it's a "cute kid" book, like so many other series books these days.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
A Hero Named Ravenscar?
With a hero named "Ravenscar", you can't take anything too seriously...
The Devil Earl by Deborah Simmons
(1996, Regency Historical) 9/5/06
Grade: 3.5
Although she’s always been fascinated by Wolfinger Abbey, Prudence never thought to meet the Earl of Ravenscar, who has a dark reputation. She’s happy to use him as inspiration for her gothic novels. But when she meets the mysterious Earl, she finds more fascinating than frightening - and she’ll take any risk to get to know him better.
An amusing send-up of gothic novels, but somewhat lacking in emotion. The author has a lot of fun with the stereotypes and cliches of gothic castles and brooding heroes, but although she tries to create well-rounded characters for Prudence and Ravenscar, I never quite bought it. (At one point, Prudence comments “she knows him so well” although she’s only met him twice at that point. How does she know him?) I enjoyed the story, but I never felt emotionally connected to the characters, especially when the plot goes over-the-top at the end with pirates and smugglers.
Amanda Quick also poked fun at gothic conventions in a couple of her early books, but her heroes and heroines always felt more real to me. Despite the author's efforts, I always felt I was reading "a book" when I was reading The Devil Earl.
The Devil Earl by Deborah Simmons
(1996, Regency Historical) 9/5/06
Grade: 3.5
Although she’s always been fascinated by Wolfinger Abbey, Prudence never thought to meet the Earl of Ravenscar, who has a dark reputation. She’s happy to use him as inspiration for her gothic novels. But when she meets the mysterious Earl, she finds more fascinating than frightening - and she’ll take any risk to get to know him better.
An amusing send-up of gothic novels, but somewhat lacking in emotion. The author has a lot of fun with the stereotypes and cliches of gothic castles and brooding heroes, but although she tries to create well-rounded characters for Prudence and Ravenscar, I never quite bought it. (At one point, Prudence comments “she knows him so well” although she’s only met him twice at that point. How does she know him?) I enjoyed the story, but I never felt emotionally connected to the characters, especially when the plot goes over-the-top at the end with pirates and smugglers.
Amanda Quick also poked fun at gothic conventions in a couple of her early books, but her heroes and heroines always felt more real to me. Despite the author's efforts, I always felt I was reading "a book" when I was reading The Devil Earl.
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