Helpful Score: 6
Susannah Park, a widow who has been shunned by society, has been asked by her Godfather Sir Joseph to escort James Trevenen, a ship wreck survivor while he is in London to receive a medal. During the two weeks in which James is awaiting his award for his paper on fiddler crabs, he somehow manages to land himself, multiple times, in unusual circumstances where he ends up playing the hero and becomes known as âBeau Crusoeâ. All the while, he is being haunted by a ghost and feels more like a coward than a hero.
Kelly's writing style reminds me some of Georgette Heyer; the way the characters converse most especially. I am no history expert but, it seems to me, that's how they would talk if I was to go back in time. This makes the book seam more genuine, but it can also be difficult to understand. For example, some of the subject matter seams so subtly expressed. This is an interesting book though. The internal struggle that James has with himself throughout the book could have made for a very dark story, not to mention the horrors James went through when he was shipwrecked. Yet Kelly manages to keep the book from feeling too oppressive with more light-hearted escapades interspersed throughout the story. Susannah and James are well suited to each other and Kelly does a wonderful job of developing their relationship. Susannah has her own issues that she has struggle with too. They make a well balanced pair. I liked this story. It is subtle yet still poignant. I didn't rate this story an A because I like more passion in my romance. It was still a very enjoyable read and would I definitely recommend it.
For more reviews visit: http://romancerookie.blogspot.com
Kelly's writing style reminds me some of Georgette Heyer; the way the characters converse most especially. I am no history expert but, it seems to me, that's how they would talk if I was to go back in time. This makes the book seam more genuine, but it can also be difficult to understand. For example, some of the subject matter seams so subtly expressed. This is an interesting book though. The internal struggle that James has with himself throughout the book could have made for a very dark story, not to mention the horrors James went through when he was shipwrecked. Yet Kelly manages to keep the book from feeling too oppressive with more light-hearted escapades interspersed throughout the story. Susannah and James are well suited to each other and Kelly does a wonderful job of developing their relationship. Susannah has her own issues that she has struggle with too. They make a well balanced pair. I liked this story. It is subtle yet still poignant. I didn't rate this story an A because I like more passion in my romance. It was still a very enjoyable read and would I definitely recommend it.
For more reviews visit: http://romancerookie.blogspot.com
Helpful Score: 4
Really enjoyed this book and didn't expect to do so. The characters are so human and well-drawn, not exaggerated or caricatures. I am a big fan of Heyer's Regency books and have frequently been disappointed by the tide of authors who tried to copy Miss Heyer. This book is a real winner.
Helpful Score: 4
I could not put this book down. I enjoyed every minute of it and hated to see it end. Maybe it was predictable and maybe the characters could have been stronger but it was delightful read.
Helpful Score: 4
I loved it. A very witty, wonderfully written story. I almost couldn't believe it was meant to be a regency. There is so much depth and dimension to this story. I gave it an A+ and have put it on my keeper shelf. I would definitely read it again.
Helpful Score: 2
This book didn't do anything for me. I was bored for the most part and skimmed through the last 1/3 to get to the ending. I know that the hero was supposed to have gone through quite an ordeal and is tortured and everything, but when he let Lady Audley bully him again and again without standing up for himself I got quite disgusted with him. Suzanne is likable enough, but not nearly as interesting as her sister. All in all this was quite a disappointing read for me.
