Helpful Score: 2
This is one of my all time favorites by Quick. It's a medieval romance with an interesting story line. A strong heroine that is being forced to marry, as women were in those days, is surprised by a knight with a fierce reputation who values not just the wonderful perfumes and scents made from the flowers her land is famous for, but the woman that oversees their production.
I love all Krentz's books written as Amanda Quick, but especially her older ones.
I love all Krentz's books written as Amanda Quick, but especially her older ones.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book, characters are so wonderful. Very strong-willed woman, strong man with much patience.
Helpful Score: 1
I've been a big fan of Amanda Quick since way back when she wrote as Stephanie James, Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle. How is it possible that she wrote a medieval in the exact same guise as one of her regency or contemporary romantic suspense books. I'm not even kidding, one could substitute the clothes, mannerisms, backdrop, etc. and interchange the genres. That's a neat trick, one I've not seen any other author pull off.
This is not to say that she doesn't do a good job drawing you into the time period, but this could just have easily been set in 20th C. Seattle or 1812 London. Although this particular H&H was new to me, I've read about them before in the author's other works, i.e., the way they interact with one another, make love, spar/argue, make up, etc..
The good news is that Quick is a consistent writer, the bad news is that Quick is a consistent writer. And while the story is an interesting one, I can't help feeling like it's a retread.
This is not to say that she doesn't do a good job drawing you into the time period, but this could just have easily been set in 20th C. Seattle or 1812 London. Although this particular H&H was new to me, I've read about them before in the author's other works, i.e., the way they interact with one another, make love, spar/argue, make up, etc..
The good news is that Quick is a consistent writer, the bad news is that Quick is a consistent writer. And while the story is an interesting one, I can't help feeling like it's a retread.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was a breath of fresh air. I really liked the place where Clare and Gareth meet. Isle of Desire sounds like a magical place. Clare is a perfume maker and Gareth also likes to experiment as well. When Lord Thurston tells Clare she needs to marry, Clare has a few requirements of her own regarding a suitor. This is Clare's recipe for the perfect candidate:
"First, as regards to his physical qualities, the future lord of Desire must be a man of moderate proportions and stature. It has been my observation that extremely large men prefer to rely on brute strength to achieve their ends rather than upon their wits and learning. I do not care for men who try to overwhelm one with their physical prowess. Therefore, please keep size in mind when you make your selections for me. Second my future lord must be of more cheerful countenance and well-mannered, pleasing disposition. I am certain you will understand when I tell you that I have no wish to be bound to a man who is melancholic or given fits of temper and foul moods. Third it's absolutely essential that my husband be a learned man one who enjoys of reading and who enjoys intellectual discourse".
"First, as regards to his physical qualities, the future lord of Desire must be a man of moderate proportions and stature. It has been my observation that extremely large men prefer to rely on brute strength to achieve their ends rather than upon their wits and learning. I do not care for men who try to overwhelm one with their physical prowess. Therefore, please keep size in mind when you make your selections for me. Second my future lord must be of more cheerful countenance and well-mannered, pleasing disposition. I am certain you will understand when I tell you that I have no wish to be bound to a man who is melancholic or given fits of temper and foul moods. Third it's absolutely essential that my husband be a learned man one who enjoys of reading and who enjoys intellectual discourse".
Helpful Score: 1
Clare and Gareth made a very great couple. This is definately a must read book! The passion between them is so good.
