Stephanie D. (realizeworldpeace) reviewed The Flame and the Flower (Birmingham, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I liked it OK... the story would've been great if it hadn't been for the way the protagonists got together in the very first. I was just never able to truly forgive the 'hero' for, in my opinion, rape. Not the she-doesn't-want-to-be-a-'bad'-girl-but-is-overcome-by-passion type of almost, but not quite, rape common to romance novels, but out-and-out rape. I just couldn't get past it; no amount of nice-guy-ness afterward could make up for it, and it ruined the story for me. I would've really liked it otherwise, so if you have a more forgiving nature than I evidently do, you might like it.
I first read this book as a teenager back in the 80's, and have read all of Woodisiss' novels. This was one of my favorites - but having just re-read it through the eyes of a 39 year old in 2009, it left me a little disturbed. The beginning is pretty harsh considering the misunderstanding that brings Heather and Brandon together, and you'll want to put the hero, Brandon through a wall during most of the book. He is arrogant, rude, and can't seem to acknowledge any wrongdoing or fault. A true jerk. I do believe it is historically accurate - though. These aren't modern characters and Woodiwiss does a good job of creating a story that is plausible for the characters given their place in history and societal norms of the time. I'm going to re-read the other two books in the Birmingham series and see if Brandon every truly redeems himself.
Helpful Score: 3
I tried to read this book, but just could not get past the fact that the heroine was raped by the hero. I kept reading, hoping that he would apologize, but he didn't. Obviously at some point he becomes a good guy, but I couldn't make myself read long enough to get to that point.
Maria P. (BklynMom) - , reviewed The Flame and the Flower (Birmingham, Bk 1) on + 541 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Strong Cinderella character fights her way out of misery.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful! Got me into Romance novels!
