Karen H. (warbler43) -
Helpful Score: 3
This is the first work by this author I have read and I can honestly say it will not be the last. Although this was a non-spicy book (read that as no sex scenes whatsoever), it was an excellent story, well written with believable, likable characters. Miss Gracie's character development is superb with both the hero and heroine emerging as not too tortured, etc, etc. Anyone who reads lots of Historical Romance novels will understand that at some point, the reader will ultimately wish to tell the hero/heroine: "Get over yourself, already!". I didn't feel that way with this story. It was touching so that near the end, I actually had tears in my eyes but it was humorous as well and had me laughing out loud at times. And I didn't even miss the lack of spice!
On my personal rating scale of 1-4, I am breaking out and giving this book a 5-star rating!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story and especially to those not familiar with Anne Gracie's work.
On my personal rating scale of 1-4, I am breaking out and giving this book a 5-star rating!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good story and especially to those not familiar with Anne Gracie's work.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first full-length novel of Anne Gracie's that I've read, and I was impressed! Having enjoyed her novellas in a couple of anthologies, I thought I'd give her books a try ... I'm glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency!
Evelyn N. (evelyn0309) -
Helpful Score: 1
Very cute story with lots of chemistry and sexual attraction (but no actual sex). Loved the leads in this story.
A damaged heroine who won't take "charity" and a wounded hero living in reduced circumstances lock horns and heal each other. This story is quite funny and sweet, with wonderful characters, though it was marred somewhat by the ending which just seemed forced.
Tracy S. (lovesDarcy918) -
After reading so much praise about this book, I was preparing myself to be disappointed. But no...I loved this book!!! This is everything a romance novel should be and more. A definite keeper. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more Anne Gracie.
A battle scared hero returns home to lick his wounds and drink his troubles away. The housekeeper drives him bats until she wins his heart.
Laurie S. (LaurieS) reviewed Gallant Waif (Harlequin Historicals, No 557) on + 504 more book reviews
When Kate Farleigh is kidnapped by Lady Cahill, her deceased mothers supposed godmother, and brought to a ramshackle, dirty house owned by the crazy womans grandson she doesnt quite know what to make of the turn of events. Making the best of an odd situation, she cleans the filthy kitchen and cooks the first real meal shes had in ages only to find it being eaten by the man of the house! Shes been slowly starving after losing her father and both of her brothers in the war and lets the guy have a piece of her mind. Can you blame her?
It turns out the old lady isnt totally off her nut. Shes been hatching a plan to bring her grandson back to life. Jack was scarred and wounded so badly in the war he is unable to ride his horse and can no longer hunt. This is a great big deal to Jack because its what he loves doing most in the world. After being disinherited and then jilted by his heartless fiancée who is terribly cruel to him he has hidden himself away from the ton and drinks all of his troubles away. The smell of bacon and eggs was irresistible and it is his home after all so when the little waif gives him lip hes a bit surprised. But he keeps on eating.
The two dont exactly hit it off but theres a small spark and Jack is amazed that she isnt at all bothered by his wrecked face and body. And theres a reason for that, shes seen some terrible things and his scars arent nearly as awful as he thinks.
Kate is coerced by granny into getting Jacks house in order. She has had an unconventional upbringing but is a gently bred, pretty young lady and granny has ulterior motives. Bet you cant guess what they are?
Jack is used to being in charge and doesnt trust women, especially the pretty ones. Kate is hiding secrets and is headstrong and bossy. They butt heads from their very first meeting to almost the very last page. I should have despised this book from the very beginning for many reasons. Here are a few:
1. He calls her a little vixen and a little minx. Yes its true.
2. He drinks his sorrows away, acts like an ass and lashes out at Kate to keep love at a distance.
3. He gives her angry kisses which she loves and then he storms off in a huff just when things were starting to get exciting because he thinks its for her own good. She deserves better than to be besotted to the likes of him. Yep, he acts like a child and kisses angry. Le sigh.
But . . . I liked it. I know I shouldnt but I did. The writing was cute and witty and Kate was a charming character, very well developed, caring and a real sweetheart. Loved her. I wanted to love Jack too. I adore me a tortured, scarred hero but Im not a fan of grown men who act like spoiled children, spouting off insults, stomping off and mumbling an apology after sleeping off the drunk. Ugh. After a hundred or so pages of this my love affair came to an end and it became a bit of chore to slog my way to the end which is a shame because it had such promise.
The drama! And, oh the angst! It goes on for hundreds of pages but the endless fighting continued for too long and he was a pretty rotten drunk. Kate does stand up to him and throws some stuff at him, good on her, but she always forgave him too quickly and I tired of the repetitive antics long before the book ever thought of being over.
It ends with everything all nicely tied up and the last few pages are much better but I fear theirs will always be a tumultuous relationship.
It turns out the old lady isnt totally off her nut. Shes been hatching a plan to bring her grandson back to life. Jack was scarred and wounded so badly in the war he is unable to ride his horse and can no longer hunt. This is a great big deal to Jack because its what he loves doing most in the world. After being disinherited and then jilted by his heartless fiancée who is terribly cruel to him he has hidden himself away from the ton and drinks all of his troubles away. The smell of bacon and eggs was irresistible and it is his home after all so when the little waif gives him lip hes a bit surprised. But he keeps on eating.
The two dont exactly hit it off but theres a small spark and Jack is amazed that she isnt at all bothered by his wrecked face and body. And theres a reason for that, shes seen some terrible things and his scars arent nearly as awful as he thinks.
Kate is coerced by granny into getting Jacks house in order. She has had an unconventional upbringing but is a gently bred, pretty young lady and granny has ulterior motives. Bet you cant guess what they are?
Jack is used to being in charge and doesnt trust women, especially the pretty ones. Kate is hiding secrets and is headstrong and bossy. They butt heads from their very first meeting to almost the very last page. I should have despised this book from the very beginning for many reasons. Here are a few:
1. He calls her a little vixen and a little minx. Yes its true.
2. He drinks his sorrows away, acts like an ass and lashes out at Kate to keep love at a distance.
3. He gives her angry kisses which she loves and then he storms off in a huff just when things were starting to get exciting because he thinks its for her own good. She deserves better than to be besotted to the likes of him. Yep, he acts like a child and kisses angry. Le sigh.
But . . . I liked it. I know I shouldnt but I did. The writing was cute and witty and Kate was a charming character, very well developed, caring and a real sweetheart. Loved her. I wanted to love Jack too. I adore me a tortured, scarred hero but Im not a fan of grown men who act like spoiled children, spouting off insults, stomping off and mumbling an apology after sleeping off the drunk. Ugh. After a hundred or so pages of this my love affair came to an end and it became a bit of chore to slog my way to the end which is a shame because it had such promise.
The drama! And, oh the angst! It goes on for hundreds of pages but the endless fighting continued for too long and he was a pretty rotten drunk. Kate does stand up to him and throws some stuff at him, good on her, but she always forgave him too quickly and I tired of the repetitive antics long before the book ever thought of being over.
It ends with everything all nicely tied up and the last few pages are much better but I fear theirs will always be a tumultuous relationship.
Sue E. (Susanaque) -
Wounded in the Peninsular War, disowned by his father and dumped by his fiance, Jack shut himself up in his country estate, but Kate Farleigh has no patience for his behavior. Jack now has a purpose, trying to steer clear of Kate's attempts to interfer with his choosen lifestyle. She might even succeed in making him want to rejoin the human race!
Karin A. (Jerseygirltoo) -
Quite good early book by this author; her later books are even better. If you like her style, it's well worth finding.
Kimberly F. (steelergirl43) reviewed Gallant Waif (Harlequin Historicals, No 557) on + 23 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Read it in 4 days.
