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Review Date: 10/24/2012
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent! Well-written narrative, charismatic characters and enjoyable romance, with a cunningly-constructed mystery. You could probably read this one without any knowledge of Liz Carlyles connected world or having read the previous two books in the series ('One Touch of Scandal' and 'The Bride Wore Scarlet' in the Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series ) but I think it would probably add to your reading experience. Its hard for me to judge, since Carlyle is one of my favorite HR authors, and I love the world of connected characters she has created and have read the books. An older George Kemble makes a key appearance in this one :).
Review Date: 6/30/2016
First: I am a sucker for villainous (tortured, reformed) heroes. Second: I only give 5 stars if the book makes me cry...
5 stars.
5 stars.
Review Date: 9/24/2012
Helpful Score: 2
It just goes to show how differently people react to a book. I gave this one 5 stars (and the previous book in the series "A Lady Awakened" 4.5). I liked the 'unconventional' hero and heroine, and their out-of-the-ordinary 'Happy Ever After'. The writing was excellent, and the story was a little dark (the way I like 'em), sensual, with a lot of insight into the H/H inner lives & thoughts. If you like Anna Campbell, Elizabeth Essex, Judith James, or Meredith Moran, I think you'll like Cecilia Grant, one of my new favorite Historical Romance writers. If Kiernan Kramer, Elizabeth Boyle, or Lynsay Sands are your favs, probably not as much. (And not to disparage those 3, I read them, too).
Review Date: 10/2/2011
Sweet love story, well-written.
Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal (Sydney Dovedale, Bk 3)
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
9
Author:
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
9
Review Date: 11/2/2013
Helpful Score: 2
Somebody either has to be pushing the wrong ratings button, or has a personal grudge against the author :)! When I saw this book had a rating of only .8 from two readers, I had to write a short review in its defense. "Lady Mercy Danforthe Flirts with Scandal"" is Jayne Fresinas third book in her Sydney Dovedale series. I found this one delightful and attention-holding, although I still like the first book in the series (The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine") a smidgeon (half a star?) better. If you havent read that book, or the second in the series ("The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne"), please do yourself a favor and read them first! Not only are they a joy to read, but the hero and heroine of Lady Mercy are introduced in them (as children)the hero in book 1 and Lady Mercy in book 2. I fell in love with spunky, always stylish, determined-to-get-what-she-wants-when-she-wants-it, and certain she always knows what is best for everyone little Lady Mercy in that book. Its fun to see her grown up, and learn more about what made her what she is. All three books in the series so far are humorous, fun and well-written. They made me laugh and cry! If you like historical romance that contains all the requisite elements, but is a little out-of-the-ordinary, I think youll like these.
Review Date: 5/20/2013
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite heroines ever. Catriona is the morally (and now physically) flawed sister from "A Scandalous Scot" (also 4-1/2 stars from me, read it first!). She's the one you "love to hate and hate to love." This is her story of love and redemption, including a little intrigue plus a tall, dark, handsome and, for once, kind and upright hero.
Review Date: 6/20/2014
I just finished reading this book, the final one in the Diana Spaulding series, so this review is really about the series in toto. The four books were Deadlier than the Pen, Fatal as a Fallen Woman, No Mortal Reason, and Lethal Legend. The characters were engaging, the mysteries interesting, and there was humor and romance. Although the stories included 'adult themes' there was nothing graphic or explicit.
Diana is a young widow, forced to earn a living as a reporter for a somewhat disreputable newspaper in 1888 New York City. The four stories cover a four-month period in that year, and settings range from NYC to upper NY state, Maine, and the wild west of Colorado. The secondary characters include both of the equally odd and hilarious mothers of Diana and her love interest (whom she meets in book one), their extended families and others that are as well-written as the H&H, eccentric and entertaining. In the final book, the hints and implications about one of the minor secondary characters are simply hilarious.
The author, Kathy Lynn Emerson, also wrote a series set in Elizabethan England, and in the final Diana Spaulding book, we discover ... MINOR SPOILER....
that Diana's ancestor is a character in that series (so I want to read it now, too). Kathy Lynn Emerson also writes historical fiction as Kate Emerson and contemporary mysteries as Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Diana is a young widow, forced to earn a living as a reporter for a somewhat disreputable newspaper in 1888 New York City. The four stories cover a four-month period in that year, and settings range from NYC to upper NY state, Maine, and the wild west of Colorado. The secondary characters include both of the equally odd and hilarious mothers of Diana and her love interest (whom she meets in book one), their extended families and others that are as well-written as the H&H, eccentric and entertaining. In the final book, the hints and implications about one of the minor secondary characters are simply hilarious.
The author, Kathy Lynn Emerson, also wrote a series set in Elizabethan England, and in the final Diana Spaulding book, we discover ... MINOR SPOILER....
that Diana's ancestor is a character in that series (so I want to read it now, too). Kathy Lynn Emerson also writes historical fiction as Kate Emerson and contemporary mysteries as Kaitlyn Dunnett.
Review Date: 12/14/2012
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book! It looks like it's gotten low ratings so far, and I can't understand why. The main characters were likeable with wonderful flaws, the secondary characters three-dimensional. The hero and heroine were uncoventional, he with a background not usually found in a romance hero (he was tall, dark and handsome, but not lordly!), she was the 'older woman.' It was well-written with a sweet and cunning plot and witty dialogue. This was the first of at least a 3-book series, and sets up the characters for the second book.
It looks like this may be the first in-print book by the author, but she has several published e-books, and I will read more by her. I just added the next book in this series to my wishlist, but I think I'll actually purchase it so I can get it sooner! This one was an amusing, delightful story that should brighten your day.
It looks like this may be the first in-print book by the author, but she has several published e-books, and I will read more by her. I just added the next book in this series to my wishlist, but I think I'll actually purchase it so I can get it sooner! This one was an amusing, delightful story that should brighten your day.
Review Date: 5/6/2015
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. First 5 rating I have given in a long time. I read the prequel novella "The Hidden Blade" before I read the book, so it's hard to say whether or not I would have loved it as much without knowing the 'backstory.' The prequel is the story of Catherine and Leighton as children/adolescents, before they met in "My Beautiful Enemy." The prequel really explains who they are, and why they are the way they are. Although they never even meet in the prequel, their stories are already joined; they are fated to be. And in the prequel, you get to know "Master Gordon." . From reading the book, you understand that he plays a huge role in both their young years, and that he was a formative influence on both of their lives, but it's in the prequel that you really get to know him. I would have missed knowing him.
So, highly recommend the book, AND the prequel, "The Hidden Blade."
So, highly recommend the book, AND the prequel, "The Hidden Blade."
Review Date: 11/7/2012
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyable, easy read. The romance between the H&H starts simmering in the beginning of the book, and heats up to a high boil about a third of the way in. I gave it a 4, mostly based on heated sex, er, love scenes. I will definitely read the next book in the series, "Not Proper Enough"--the main characters and storyline are introduced in this one.
(Review based on reading an Advance Readers' Copy of the book).
(Review based on reading an Advance Readers' Copy of the book).
Review Date: 7/8/2013
Loved it! Sweet, charming, hilarious. I also highly recommend the book about Ginesse's (heroine's) parents, "As You Desire."
Review Date: 2/11/2015
My favorite book. #1 keeper.
Review Date: 6/11/2013
Helpful Score: 1
I loved it (4-1/2 stars). I have read, and liked all Isobel Carr's (Kalen Hughes) books. I liked the first two books in the series, and hope to see more.
In my opinion, Carr is a cut above most historical romance writers. Her characters and fully-developed, writing flows, plots are a little out of the ordinary, and you get a sense of time and place. I enjoyed the sub-plot--the romance between the heroine's (very young) father and hero's older sister. It's always intersting to me to see how differently readers relate to the same book.
In my opinion, Carr is a cut above most historical romance writers. Her characters and fully-developed, writing flows, plots are a little out of the ordinary, and you get a sense of time and place. I enjoyed the sub-plot--the romance between the heroine's (very young) father and hero's older sister. It's always intersting to me to see how differently readers relate to the same book.
Review Date: 6/2/2012
Helpful Score: 4
I dont read with writing a review in mind, but I disagreed with a couple of the reviewers here who really disliked the bookI thought it deserved a little better--so here goes.
What I liked: I loved Jasper and his caustic sense of humor, and I found the attraction between him and Clarissa believable. Clarissa was a little naïve and lacking in common sense, but to be fair, she was very young (20) and had led an innocent and protected life until circumstances demanded action on her part. Her heart was in the right place and she acted bravely (if at times a little foolishly) and she persevered. I also liked Jaspers brothers and their relationships with him and each other, which made me want to read their stories.
The story flowed well enough, although I grant the premise is a little far-fetched. Still not really sure I believe the explanation of Lord Bradleys conditions for his nephews inheritance. Maybe theres a real reason that will be revealed in the final book of the trilogy.
I love Jane Feather--her books fall into two general categories for me: wonderful fairly light-hearted yarns with dueling protagonists like Vixen and Virtue, and more serious adventures with strong female leads like Bold Destiny and Beloved Enemy. This one falls into the lighthearted yarn category for me. So far the series is not my favorite Feather (preferred the Duncan Sisters/Matchmaker trilogy), but it is well-written (as always with Jane Feather), historically accurate enough for the genre, and entertaining. I rate books according to the genre (historical romance is rarely great literature, but thats not why I read it). For a historical romance, I gave it 4 stars.
What I liked: I loved Jasper and his caustic sense of humor, and I found the attraction between him and Clarissa believable. Clarissa was a little naïve and lacking in common sense, but to be fair, she was very young (20) and had led an innocent and protected life until circumstances demanded action on her part. Her heart was in the right place and she acted bravely (if at times a little foolishly) and she persevered. I also liked Jaspers brothers and their relationships with him and each other, which made me want to read their stories.
The story flowed well enough, although I grant the premise is a little far-fetched. Still not really sure I believe the explanation of Lord Bradleys conditions for his nephews inheritance. Maybe theres a real reason that will be revealed in the final book of the trilogy.
I love Jane Feather--her books fall into two general categories for me: wonderful fairly light-hearted yarns with dueling protagonists like Vixen and Virtue, and more serious adventures with strong female leads like Bold Destiny and Beloved Enemy. This one falls into the lighthearted yarn category for me. So far the series is not my favorite Feather (preferred the Duncan Sisters/Matchmaker trilogy), but it is well-written (as always with Jane Feather), historically accurate enough for the genre, and entertaining. I rate books according to the genre (historical romance is rarely great literature, but thats not why I read it). For a historical romance, I gave it 4 stars.
The Seduction of Phaeton Black (Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator, Bk 1)
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
31
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
31
Review Date: 11/13/2012
Helpful Score: 1
Introduction to an exciting new 'steampunk' series. I thought it was sly, sexy, fast-moving fun, and will be reading more.
Review Date: 9/30/2012
Helpful Score: 3
Since I gave Book 2 in this series (Pride and Passion) such a terrible review, I thought it only fair to follow up with a review for this book, the final one in the trilogy, which I liked MUCH better. I disliked P&P so much, I almost didnt read Temptation and Twilight. I gave this one 4 stars, and I am happy I forged my way through to the conclusion of the series.
The major two problems I had with P&Prepetitive conversations going over and over the same ground (did I say repetitive?) and talking about action that occurred off-screen rather than showing itwere (almost) absent in Temptation and Twilight. The other big problem I had with P&Pdescription of off-screen action--was explained (although not excused) when I read Temptation and Twilight. Except for the final two chapters in Temptation and Twilight, the timeframe for the two books is identical, which explains the necessity for telling in P&P about action that was happening off-screen in T&T. And most of the action occurred in T&T, Book 3. This devicetelling the same story from different perspectiveshas been done before, but much better. (I know I have read books using this device, but the only ones that pop to mind now are the two books in Julia Quinns "Dukes of Wyndham" series). It has been awhile since I read the first book in Featherstones series (Seduction and Scandal) so I dont remember the timeframe, but perhaps it also overlapped with Pride and Passion.
My theory about the other major problem I had with P&P--the repetition of the same material--is that the author had a contract for a trilogy, and had only enough material for two books. Although Sussex's (hero in book 2) identity was a crucial factor in the plot, I think the series would have been much better if she had established Lucy and Sussex as secondary characters, incorporating their story across two books.
I liked the hero and heroine in this book much better. They seemed more fleshed-out, and were definitely more likeable (one had major emotional flaws, the other a big physical condition to overcome, and I do love flawed characters). The attraction, physical and emotional, between the two was also more understandable and better explained. Based on their past experiences, the relationship made sense. Although the storyline across the three books was still somewhat lacking, the mystery moved along nicely in the last book, especially towards the end, and I liked the resolution. I give the series an overall 3-star rating. It would have been 3.5--or perhaps 4--if not for the 2nd book.
The major two problems I had with P&Prepetitive conversations going over and over the same ground (did I say repetitive?) and talking about action that occurred off-screen rather than showing itwere (almost) absent in Temptation and Twilight. The other big problem I had with P&Pdescription of off-screen action--was explained (although not excused) when I read Temptation and Twilight. Except for the final two chapters in Temptation and Twilight, the timeframe for the two books is identical, which explains the necessity for telling in P&P about action that was happening off-screen in T&T. And most of the action occurred in T&T, Book 3. This devicetelling the same story from different perspectiveshas been done before, but much better. (I know I have read books using this device, but the only ones that pop to mind now are the two books in Julia Quinns "Dukes of Wyndham" series). It has been awhile since I read the first book in Featherstones series (Seduction and Scandal) so I dont remember the timeframe, but perhaps it also overlapped with Pride and Passion.
My theory about the other major problem I had with P&P--the repetition of the same material--is that the author had a contract for a trilogy, and had only enough material for two books. Although Sussex's (hero in book 2) identity was a crucial factor in the plot, I think the series would have been much better if she had established Lucy and Sussex as secondary characters, incorporating their story across two books.
I liked the hero and heroine in this book much better. They seemed more fleshed-out, and were definitely more likeable (one had major emotional flaws, the other a big physical condition to overcome, and I do love flawed characters). The attraction, physical and emotional, between the two was also more understandable and better explained. Based on their past experiences, the relationship made sense. Although the storyline across the three books was still somewhat lacking, the mystery moved along nicely in the last book, especially towards the end, and I liked the resolution. I give the series an overall 3-star rating. It would have been 3.5--or perhaps 4--if not for the 2nd book.
Review Date: 8/26/2009
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting little book of stories about "ghosts, witches, folklore, legends, strange mysteries and secrets" from Ross and Cromarty counties in the Scottish Highlands. I purchased it while traveling there a few years ago. The 'Publisher's Note' reads (in part):
"Stories in Part One were gathered orally by R MacDonald Robertson during extensive travels throughout Ross and Cromarty. Many had been told round the peat fire on dark winter nights and at ceilidhs before being written down and edited by journalist Jeremy Bruce-Watt. The stories reproduced here were first published by Oliver and Boyd in "Selected Highland Folk Tales" and "More Highland Folk Tales".....The stories in Part Two, told in a delightful fairy tale style, were written by Helen Drever, illustrated by Mildred R Lamb, and first published by the Moray Press in "Lure of the Kelpie"....
The Introduction asks "Why was a fisherman sentenced to hang after being tricked by three withches? What happened to the lady who sold her soul to the Devil? Where did ghostly and ghastly visitors bring terror to a holiday home? Who haunted a castle until his walled up remains were given a proper burial? When were ghostly cries of despair heard on Loch Maree? How did a young girl break an evil spell and end up very rich indeed? These are just some of the questions answered in this fascinating collection of folk tales and supernatural lore from Ross and Cromarty."
"Stories in Part One were gathered orally by R MacDonald Robertson during extensive travels throughout Ross and Cromarty. Many had been told round the peat fire on dark winter nights and at ceilidhs before being written down and edited by journalist Jeremy Bruce-Watt. The stories reproduced here were first published by Oliver and Boyd in "Selected Highland Folk Tales" and "More Highland Folk Tales".....The stories in Part Two, told in a delightful fairy tale style, were written by Helen Drever, illustrated by Mildred R Lamb, and first published by the Moray Press in "Lure of the Kelpie"....
The Introduction asks "Why was a fisherman sentenced to hang after being tricked by three withches? What happened to the lady who sold her soul to the Devil? Where did ghostly and ghastly visitors bring terror to a holiday home? Who haunted a castle until his walled up remains were given a proper burial? When were ghostly cries of despair heard on Loch Maree? How did a young girl break an evil spell and end up very rich indeed? These are just some of the questions answered in this fascinating collection of folk tales and supernatural lore from Ross and Cromarty."
Review Date: 10/4/2012
Helpful Score: 1
A satisfying conclusion to the series. Well-contructed story, charismatic relationship between hero and heroine, believable and enjoyable.
Review Date: 6/4/2012
Helpful Score: 3
Liked it a lot better than some of the other reviewers did. Continuation of the series, the hero of this one is the elder twin brother, Sebastian, and involves lost love regained. Sebastian's brothers Jasper and twin Peregrine play secondary roles, and the brothers' relationships continue to be an important part of the series. We also learn a little more of the uncle's backstory, which sheds some light on his bitterness and irascibility. I will read the last book in the trilogy, would recommend reading them in order, since they are obviously not meant to be 'stand-alones.'
Review Date: 11/11/2012
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent writing, puts you right into the spirit of the period. Very good mystery, all the clues were there, but so well-crafted, it kept me guessing right till the end (high praise, since I've read so many mysteries I generally have them solved about half-way through the book). And the relationship between Miss Dido Kent and Mr. William Lomax continues to develop just as it should.
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