Review: Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly

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By: Marcia, guest reviewer

Taking place in Victorian England, Beyond Innocence is about loyalty to family versus being true to one self.

Edward Burbrooke is horrified to learn that his brother, Freddie, has been discovered, in the bedroom, with a footman, at a house party. He loves his brother and feels responsible for his ‘fall from grace'. When they were both young, their father died and Edward, now being the Earl of Greystowe, sent his sensitive younger brother to Eton, thinking it would be good for him. He assumed that Freddie could protect himself from hazing by older bullies. Marriage to a good woman would cure him and protect him from horrible scandal.

Florence Farleigh is the daughter of a recently deceased country Vicar. She is very short of funds and has come to London to seek a husband. Florence appeals to her father's attorney, whom she has been told is very clever, to help her; unaware that Mr. Mowbry is also the earl's attorney.

Edward decides that Florence is perfect for Freddie and, with his Aunt Hyptia's help, strives to place them in close proximity. He does not plan to fall in love with her himself.

Emma Holly is a skillful writer treating her characters with kindness and sensitivity, but what makes this story really unique, are comic situations and erotic imagery that have a distinctly male point of view.

Rating: 3 Stars

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Originally posted 2008-11-19 16:15:00. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Review: Miranda’s Big Mistake by Jill Mansell

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By: Zarabeth, guest reviewer

Miranda's Big Mistake is a contemporary romance set in London. Our lead female, Miranda, goes through a series of what turn out to be unfortunate relationships all while "the one" sits quietly on the sidelines attempting to be supportive.

Our supporting female, Bev, is a very interesting character as well with entirely different standards, wishes, and dreams for her perfect man. Miranda leads a fairly average life as a junior hairstylists in a fancy salon and rents a room with a fantastic "old bird" of a woman, Florence.

We follow Miranda, Bev, Flo and a few other characters through a complicated web of relationships. But, by the end everyone ends up with the right man and it is a happily ever after.

I loved the style of narration and Jill Mansell's attention to certain details. I never felt lost or bored. I enjoyed reading the book immensely. It was rather long at 450+ pages but I didn't notice at all.

As with other romance novels, I can't forget to inform you that this is not a smutty sexually erotic story. It's about her life and the situations she finds herself in. Lots of situational humor, tragedy, and foresight that you wish the characters could see. Mansell does a wonderful job of keeping me reading the book.

Overall 4.5/5 Stars

Buy: Miranda's Big Mistake

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