February 22nd, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Bride Stealing, Children, Farming, Gentry, Historic America, Lisa Kleypas, Revenge, Runaway, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Widow or Widower
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The more I read of Lisa Kleypas the more I want to read. When Strangers Marry was a sinful delight to sit down and read. I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. If you’re looking for some scintillating sex scenes, I would book right over your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. Some of the bedroom interactions are enough to singe your eyebrows off. I’d tell you my favorite but then you’d be deprived of the surprise.
Lysette is running away. She refuses to marry the man her stepfather wants her to marry. Gaspard can beat her to death before she gives herself over to Etienne Sagesse. Her escape is thwarted at the river by two twin boys, the sons of Maximilien Vallerand. They bring her disheveled form before their father for punishment of attempted theft. Lysette is determined not to be sent back home and Max is drawn to her spunk. Even if he wasn’t, Max would never return Lysette to Etienne, his most hated rival.
Max uses Lysette to thwart Etienne and get the duel he’s been craving for nearly a decade. Etienne had slept with his late wife and murdered her. Of the first, Max knows for certain, of the second, Max is very sure, but lacking evidence. In fact all evidence of his late wife’s murder points to Max, the cuckolded and angry husband. Nobody believed Max’s protests of innocence, but the police let him off because of the circumstances. (Apparently killing a wandering and wild wife is completely understandable.)
When the excuse that Lysette is ill and can’t possibly go home turns into a real sickness Max nurses her through it. His mother protests his presence but gives in because she and the housekeeper alone can’t keep up their energies. During that time (3 weeks) he decides to make her his and as satisfying as it is to steal Etienne’s young bride, Max is going to find out how satisfied he can be… but can such satisfaction last?
Rating: 4 Stars
August 18th, 2008 — 3 Stars, Contests, Dukes and Earls, England, Guest Reviews, Historical Romance, Julia London, Scotland
Marcia is the first person to respond to the $10 Gift Card Contest! Her review for us this week by Julia London and looks to be a devilishly wild ride across England. The story mixes modern language with historical settings which might turn you off reading, but the the thrill behind the tale should hook you back in easily.
Lady Greer Fairchild is on a journey to find her inheritance in this second novel of the Desperate Debutantes trilogy. She began her travels in London as the companion of Mrs. Smithington who wanted a little adventure and to see more than just London before she died. Unfortunately, Mrs. Smithington did die before Greer finishes her journey. A gentleman by the name of Mr. Percy has been traveling with them and has been a charming and helpful companion during the trip. After the death of Mrs. Smithington, he suggests that they continue the journey together, since their destination is the same.
Greer is desperate to continue into Wales where she has learned that her inheritance is in the hands of a distant relative of her deceased stepfather. It is for this reason that she agrees to continue her journey with just the company of Mr. Percy even though she knows that to do so would ruin her reputation. The distant relative is none other than the Prince of Powys, a man who is known to Mr. Percy as a thief. Mr. Percy has many a dark tale to tell of this prince, Rhodrick Glendower, Earl of Radnor, and Greer is terrified when they meet him riding a fearsome stallion on the road to the Earl’s castle.
The setting is out of a gothic novel with the wild countryside of Wales, a large oppressive looking castle and a dark brooding prince. There are also strange dreams, ghosts and mysterious past crimes none of which really add up to a true gothic atmosphere since there is no real mystery or suspense. The reader knows immediately that Mr. Percy is no gentleman and Rhodrick Glendower is a kind loveable person depicted as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We also know that Rhodrick could never have committed the mysterious crimes and that they were probably committed by Mr. Percy. Instead of trying to imitate early 19th century speech, Ms. London has written the dialog a frank, modern style that may or may not appeal to readers. Even so, this is an enjoyable albeit light story.
Rating: 3 Stars
Thank you Marcia for writing to us! If you’ve just finished reading a romance novel and want to write review but weren’t sure how check out RRN’s submission guidelines for tips and advice to get started.
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