4 1/2 star review
A gem of a novel written by debut author, Anna Bennett. In a twist of fate the Earl of Castleton, William Ryder, comes to find Meg Lacey, who was once his potential spouse sitting across from him as she seeks employment as a governess for his young wards.
The interview goes horribly but Meg gets the position and soon much of the hostility is brushed aside. I appreciated that their initial bad impression of one another was quickly talked about and forgiven. I also liked that when doubt arose between the two they were almost immediately honest with their feelings. Will wore his emotions on his sleeve for Meg. He understood her reluctance to be with him but stuck with her knowing how good they could be for each other. His persistence in his courtship was wonderful even when it went humorously bad in one of his attempts. That same scene included Meg yelling at in of her young charges. It was so refreshing to see a heroine written exhibiting behavior that may not be considered perfect in a heroine but was so honest a reaction that it made me like and believe Meg all the more.
My only minor complaints would be that while Meg' s past was brought to light and discussed by the couple, Will' s own past with his father was only slightly referenced and never talked about as a couple. I would have loved to see Meg be a warrior for Will which I know she would have been. The story was quickly wrapped up and with that I would have liked an epilogue but those are two minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful story.
Hero: A+
Heroine: A
Story line/Romance: A
Conflict: B (could have been flashed out more)
Heat Level: A (3 1/2 out of 5 - perfect)
Anticipation of the next story: A + (can't wait!)
One Step Behind by Brianna Labuskes
3 star review
This was a nice start for a debut author. My critique being that it followed a cookie-cutter formula and never rose above average. Gemma and Lucas worked came together while both searching for the same villain (who was no real mystery). Some scenes were a bit choppy and ended abruptly. Although I liked the side story of Beatrice and Harrington, I think the story of Lucas and Gemma would have benefited with that focus solely aimed on them.
Hero: B-
Heroine: C
Storyline/Romance: C-
Heat: C-
Side Characters: C
2 star review
When the story opens with the heroine being shot after seeking justice for the death of her step-father, I thought it started a little too far fetched but then when she talks about how she has killed before (and barely bats an eye over it) I couldn't ever be sold on the story line or Gillian, the heroine.
I liked the hero, Charles, the Duke of Leverton and thought the differences in the pair would counterbalance their relationship. This was not to be the case for while Gillian might have loosened up Charles but she made no attempt to change any if her ways for him, even if that meant putting him in danger. Eliza Doolittle, she was not. Charles might have liked/needed a little bit of her high-spiritedness at first but with time she just came off as a spoiled child who didn't mind putting others in danger if it suited her whims. While he bent more than he needed to for her, she never learned to give an inch or to trust him at all. I didn't finish the book with high hopes for their future.
Hero: B- (He didn't need to apologize so much)
Heroine: D (selfish and spoiled). Think Nellie Oleson
Romance: C- (one-sided)
Heat: C (Mild)
Side Characters: C- (someone along the way should have spoken up to the heroine)
No comments:
Post a Comment