Romance Novel Reviews
by Christina Dodd
The premise: Prince Danior of Baminia mistakes Miss Evangeline Scoffield for Princess Ethelinda of Serephina. The prince is not only thoroughly convinced that Evangeline is actually the princess, but is also determined to wed her in order to unite their two countries.
The chemistry: I give Evangeline and Danior:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: While well written, I had a hard time suspending disbelief that no one would believe Evangeline's multiple attempts at claiming to not be the princess. However, I very much enjoyed the heroine's strengths. Strong heroines tend to be portrayed as man-hating bitches, but Evangeline retained her femininity despite her intelligence and physical prowess.
Overall rating:
by Julia Quinn
The premise: Two strangers wed for their own pressing reasons. While Charles Wycombe and his new bride Eleanor Lyndon attempt to make a marriage, someone seems out to murder one or both of them.
The chemistry: I give Ellie and Charles:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: The entire family's interactions with each other really made this book. I have one question for the author: What's with Charles' obsession with Ellie's red hair?
Overall rating:
by Suzanne Enoch
The premise: Third and final in the Lessons in Love series. Lucinda Barrett has chosen her "student", to which she will teach her list of "lessons": Lord Geoffrey Newcombe. However, she has caught the eye of a completely different man, Robert Carroway. Robert has been in seclusion for 3 years following his return from the war. The beautiful Lucinda proves to be the only person who has been able to draw out the mentally and physically wounded soldier.
The chemistry: I give Robert and Lucinda:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: The end of the book became a bit tedious for me, but then again, I'm not into politics and subterfuge. On the other hand, I fell in love with Robert immediately. He and Auburn Tamberlake from Ever Yours were very similar.
Overall rating:
The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
by Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins, and Mia Ryan
The premise: Anthology with 4 loosely intertwined stories. They all take place in the Bridgertonverse.
Miscellaneous notes: I suggest having first read the Bridgerton series, at least up to Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. I found each of these stories enchanting and lovely. The one story that stands out for me was Mia Ryan's A Dozen Kisses. The plot caught my attention, but really needed to be full novel length. Mia could have easily developed Lord Darington's character over time and made the reader more sympathetic toward him and his speech disorder.
Overall rating:
by Connie Brockway
The premise: Upon the death of a bitter and opinionated man, Lillian Bede is issued a challenge. If this suffragist can run Mill House for five years and show a profit, then she will inherit it. Unfortunately, its rightful heir, Avery Thorne, is certain he will inherit after that five years is up. They exchange angry (and sometimes heartfelt) letters for half a decade until Avery shows up at Mill House.
The chemistry: I give Lily and Avery:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: I would have liked to see more repercussions of Avery's insecurities. Ms. Brockway almost seemed to add them in as an afterthought. Also, Lily came across too tough and bitchy. I'm all for women's rights, but not when women are turned into mini-men. However, despite these flaws, Brockway's way with words is commendable. The letters these two penned provided much intelligent entertainment. I just wish the dialogue didn't follow suit. Sometimes it made the plot difficult to comprehend.
Overall rating:
by Julia Quinn
The premise: John Blackwood was the insignificant fifth child in his family. No one expected anything of the second son of an Earl. So, when he decides to make something of himself by becoming a soldier, he gets more than he bargained for as he becomes witness to the brutal rape of 13 year old civilian in Spain. Having promised the girl's mother to protect her, he feels responsible and carries on his torment for years, denying himself love and happiness...until he meets Arabella Blyton.
The chemistry: I give Bella and John:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: In Julia Quinn's second novel, she has not yet mastered the art of romance writing. John's frequent changes of heart come unexpectedly and confuse the reader. While this was definitely a good read, it wasn't nearly as good as her later books.
Overall rating:
by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
The premise: Erienne Fleming's drunk lout of a father, decides to sell his daughter in an auction in order to pay off thousands of pounds in gambling debts. I cannot, in good conscience, describe the rest of the plot as it would give away too much. If you have no aversion to spoilers, I have a more detailed description and set of notes here.
The chemistry: I give Lord Saxton and Erienne:
Sensuality:
Overall rating:
by Lisa Kleypas
The premise: Lady Madeline Matthews, being promised to the old, bloated, condescending Lord Clifton before so much as a single season, plans to ruin herself. Her target, Logan Scott, the famous actor and owner of the Capital Theatre.
The chemistry: I give Maddy and Logan:
Sensuality:
Miscellaneous notes: While this was in interesting read, I found I really had no attachment to the hero, and the heroine just seemed too perfect for an 18 year old girl. Logan may be a tortured hero, but he really does cross the line and emotionally abuse his bride. I had to force myself to read the last 50 pages of this book.
Overall rating:
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