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pause_theframe's review
3.0
This was a good read. It really played into the genre, but gave us a fresh look at some of the typical stories we see. I liked the combination of our leading ,an and a leading lady, who is a concert pianist.
I found the storyline interesting. The main man was struggling to comes to terms with himself and just what he was. He also had the urge to rekindle the flame with a woman he saved. All the while, he wants to ensure he doesn't push to hard for the flame to start again, for fear she will run or at least not return the feeling.
The characters were created well. They had decent personalities and made for an interesting read. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more detail added to them, with this being the second book. However, they were still really fun and interesting. I also liked that they still seemed down to earth and real.
The pace was good. It did have a good blend of faster moments,for those times when things were abrupt or done in haste, but a lot of it matched the tone of a love beginning and went a little slower to give us time to enjoy the moment.
The story progresses well and definitely kept my attention. It built on the first eat well and really flowed, which I liked. I also liked that it wasn't just typical and easy to guess. It actually had sunrises and twists and turns, which some romantic reads don't.
Overall, this is a read to check out and have some fun reading.
I found the storyline interesting. The main man was struggling to comes to terms with himself and just what he was. He also had the urge to rekindle the flame with a woman he saved. All the while, he wants to ensure he doesn't push to hard for the flame to start again, for fear she will run or at least not return the feeling.
The characters were created well. They had decent personalities and made for an interesting read. I would have liked to have seen a little bit more detail added to them, with this being the second book. However, they were still really fun and interesting. I also liked that they still seemed down to earth and real.
The pace was good. It did have a good blend of faster moments,for those times when things were abrupt or done in haste, but a lot of it matched the tone of a love beginning and went a little slower to give us time to enjoy the moment.
The story progresses well and definitely kept my attention. It built on the first eat well and really flowed, which I liked. I also liked that it wasn't just typical and easy to guess. It actually had sunrises and twists and turns, which some romantic reads don't.
Overall, this is a read to check out and have some fun reading.
booksuperpower's review
4.0
The Count's Lair by Stephanie Burkhart is a 2013 Desert Breeze publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. Anton Varga was a sad and broken man when we last heard from him. He had gone away for some soul searching, but now he is back home. The chance meeting he had with the accomplished pianist, Amelia Andrassy sparked something between them which at the time neither were in place to explore further. But, now that some time has passed is it possible for them put their painful past behind them and forge a future together, or will Anton's dark secret come between them?
It was good see Anton let go of his anger and bitterness. He now has many regrets but is striving to be a better person. Amelia is a widow still coping with her deceased husband's betrayals. She is not sure she can trust again, but wants to believe Anton has changed and wants to give him a chance.
In the background of the story is the meeting between Varga and a gypsy family being terrorized by the wolf pack that caused so much anguish for Anton. He takes the family in but danger continues to lurk.
The story's primary focus in on Anton's needing to convince Amelia they are soul mates and have her fall in love with him so that she can accept his condition. But, as they begin to fall in love, Anton finds it more and more difficult to give Amelia that final piece to the puzzle. I enjoyed the added sensuality to this one. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this one was a little steamier. Anton is so conflicted I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I also enjoyed the action as Anton battles his enemies. There were some really tense scenes toward the end.
Overall this one is a steady and true chapter in this series. 4 stars
The Count's Lair is the second book in the Budapest Moon series. Anton Varga was a sad and broken man when we last heard from him. He had gone away for some soul searching, but now he is back home. The chance meeting he had with the accomplished pianist, Amelia Andrassy sparked something between them which at the time neither were in place to explore further. But, now that some time has passed is it possible for them put their painful past behind them and forge a future together, or will Anton's dark secret come between them?
It was good see Anton let go of his anger and bitterness. He now has many regrets but is striving to be a better person. Amelia is a widow still coping with her deceased husband's betrayals. She is not sure she can trust again, but wants to believe Anton has changed and wants to give him a chance.
In the background of the story is the meeting between Varga and a gypsy family being terrorized by the wolf pack that caused so much anguish for Anton. He takes the family in but danger continues to lurk.
The story's primary focus in on Anton's needing to convince Amelia they are soul mates and have her fall in love with him so that she can accept his condition. But, as they begin to fall in love, Anton finds it more and more difficult to give Amelia that final piece to the puzzle. I enjoyed the added sensuality to this one. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this one was a little steamier. Anton is so conflicted I couldn't help but feel bad for him. I also enjoyed the action as Anton battles his enemies. There were some really tense scenes toward the end.
Overall this one is a steady and true chapter in this series. 4 stars
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