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writer595's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
bella1109's review against another edition
3.0
My first book by Ms. Beverley. I expected a great read from reading the blurb but unfortunately, it was just meh for me. I pretty much skimmed read the final 30%.
One of my biggest problem with the book is the heroine, Claire. Claire is just too immature and selfish. She kept saying that her father had just cause and let her father's death stand between herself and Renald for way far too long. The other thing is the writing. At times, it felt kind of juvenile and dry. I expected a great deal more when the characters declare their love for each other, but the writing didn't make me feel anything. I don't see the point of the villain in this story as well. It felt contrived. I totally hated the way Claire aunts were written. One is weepy and the other is a termagant. Blech.
Why do I still give this 3 stars? Well, the hero, Renald is one of the best cinnamon-roll hero I've ever come across. He is mature event though he's not much older compared to Claire. He is considerate and kind, even though he's a warrior. True, he did some underhanded things and rushed the wedding in order to bind Claire to him. However, when the truth about Claire father's death came out, he gave Claire a choice and time to absorb the shock. In order for them to move forward, Claire had to accept his sword as an integral part of himself. He will kill in order to protect those that he cared and loved. Unfortunately, we only get to see his point of view halfway through the book.
I might just give a few of her other books a try, especially the well-reviewed ones. Her books seem to be well-loved, so I'm hoping her other books would be better suited to my tastes.
Steam factor: Low. Only 2 full scenes.
One of my biggest problem with the book is the heroine, Claire. Claire is just too immature and selfish. She kept saying that her father had just cause and let her father's death stand between herself and Renald for way far too long. The other thing is the writing. At times, it felt kind of juvenile and dry. I expected a great deal more when the characters declare their love for each other, but the writing didn't make me feel anything. I don't see the point of the villain in this story as well. It felt contrived. I totally hated the way Claire aunts were written. One is weepy and the other is a termagant. Blech.
Why do I still give this 3 stars? Well, the hero, Renald is one of the best cinnamon-roll hero I've ever come across. He is mature event though he's not much older compared to Claire. He is considerate and kind, even though he's a warrior. True, he did some underhanded things and rushed the wedding in order to bind Claire to him. However, when the truth about Claire father's death came out, he gave Claire a choice and time to absorb the shock. In order for them to move forward, Claire had to accept his sword as an integral part of himself. He will kill in order to protect those that he cared and loved. Unfortunately, we only get to see his point of view halfway through the book.
I might just give a few of her other books a try, especially the well-reviewed ones. Her books seem to be well-loved, so I'm hoping her other books would be better suited to my tastes.
Steam factor: Low. Only 2 full scenes.
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