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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this novel, but I found myself more interested in Vinnie's character and point of view than Emma's, the main heroine. The writing and story were good; however, there were some inappropriate scenes throughout the novel, and I feel that a true Regency novel doesn't have or need those kinds of scenes. Miss Austen never delved into that realm and yet we can still fully comprehend the relationships and love her characters share. As mentioned previously, I did like this novel, but would caution readers about the mature scenes.
Really terribly charming and hilarious. Lovely cast of characters. It's nice to see a healthy family unit (well, minus the Mum but she was barely there so whatever). Good banter. The, uh, surprise second plot came a bit out of left field, though. I rather felt it had enough in it without that last bit.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I seem to be on quite the kick of "hellion/hoyden" books right now. I was on a kick one day, requesting books that had interesting covers from NetGalley. This, was one of them. Being a new-to-me author was a bonus here. Another bonus? I quite enjoyed the story.
The Duke of Trent is quite bemused one afternoon to find a young woman assaulting one of his prize orchids (she was going to snap it off at the flower, rather than at the route). He's even more bemused to find out that his intruder is the well-known Harlow Hoyden, Miss Emma Harlow.
Emma is delighted to make the acquaintance of the Duke of Trent. She thinks that he's the answer to her prayers. Her prayers to find some libertine to seduce her sister away from a fiance that Emma wholly disapproves of.
Okay, there was a totally pointless scene at the end.
And, DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, I hope the typos are fixed before this book goes to print. I ignored them because this was an ARC but the duke's "think smile" and drinking of "ail" were... whew. If this were a published book, I would have been annoyed enough to mark this book down two stars.
The Duke of Trent is quite bemused one afternoon to find a young woman assaulting one of his prize orchids (she was going to snap it off at the flower, rather than at the route). He's even more bemused to find out that his intruder is the well-known Harlow Hoyden, Miss Emma Harlow.
Emma is delighted to make the acquaintance of the Duke of Trent. She thinks that he's the answer to her prayers. Her prayers to find some libertine to seduce her sister away from a fiance that Emma wholly disapproves of.
Okay, there was a totally pointless scene at the end
Spoiler
the killer had to come back and strangler her a second time? Why? To eke out a few more pages?And, DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, I hope the typos are fixed before this book goes to print. I ignored them because this was an ARC but the duke's "think smile" and drinking of "ail" were... whew. If this were a published book, I would have been annoyed enough to mark this book down two stars.
This was a fun romp with drama, excitement and plenty of humour. I enjoyed it.
If strong female characters entertain you the way they do me, then you will enjoy Emma Harlow as much as I did. She was incorrigible, fearless and, well, the title pretty much describes her to a "T". I found her delightful and charming, although everyone in her world despairs of her. It makes for a really fun read, though.
This is a regency romance, and it is pretty characteristic of the genre. What made the book for me was Emma and her complete and utter disregard for any rules or social expectations of the world she lives in, in favour of doing what she wants to do, and knowing she is capable - mostly - of doing the things she wishes to do.
The supporting characters here, including the requisite Duke, are as fun and entertaining and likable as Emma, so that rounded out my enjoyment of this nicely. I was fond of all the characters in Emma's world and enjoyed getting to know them.
There was suspense and danger, and I won't spoil how that plays out. Suffice it to say, if you enjoy Regency romance, and strong female characters, this is a fun entry and an easy, fast read.
If strong female characters entertain you the way they do me, then you will enjoy Emma Harlow as much as I did. She was incorrigible, fearless and, well, the title pretty much describes her to a "T". I found her delightful and charming, although everyone in her world despairs of her. It makes for a really fun read, though.
This is a regency romance, and it is pretty characteristic of the genre. What made the book for me was Emma and her complete and utter disregard for any rules or social expectations of the world she lives in, in favour of doing what she wants to do, and knowing she is capable - mostly - of doing the things she wishes to do.
The supporting characters here, including the requisite Duke, are as fun and entertaining and likable as Emma, so that rounded out my enjoyment of this nicely. I was fond of all the characters in Emma's world and enjoyed getting to know them.
There was suspense and danger, and I won't spoil how that plays out. Suffice it to say, if you enjoy Regency romance, and strong female characters, this is a fun entry and an easy, fast read.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
THE HARLOW HOYDEN is Lynn Messina's first foray into historical romance after making a name for herself in the women's fiction/chick lit genre. The story of Emma Harlow and her (mis)adventures driving the Duke of Trent crazy was fun and entertaining and easy to read. At times, Emma could be annoying in her determination to save her sister from marriage to a bore, but I think if you approach the book knowing that it's all in good fun, and that things shouldn't be taken too seriously, you'll probably be able to overlook some of Emma's more egregious flaws. While I did think the last quarter of the book started to drag with the introduction of the villain/spy plot, overall, THE HARLOW HOYDEN is an over the top story, designed to entertain and it will if you let it.