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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Loved the heroine in this story. She was strong and independent, but she still felt authentic for this time period. Every now and then she chatted on. Usually, I'd get annoyed very quickly with that, but she was witty and entertaining.
I also liked the glimpse of French culture. This is set during the time of Napolean, and since I'm just now starting to read historical romance, it's the first book that talks about the French Revolution and Bonaparte. I'm interested in reading other books that are more immersed in that time period.
The hero was just okay to me. I didn't realize that until I was thinking about what to write about him. I think Annique really made me enjoy the story, not Grey. Hmm. It's usually the other way around: I like the hero better than the heroine.
One thing about the story line / pacing that bothered me was how quickly Annique developed feelings for Robert. Kind of cheapened how the felt about Grey. On the other hand, I thought it was a really cool twist when she didn't recognize Grey. Oh, and I was totally surprised when I learned Annique was blind. I'd been thinking the world was really dark and she moved around well in it, but it just didn't occur to me that she couldn't see.
I waivered between 4 and 5 stars on this one. I gave it 5 because I think I'm starting to judge hist rom more critically, and really, this book was just as good as Scandal (Carolyn Jewel) and Lord of Shadows (Meredith Duran) IMO.
Oh, and almost forgot the thing I hated most about this book. I so could have done without the chapters from Lamont's POV (I think that's his name.) I got that he was a really bad guy without having to get inside his head. Toward the end, I started skipping his chapters and I didn't feel like I missed out on a thing.
I also liked the glimpse of French culture. This is set during the time of Napolean, and since I'm just now starting to read historical romance, it's the first book that talks about the French Revolution and Bonaparte. I'm interested in reading other books that are more immersed in that time period.
The hero was just okay to me. I didn't realize that until I was thinking about what to write about him. I think Annique really made me enjoy the story, not Grey. Hmm. It's usually the other way around: I like the hero better than the heroine.
One thing about the story line / pacing that bothered me was how quickly Annique developed feelings for Robert. Kind of cheapened how the felt about Grey. On the other hand, I thought it was a really cool twist when she didn't recognize Grey. Oh, and I was totally surprised when I learned Annique was blind. I'd been thinking the world was really dark and she moved around well in it, but it just didn't occur to me that she couldn't see.
I waivered between 4 and 5 stars on this one. I gave it 5 because I think I'm starting to judge hist rom more critically, and really, this book was just as good as Scandal (Carolyn Jewel) and Lord of Shadows (Meredith Duran) IMO.
Oh, and almost forgot the thing I hated most about this book. I so could have done without the chapters from Lamont's POV (I think that's his name.) I got that he was a really bad guy without having to get inside his head. Toward the end, I started skipping his chapters and I didn't feel like I missed out on a thing.
I remembered this so fondly from when I first read it, it was one of the first romances that really made a big impression on me. I love Annique, she whips ass, but I don’t particularly care about the romance between these two, and Grey sort of sucks. I will still remember the first half of this book fondly, and will probably forget the back half, as I did this time.
A fun read! It had a bit of a slow start, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it was worth it in the end. The spy/suspense/intrigue elements of this book actually overshadow the romance, which I wasn't expecting but ended up enjoying. If you're looking for straight up historical romance, though, this may not quite do it for you. I've always had a "thing" for spies, however, so this book was right up my alley. The accents in the audio version were very well done and really added a lot to my appreciation of the book. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
First romance novel I've ever read. It's problematic to me; she's 18 (he's 30?), he drugs her at one point, he slaps her, and their first sex scene she's literally saying NO (but we read she 'wants to' in her head) and he keeps suggesting it... The adventure was fun, the spy roles were fun, and I liked the 'Robert' character.. but I just didn't like hero much. Didn't really like this one, 2.5 starts for me. Meh steaminess (level 1).
You don't need me to tell you to read the Spymaster's Lady. After all, it was nominated for a Rita. But, I just finished the novel and I'm still humming with the passion and intrigue that electrifies every single page. So, allow me to reach through the cyber-universe, grab you by the shoulders and say, with grave sincerity, "read. this. book."
Rather than explore the plot, gush over the characterization or reveal the cleverly concealed secrets, I'll focus on Annique and Robert's first kiss.
There are kisses in romance that are beautifully described. There are kisses painted so passionately the reader needs a strong beverage when she is finished reading. And, there are kisses that make the reader sigh and stare off into space, remembering her own particular shimmering moment.
Annique and Robert's first kiss goes beyond such fribble. It's a three paragraph kiss in a careening carriage during a moment of pure terror. Packed into those three paragraphs is, one, the first major turning point of the romance, two, about ten pages of unspoken dialogue (subtext), three, what would normally be a full chapter of characterization and, four a scared promise to the reader of the passion that will explode once these two have a moment alone. That kiss is one of the best kisses I've ever read in historical romance.
If this romance is in your TBR pile, make it top priority. If you've already read it, read it again. And, if you haven't bought it, well, get thee to a bookstore, and quickly go.
Rather than explore the plot, gush over the characterization or reveal the cleverly concealed secrets, I'll focus on Annique and Robert's first kiss.
There are kisses in romance that are beautifully described. There are kisses painted so passionately the reader needs a strong beverage when she is finished reading. And, there are kisses that make the reader sigh and stare off into space, remembering her own particular shimmering moment.
Annique and Robert's first kiss goes beyond such fribble. It's a three paragraph kiss in a careening carriage during a moment of pure terror. Packed into those three paragraphs is, one, the first major turning point of the romance, two, about ten pages of unspoken dialogue (subtext), three, what would normally be a full chapter of characterization and, four a scared promise to the reader of the passion that will explode once these two have a moment alone. That kiss is one of the best kisses I've ever read in historical romance.
If this romance is in your TBR pile, make it top priority. If you've already read it, read it again. And, if you haven't bought it, well, get thee to a bookstore, and quickly go.
Picked up this one on the recommendation of the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books web site.
Most of the reviews I read praise how different the heroine is, her physical and emotional strength and abilities, and I agree. But by the end, I also was a little tired of her constant self-doubt and also a little let down by the constant rescuing she required even with her great spying skills.
I felt a little bit like Bourne bent over backwards to keep the heroine an acceptable character-- she's a spy who has never killed anyone? even on the front lines of Napolean's campaigns in Russia?? and I also wasn't entirely sympathetic with her internal dilemma over the Albion papers.
Most of the reviews I read praise how different the heroine is, her physical and emotional strength and abilities, and I agree. But by the end, I also was a little tired of her constant self-doubt and also a little let down by the constant rescuing she required even with her great spying skills.
I felt a little bit like Bourne bent over backwards to keep the heroine an acceptable character-- she's a spy who has never killed anyone? even on the front lines of Napolean's campaigns in Russia?? and I also wasn't entirely sympathetic with her internal dilemma over the Albion papers.
I read this first but I think it should have been read second.
I wish the title was different - the heroine was a badass spy too!
I wish the title was different - the heroine was a badass spy too!