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sil_the_lobster's review
3.0
I downloaded this because I much enjoyed reading Ms Chase's Carsington novels, and also "The Last Hellion" and "Don't tempt me". "Isabella" isn't quite as witty and sparkling as those but it's still an enjoyable read. I like to read something light and fun before I go to sleep, and for that purpose, this novel is just the thing. It doesn't bore you to tears but it doesn't make you gnaw your nails either. It's a nice little story that will make you go to sleep with a little smile and a light heart. Works for me :-)
guiltlesspleasures's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Yes, yes, I gave a Loretta Chase book two stars. But it was her first book and you can see twinkles here and there of what she will go on to accomplish, so it’s a KIND two stars.
That said, it’s kind of a mess. Far too many characters, far too many POVs, a cardboard cut-out child and a socially awkward hero who brought pretty much nothing to the story.
The high points were the “villain” Basil Trevelyan, who quite frankly needs his own book, and Isabella’s mother, Maria, who pretty much saved this book for me. How can you not like a woman who wafts languidly from one room to the next, dropping bon mots as she goes?
That said, it’s kind of a mess. Far too many characters, far too many POVs, a cardboard cut-out child and a socially awkward hero who brought pretty much nothing to the story.
The high points were the “villain” Basil Trevelyan, who quite frankly needs his own book, and Isabella’s mother, Maria, who pretty much saved this book for me. How can you not like a woman who wafts languidly from one room to the next, dropping bon mots as she goes?
haewilya's review
4.0
Not much romantic scenes but the family history is intriguing (for me) and I did like Basil's character. I wish there were more of Lucy though.
sarahrmid's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
stennyi's review
2.0
The characters are good but the voice of the narrative is passive. It's almost like a well written summary of events. Weird.
turophile's review
3.0
Loretta Chase is one of my favorite romance authors, historical or otherwise, but occasionally her books don't work for me - like this one.
I'm not sure if it helped or hurt that I'd read the second book in this series, English Witch, first not realizing they were a series. So I knew what happened in the end, dampening some of the anticipation. Even with all that knowledge, I found the story confusing at times. I couldn't keep straight which aristocrat belonged to which family or betrayed which person or what not. And so much time was spent on developing Basil as a foil in a faux romance that the love story between the hero and heroine felt underdeveloped.
Still better than many romances, but for Loretta, meh.
3/5 on my romance scale
2/5 on my loretta chase scale
I'm not sure if it helped or hurt that I'd read the second book in this series, English Witch, first not realizing they were a series. So I knew what happened in the end, dampening some of the anticipation. Even with all that knowledge, I found the story confusing at times. I couldn't keep straight which aristocrat belonged to which family or betrayed which person or what not. And so much time was spent on developing Basil as a foil in a faux romance that the love story between the hero and heroine felt underdeveloped.
Still better than many romances, but for Loretta, meh.
3/5 on my romance scale
2/5 on my loretta chase scale
beaudoindani17's review
2.0
This book was just okay for me, which is new, because I usually love Loretta Chase's novels. I just wasn't attached to any of the characters and didn't really feel the romance (which is why I read romance novels). Basil and Maria were the most interesting characters in my opinion. Basil felt the most flushed out, characterization-wise, but he was kind of insufferable for the most part and I didn't like his character or even feel all that much sympathy for him. Maria, however, was the best part of the book. She had a wonderful, if a little rushed, backstory, and her hidden cleverness was intriguing. I just wish I got to hear and see more of Maria.
writer595's review against another edition
Reading this was a slog. I kept turning pages, hoping it would get better, but finally abandoned it. Although I usually enjoy Loretta Chase’s books, this one is more raw material than finished product. The storyline is choppy; the characters’ motivations are underdeveloped. When a plot is this obvious something more is needed to keep the reader’s interest. The few sparks of clever dialogue and overall premise weren’t enough to persuade me to spend the time and considerable effort required to finish an otherwise forgettable book. I can see how this early work forms the basis for Chase’s later, most enjoyable writing. There are better books in Chase’s oeuvre.