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readinginthegarden's review against another edition
3.0
3/5 Stars!
I have been feeling really rough over the last couple of days and I just wanted to read something light and well...trashy? My mum gave me a few of her historical romance novels and I actually own another novel by Anne O'Brien so I thought I would read this one. It started off kind of promising it included a bit of necromancy and magic which really intrigued me. This year I have also been reading some Phillipa Gregory and have been obsessed with 1400/1500's and the War of the Roses which this is also (sort of) set in.
The problem is for me is Richard. He is super rude and not in a sexy way. What pisses women off the most? Telling us to smile and telling us what to do. Richard did both of these things. Honestly, I think the plot also doesn't really interest me as much as I thought it would. Anne and Elizabeths dynamic was interesting but that was really about it for me.
I have been feeling really rough over the last couple of days and I just wanted to read something light and well...trashy? My mum gave me a few of her historical romance novels and I actually own another novel by Anne O'Brien so I thought I would read this one. It started off kind of promising it included a bit of necromancy and magic which really intrigued me. This year I have also been reading some Phillipa Gregory and have been obsessed with 1400/1500's and the War of the Roses which this is also (sort of) set in.
The problem is for me is Richard. He is super rude and not in a sexy way. What pisses women off the most? Telling us to smile and telling us what to do. Richard did both of these things. Honestly, I think the plot also doesn't really interest me as much as I thought it would. Anne and Elizabeths dynamic was interesting but that was really about it for me.
mrsbooknerd's review against another edition
2.0
I wouldn't say that I have a 'negative' view of Mills and Boon books but I have a negative view of Mills and Boon books, largely their titles which are often Terrible.
Plot: Usually these style books start with the leading couple - Elizabeth and Richard - being forced into a marriage that neither wants, and the reader just gets to sit back and enjoy the fireworks and the slow development of their romance. There were no fireworks and the romance kicked in so suddenly that I was a bit disappointed.
Each already knew of the others reputations and largely they both disapproved - which should have been a good base for the fireworks that I so desperately wanted, but O'Brien just wiped that away in, like, one chapter and all was almost entirely forgotten and they were in love just like that *Snaps Fingers*
The one aspect of the plot that I really disliked was the contrast between the long segments detailing how physically unattractive Elizabeth was, with Richard lusting after her physically. If you are going to make a leading character so physically unattractive then the development of their intellectual relationship needs to be really entertaining and enjoyable. But it wasn't. One moment neither wanted to marry, the next, they were living the happy ever after.
It was a good afternoon read and typical Mills and Boon but I want a bit more from my Romances.
Plot: Usually these style books start with the leading couple - Elizabeth and Richard - being forced into a marriage that neither wants, and the reader just gets to sit back and enjoy the fireworks and the slow development of their romance. There were no fireworks and the romance kicked in so suddenly that I was a bit disappointed.
Each already knew of the others reputations and largely they both disapproved - which should have been a good base for the fireworks that I so desperately wanted, but O'Brien just wiped that away in, like, one chapter and all was almost entirely forgotten and they were in love just like that *Snaps Fingers*
The one aspect of the plot that I really disliked was the contrast between the long segments detailing how physically unattractive Elizabeth was, with Richard lusting after her physically. If you are going to make a leading character so physically unattractive then the development of their intellectual relationship needs to be really entertaining and enjoyable. But it wasn't. One moment neither wanted to marry, the next, they were living the happy ever after.
It was a good afternoon read and typical Mills and Boon but I want a bit more from my Romances.
redheadedjen1's review against another edition
4.0
This book has a horrid title but don't be put off by that. The story was good and engrossing.
Elizabeth de Lacy took care of her brothers after her parents died. She clashed with her uncle and was sent to a convent. Here uncle had a daughter, who was to marry the de Lacy's enemy, Richard Malinder. When she dies, Elizabeth is substitute for the bride. It starts like any medieval based romance. Forced marriage, love, etc but there is a mystery and it hooks you for the ride.
I enjoyed this fast, easy read.
Elizabeth de Lacy took care of her brothers after her parents died. She clashed with her uncle and was sent to a convent. Here uncle had a daughter, who was to marry the de Lacy's enemy, Richard Malinder. When she dies, Elizabeth is substitute for the bride. It starts like any medieval based romance. Forced marriage, love, etc but there is a mystery and it hooks you for the ride.
I enjoyed this fast, easy read.
mousegoddess's review against another edition
2.0
This book had a lot of potential, so I'm kind of bummed that it ended up being just "meh" for me. I'd be willing to give the author another try i guess. There's just something super disappointing about a book that could have been awesome and wasn't.
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