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A review by thekuster
The Companion's Secret by Susanna Craig
4.0
3.75* It's been a long time since I read a historical romance novel as innocuous as [b:The Companion's Secret|35638967|The Companion's Secret (Rogues and Rebels, #1)|Susanna Craig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545023640l/35638967._SY75_.jpg|57089595] and I don't say that as a slight at all. Romance novels, despite how much I enjoy them, often require a suspension of disbelief greater than fantasy novels (for me at least) simply for the premise of the romantic setup. Not to mention patience and tolerance for male/female protagonists that suddenly become illogical, childish and inconsistent just for the sake of a complication and situations where a simple lapse in communication can result in ridiculous assumptions and often, the "last hurdle" before reaching "happily ever after".
All that to say, this narrative did not contain any of my regular complaints stated above. Cami and Lord Ash were both consistent and likable protagonists, although Lord Ash's qualities were more often told and not shown. (Aside from Lord Ash's opening scene in a gambling hall - there really was no evidence that he was a devilish, heavy gambling rake.) The narrative was believable and did not resort of any incredulous situations and the reasoning behind all their actions were honestly, the most logical I've read in a while!
So why not even a full 4 stars then? Well, the ending and main conflict for Lord Ash cleaned up much too easily which was both anticlimactic and served to make the previous chapters of build-up and tension seems frivolous. There were of course perfectly reasonable explanations, but again - it seems like we're falling into the trap of telling and not showing.
Regardless, this book has revived my interest in historical romances and I will most likely pick up the next installments when I'm feeling like a light and breezy read.
All that to say, this narrative did not contain any of my regular complaints stated above. Cami and Lord Ash were both consistent and likable protagonists, although Lord Ash's qualities were more often told and not shown. (Aside from Lord Ash's opening scene in a gambling hall - there really was no evidence that he was a devilish, heavy gambling rake.) The narrative was believable and did not resort of any incredulous situations and the reasoning behind all their actions were honestly, the most logical I've read in a while!
So why not even a full 4 stars then? Well, the ending and main conflict for Lord Ash cleaned up much too easily which was both anticlimactic and served to make the previous chapters of build-up and tension seems frivolous. There were of course perfectly reasonable explanations, but again - it seems like we're falling into the trap of telling and not showing.
Regardless, this book has revived my interest in historical romances and I will most likely pick up the next installments when I'm feeling like a light and breezy read.