Book: A Rake's Vow [Cynster book 2]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical
Reason for Reading: for fun
Christine's Review: Shortly after his best friend and cousin's wedding, Vane Cynster finds himself at his godmother's country estate seeking shelter from a storm. He immediately meets Patience Debbington, his godmother's niece, and realizes she is the woman he is destined to marry. Patience, however, is distrustful of Vane's 'elegant gentleman' appearance after watching her mother love her father unconditionally (the feelings weren't reciprocated). Vane works to convince Patience that they belong together while they work on solving a mystery involving stolen goods.
Overall, Patience was an overall dull female lead and the mystery was a tad ridiculous. The plot was essentially the same as Devil's Bride. However...let's be honest, we don't read romance novels for the mystery or intricate plot! Many sections were written from Vane's perspective and I enjoyed his pursuit of Patience. The love scenes were fantastic and his declarations toward the end of the book are things any woman would love to hear in a lifetime.
Recommend: not as strong as the first book, but still fun; YES
Book Junkie's Grade: B-
Monday, April 27, 2009
Devil's Bride [Laurens]
Book: Devil's Bride [Cynster book 1]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical
Reason for Reading: for fun
Christine's Review: On the brink of a storm, Governess Honoria Wetherby comes upon a man dying of a gunshot wound. After another gentlemen stops to help her, they spend the night in a small cottage weathering the storm. Discovered the next morning, in what looks like a compromising situation, Devil Cynster (Duke of St. Ives) offers her his hand in marriage. Honoria however, has no plans to wed. She is looking forward to life of adventure and excitement in Africa. Devil, unused to getting his way, tries to convince Honoria to marry him while they both hunt for his cousin's (the man who died of the gunshot wound) killer.
I enjoyed both main characters and their interactions with each other. The romance aspect of the book was strong, the love scenes were sensual. Although the mystery section had potential, it was pretty obvious who the killer was. Even so, I still enjoyed watching the story unravel.
Recommend: this is the first book in the Cynster series and if you like romance and are looking for a very light, quick read, go for it! YES
Book Junkie's Grade: B+
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical
Reason for Reading: for fun
Christine's Review: On the brink of a storm, Governess Honoria Wetherby comes upon a man dying of a gunshot wound. After another gentlemen stops to help her, they spend the night in a small cottage weathering the storm. Discovered the next morning, in what looks like a compromising situation, Devil Cynster (Duke of St. Ives) offers her his hand in marriage. Honoria however, has no plans to wed. She is looking forward to life of adventure and excitement in Africa. Devil, unused to getting his way, tries to convince Honoria to marry him while they both hunt for his cousin's (the man who died of the gunshot wound) killer.
I enjoyed both main characters and their interactions with each other. The romance aspect of the book was strong, the love scenes were sensual. Although the mystery section had potential, it was pretty obvious who the killer was. Even so, I still enjoyed watching the story unravel.
Recommend: this is the first book in the Cynster series and if you like romance and are looking for a very light, quick read, go for it! YES
Book Junkie's Grade: B+
American Wife [Sittenfeld]
Book: American Wife
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction
Christine's Review: Sittenfeld draws on the life of Laura Bush to tell us the story of Alice Lingren: a bookish, reserved (but not conservative) girl who goes on to become first lady of the United States. I loved the first section of the book describing her middle class roots, eccentric grandmother and tragic first love. I thoroughly enjoyed her courtship to Charlie Blackwell and her interactions with his wealthy family. The novel stalled once the Blackwell's arrived at the White House and Sittenfeld tried to merge the story with current events. Overall, this is a story about relationships and marriage. Unfortunately, the last section left me bored. Alice, while a sympathetic character at times, never develops any passion or grows as a person.
Recommend: even though the latter part of the book is extremely weak, the first two sections are worth the read; YES
Book Junkie's Grade: B+
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Fiction
Christine's Review: Sittenfeld draws on the life of Laura Bush to tell us the story of Alice Lingren: a bookish, reserved (but not conservative) girl who goes on to become first lady of the United States. I loved the first section of the book describing her middle class roots, eccentric grandmother and tragic first love. I thoroughly enjoyed her courtship to Charlie Blackwell and her interactions with his wealthy family. The novel stalled once the Blackwell's arrived at the White House and Sittenfeld tried to merge the story with current events. Overall, this is a story about relationships and marriage. Unfortunately, the last section left me bored. Alice, while a sympathetic character at times, never develops any passion or grows as a person.
Recommend: even though the latter part of the book is extremely weak, the first two sections are worth the read; YES
Book Junkie's Grade: B+
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