Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Taste of Innocence [Laurens]

Book: The Taste of Innocence [Cynster #14]
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance - Historical

Review: Charlie, Earl of Meredith, decides it is time to marry and offers his hand to his neighbor, Sarah Conningham. She requires a 2-week period to 'get to know each other' before accepting, and Charlie quickly commences a seduction strategy. The couple is soon wed but the gentle, loving man Sarah thought she was marrying turns into a cold, impersonal husband during daylight hours. As Sarah struggles with her marriage, Charlie has to comes to grips with the fact that he loves his wife while they both try to solve a local mystery involving an orphanage.

Most Cynster books have a set formula: they start with a titled man who "has" to find a wife and an independent woman who is willing to engage in an affair but needs to be convinced to be married. The woman quickly realizes she loves the man but the man's realization comes at the end. What made this book refreshing was that the title characters got married almost immediately-breaking the formula, yeah! I enjoyed the changed of pace and the actions of Charlie, the male lead who turns quickly from loving fiance to cold husband. The "mystery" surrounding the lead characters was laughable and Lauren's wrapped up a villain (who makes appearances in previous Cynster novels) was too sappy to be believable.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

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