ASIN: B00NVOFKSO
The premise of this book was on the mark. I liked the revenge angle; and I appreciated how the relationship between Salvatore and Nicolette was so openly against the ton, that I was prepared to read what I hoped to become the next book on my favorite’s list. Unfortunately, I won’t be adding this one.
I’m no history expert, but I am an avid lover of historical romances, so I can tell when things are said that shouldn’t be said. Certain sentences made me temporarily forget that I was reading a HISTORICAL romance. The dialog and narrative often switched to what I would consider contemporary, and therefore just outright wrong in a historical novel. Not only did the words seem to jump centuries, but so did the actions. I’m all for going against the ton and the rules of society, but I firmly believe there still has to be some boundaries. Women would not bend over in the labyrinth and let a man have his way with her. They’d be too afraid someone would catch them. A compromised woman was considered shameful, which would make it very hard for her to wed. A woman was doomed if she was so much as caught kissing a man she wasn’t betrothed to, let alone going all the way; hence the need for total discretion back in the day. And, I won’t even comment on the woman who stood on the veranda and smoked a cigar.
Despite having a clear understanding of their history together, I was only looking forward to Salvatore and Nicolette getting together because I knew they were supposed to. For some reason, I just didn’t connect to and root for them. However, I did like the way their first kiss was written, that is until she grabbed his cock while they were outside with a big dinner party loaded with guests going on inside. Really? That was a little too far since this is a historical romance. But ignoring discretion seemed to be the norm for the women in the book – another dose of contemporary, in my opinion.
And to wrap this up, I must say I was totally outdone when I saw the F bomb. I had NEVER come across that in a historical romance. The words ravished or debauched are always used – at least in the many historical romances I’ve read. But who knows? Maybe it’s just me.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest, you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 4 cups of coffee
Me too. I’m just glad there are so many more out there to read.
I’m the same way.. it takes me out of the book when the writing doesn’t fit the timeline. Sorry to hear (read?) this one didn’t make the favorites list!