Rachel

Refreshing and interesting

Revisado: 09-27-22

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is well crafted and simply written. There were a few loose ends that could have been sewn in, a finishing flourish on the piece, but overall not super important to the story. This is Christian fiction in that the heroine is religious and prayer is discussed throughout, but it isn't a beat you over the head with it kind of way. As such, there are no erotic scenes, so this book is friendly for younger readers.

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Still a favorite

Revisado: 09-26-22

Though I feel some of the intimate scenes are a bit over the top, Devil and Honoria's story is still one of my favorites. Yes, she refuses him many times before accepting his proposal, as other reviews have pointed out, but it is a part of Honoria's character growth - her catharsis and acceptance of having to deal with and work through the pain and loss of her past. Devil challenges her, just as she challenges Devil and that is why they work and need one another.

Many times I think that we as a society don't want to accept that the people who are best for us are those that help us to grow and reach our potential. Not those who sit idly by and encourage us to stay within our comfort zone.

Long story short, I in no way felt like Devil was ignoring or nullifying her choice. And I think it becomes quite apparent as the novel progresses how they need each other.

And the mystery is well plotted in my mind. All in all, a good start to the Cynster family saga.

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One of the best heroines to date

Revisado: 09-23-22

I love this book. Jessica is absolutely one of the best heroines I've ever read. Bold, daring, dramatic... when she confronts Dain in her red outfit... well, spoilers, but it's brilliant. And her part in the conclusion was absolutely epic. Additionally, Dain's growth in the book is beautiful. If you're waivering on whether or not this book is worth your credit, take my word that it is.

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Pleasantly surprised

Revisado: 11-06-19

I chose this book based off of another review and am sure glad I did. The story was tight and well plotted and the characters well developed with arcs that leave the reader satisfied. Not once did I feel like the characters merged into the same person, like happens with many romance novels. Many reviewers condemned the male main character, but I felt like his personality and character were spot on for someone who had suffered as a child like he did. Does that excuse what he does? Not really, but at least it helps the reader understand.

The narrator was also very good. Though there were some small mistakes when it came to who was speaking, I think that it probably had more to do with the way the author formatted her writing.

Overall, I would completely recommend this book.

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I liked it until...

Revisado: 10-30-19

I was all for this third book in the series... until the author screwed up her own timeline. She didn't have one of the character interactions that happened in the previous book in the right place - timeline-wise and I couldn't concentrate on the book after that. If you haven't read the previous book, then you'll have no issue with this, but unfortunately, I did.

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Fantastic!

Revisado: 07-11-19

Finally! A heroine I can get behind. Eleanora is smart, strong, brave... Arthur is intelligent, level headed, and fair. The best part is that they talk. If something happens (which it does, quite frequently), they discuss it instead of the tedious angst of hiding things. I will admit, I was hesitant to listen to this one because of the book blurb, but I'm glad I did. I'm sure I'll listen to this one again. If you are on the fence about reading this one, do it. This is more of a mystery novel than a romance novel, but there is still some steaminess. And it fits within the context of the plot.

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Best so far

Revisado: 03-11-19

I have read first and fourth book of this series before I listened to this one and I ADORE it. This story has been my favorite so far. I love couples who can banter and push each other to be better. Some parts were absolutely heart breaking, others where quite literally laugh-out-loud funny, and yet others made you want to reach into the book, grab the character by the shoulders, and give them a good shake. I found myself as engrossed and invested in the Pall-mall game as I did reading about Quidditch in Harry Potter.

Rosalyn Landor gave another great performance keeping consistent with the character's voices from other books. I recommend this one, especially if you can only read one of the books in the series.

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Excellent Story and Romance

Revisado: 03-05-19

I don't usually give 5 star reviews, but I feel as though this book deserves it. The ratio of story to romance is perfect. Each character stays true to their respective personalities throughout. I absolutely loved the dialogue, particularly in the verbal sparring sections. It is extremely refreshing to have a novel that isn't love-at first sight kind of romance. Even Penelope, who has a bit of an instant love for Collin, but it really is more of an infatuation than love. Their relationship grows and develops, has it's moments of pleasure and difficulty. For me, I feel like that creates a stronger relationship that I, as the reader, can invest in. Ms. Landor's performance was spectacular. Not overly done and definitely not like a robot is reading it. I have not read the other novels in this series by Ms. Quinn, but as this one was highly enjoyable, I will definitely give the others a shot.

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A Merging of Characters

Revisado: 03-01-19

Let me start by saying that I have read both of the League of Rogues books that precede this and have been noticing the same trend in Ms. Smith's writing: The characters all seem to meld together. In the first book, they all seemed to have a different personality and interest/area of expertise. But with Lucien and Horatia and then again, with this book, with Cedric and Anne, they are nearly the same as Godric and Emily. They react the same. They use the same phrases. The women swoon the same way at the kisses. I will say that this book has done a better job of forwarding the story with the enemy. Also, how Cedric responds to his blindness (mood swings, depression, anger) was pretty good, probably could have done more to flesh that story line out a bit better.

Now, my issues with the plot. Anne's "accident". I'm sorry, but that seemed a bit of a cop out. The story had been set up from the beginning to have Anne pull Cedric back from his hopelessness, but obliterates that more promising story line to make Cedric the main "savior." Sorry, no. Having Anne and Cedric work to get to know each other, to have her help him when he's at his darkest and most obstinate would have made the romance work so much better than what given.

I will commend the story line apart from the romance. It was intense and riveting, but short. A bit more cruelty on the villain's part would have not gone amiss. Overall, I think that the book is worth at least one read and look forward to more of Ms. Smith's works.

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Interesting Steampunk Vampire Romance

Revisado: 02-21-19

I am usually not a fan of Victorian-Steampunk novels, but this one held my interest pretty well. The narrator did a pretty good job of using different voices for the different characters, though there are a few lines I think were for a different character that she read for another. This isn't your typical romance, as the romance itself runs alongside another plot line (very nicely intertwined, by the way). This is my preference, as I have a hard time stomaching romance being the only plot line. The love scenes were a bit weird, but when you think of them in terms of vampires, it makes a bit more sense. The main characters are strong and compliment each other. I am particularly fond of the strong female lead character, especially her physical prowess that is believable. She isn't superhero strong/able, but she has practical, believable skills. The author also plays a good balance of male protectiveness and allowing the female space for the male protagonist. Overall, I would recommend this book, especially if this is your first foray into the steampunk universe. Note, though, that this is an alternate universe. Though "set" in Victorian England, it is not historical Victorian England.

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