booklvrkat's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, the author redeemed herself with the ending of the story. I was all ready to go with the 3 star rating when the heroine had some things change in her story and the book raced to the end. I am very pleased with the HEA.
scrapnstitch's review against another edition
3.0
Good character development and emotions. Romantic without being trashy. Storyline is not fully developed or continuous. Good ideas but not fully worked out. Tends to jump over difficulties.
tiffanytcole's review against another edition
4.0
*Giveaway Bonus*
Author Candace Bowen Early is willing to give away both a signed copy of A Knight of Silence and a signed copy of Spur of the Moment along with signed bookmarks by February 18th, 2012. If you enjoy the review below and would like to win, the terms and details about entering are at Reader's Den (http://www.readers-den.com/2012/02/spur-of-moment-by-candace-bowen-early.html).
*****************
Bronwyn Chase is a popular historical romance writer whose books have consistently made the New York Times bestseller list. Women of various ages love her work, but all the attention Bronwyn receives does little more than overwhelm her. When the story begins, Bronwyn is a young woman who doesn't really live life so much as lets it happen. She's on a plane to New York City, even though she hates planes and would rather stay at home to write, largely due to the demands of her controlling agent.
Throughout her rough childhood, writing was the only thing that brought her peace. All those stories about the medieval world and knights in shining armor came so naturally to her that she often felt more like she belonged in that time period than the 21st century...
Well, as it turns out, that trip to New York City that Bronwyn dreaded so much ends up being exactly what she needed. There she learns that she DOES belong in the 12th century.
First she meets Albert, a chauffeur who quickly becomes one of her closest friends. When she agrees to explore the town with him, she and Albert notice that a beautiful woman wearing a dress from the middle ages keeps popping up everywhere they go and eerily watching from afar, but Albert and Brownyn ignore and soon forget about her as the night goes on.
As soon as Bronwyn is alone, the woman asks a favor of Brownyn that will forever change her life: Can you save my son by winning his heart? However, there's a major problem. Beside having to go back to the 12th century, she has to win the heart of a man who is being bewitched by a sick, powerful wicce...in less than four days.
When it comes to stories that take place in more than one timeline and country and it's well done, I always want to take my hat off to the writer. Candace Bowen Early must've put so much research and time into getting all the facts straight within this story. Of course, having not done the research myself, I can't be certain if the facts are straight, but it's at least straight enough to never knock me out of the story.
I loved when Bronwyn's modern day English threw the people in the 12th century off. The moments of miscommunication and confusion made me smile. I also really liked how Early foreshadowed so many plot points that would prove to be important later. That spur that got Bronwyn to the 12th century? Don't forget it. The power of belief? Don't forget it.
Because I haven't really been a big fan of romance novels since middle school, I'm not sure how much values this holds coming from me, but at some points I felt the romance was too much, almost like I was being force fed how much Bronwyn and Euric loved each other. But I think that was the only problem I really had with the story, and it's a subjective problem anyway.
Early tied the story up really well, so when I read that there would be a sequal - Wicked Embers - I was wondering how that could work. Then I learned that it would be told from the point of view of a minor character introduced near the end of this book. I love when authors do that. It makes the story's world seem so much larger, and I know I'm excited to give the second book a try.
Author Candace Bowen Early is willing to give away both a signed copy of A Knight of Silence and a signed copy of Spur of the Moment along with signed bookmarks by February 18th, 2012. If you enjoy the review below and would like to win, the terms and details about entering are at Reader's Den (http://www.readers-den.com/2012/02/spur-of-moment-by-candace-bowen-early.html).
*****************
Bronwyn Chase is a popular historical romance writer whose books have consistently made the New York Times bestseller list. Women of various ages love her work, but all the attention Bronwyn receives does little more than overwhelm her. When the story begins, Bronwyn is a young woman who doesn't really live life so much as lets it happen. She's on a plane to New York City, even though she hates planes and would rather stay at home to write, largely due to the demands of her controlling agent.
Throughout her rough childhood, writing was the only thing that brought her peace. All those stories about the medieval world and knights in shining armor came so naturally to her that she often felt more like she belonged in that time period than the 21st century...
Well, as it turns out, that trip to New York City that Bronwyn dreaded so much ends up being exactly what she needed. There she learns that she DOES belong in the 12th century.
First she meets Albert, a chauffeur who quickly becomes one of her closest friends. When she agrees to explore the town with him, she and Albert notice that a beautiful woman wearing a dress from the middle ages keeps popping up everywhere they go and eerily watching from afar, but Albert and Brownyn ignore and soon forget about her as the night goes on.
As soon as Bronwyn is alone, the woman asks a favor of Brownyn that will forever change her life: Can you save my son by winning his heart? However, there's a major problem. Beside having to go back to the 12th century, she has to win the heart of a man who is being bewitched by a sick, powerful wicce...in less than four days.
When it comes to stories that take place in more than one timeline and country and it's well done, I always want to take my hat off to the writer. Candace Bowen Early must've put so much research and time into getting all the facts straight within this story. Of course, having not done the research myself, I can't be certain if the facts are straight, but it's at least straight enough to never knock me out of the story.
I loved when Bronwyn's modern day English threw the people in the 12th century off. The moments of miscommunication and confusion made me smile. I also really liked how Early foreshadowed so many plot points that would prove to be important later. That spur that got Bronwyn to the 12th century? Don't forget it. The power of belief? Don't forget it.
Because I haven't really been a big fan of romance novels since middle school, I'm not sure how much values this holds coming from me, but at some points I felt the romance was too much, almost like I was being force fed how much Bronwyn and Euric loved each other. But I think that was the only problem I really had with the story, and it's a subjective problem anyway.
Early tied the story up really well, so when I read that there would be a sequal - Wicked Embers - I was wondering how that could work. Then I learned that it would be told from the point of view of a minor character introduced near the end of this book. I love when authors do that. It makes the story's world seem so much larger, and I know I'm excited to give the second book a try.
schez's review against another edition
4.0
I'm just going to say it how it is: I reeeeeeeeeeeeally enjoyed this book; probably more so than the sequel.
I instantly liked Bronwyn and thought her character was very well developed. I also felt that the author cared very much for her too.
There was room in the story for Bronwyn to grow; we see how she deals with her past circumstances and also, how she deals with an agent who manipulates and uses her for her own gain. Her realisations, her strengths and her weaknesses.
Her voice was easy to accept and follow which kept the pages turning.
Thinking about it, I pretty much liked all the characters; which were well developed and interesting- especially Albert. You definitely need someone like him around!
Even the characters who you were not meant to like were well written. Janelle was perfect as a power mad, crazy bitch! Some the confrontations between her and Bronwyn were wonderfully charged and exciting! (C'mon Bronwyn -Kick her evil little butt!)
What really stood out for me with this story, is how the author dealt with Bronwyn's going back in time; I found myself giggling at points - there were some genuinely humorous moments; especially concerning language and understanding form both parties!
As many of you have already read, I am not a huge romance fan, but the story between Bronwyn and Euric was wonderful to watch unfurl. Sometimes, romantic scenes can make me cringe as I feel they are overdone and "movie" style. "Cheesy" But I felt the author was very careful with the love and romance element. (which, pleasantly, resulted in my keeping lunch down! Hehe!) The author was very good at leading the reader down a road with description and leaving it just at the right stage for the reader to fill in the blanks. The interactions, thoughts and feelings were well described and believable.
There came a point in which the story felt like it had finished... With 40% of the story left to go; I did wonder how the author was going to continue.. But I wasn't disappointed; in fact it was very satisfying and answered a lot of my questions about her future with Euric.
All this was set in the beautiful, historic and mystic Tinatgel in Cornwall. This was a wonderful story to get lost in.
I instantly liked Bronwyn and thought her character was very well developed. I also felt that the author cared very much for her too.
There was room in the story for Bronwyn to grow; we see how she deals with her past circumstances and also, how she deals with an agent who manipulates and uses her for her own gain. Her realisations, her strengths and her weaknesses.
Her voice was easy to accept and follow which kept the pages turning.
Thinking about it, I pretty much liked all the characters; which were well developed and interesting- especially Albert. You definitely need someone like him around!
Even the characters who you were not meant to like were well written. Janelle was perfect as a power mad, crazy bitch! Some the confrontations between her and Bronwyn were wonderfully charged and exciting! (C'mon Bronwyn -Kick her evil little butt!)
What really stood out for me with this story, is how the author dealt with Bronwyn's going back in time; I found myself giggling at points - there were some genuinely humorous moments; especially concerning language and understanding form both parties!
As many of you have already read, I am not a huge romance fan, but the story between Bronwyn and Euric was wonderful to watch unfurl. Sometimes, romantic scenes can make me cringe as I feel they are overdone and "movie" style. "Cheesy" But I felt the author was very careful with the love and romance element. (which, pleasantly, resulted in my keeping lunch down! Hehe!) The author was very good at leading the reader down a road with description and leaving it just at the right stage for the reader to fill in the blanks. The interactions, thoughts and feelings were well described and believable.
There came a point in which the story felt like it had finished... With 40% of the story left to go; I did wonder how the author was going to continue.. But I wasn't disappointed; in fact it was very satisfying and answered a lot of my questions about her future with Euric.
All this was set in the beautiful, historic and mystic Tinatgel in Cornwall. This was a wonderful story to get lost in.
seeingnight's review against another edition
3.0
GENRE: Fantasy
THEME: Time Travel/ Romance
RECEIVED: from Rhemalda Publishing
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
2.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I love when authors create a character that is a writer themselves, Spur of the Moment follows a Historical Romance author who gets transported to the 12th century and finds out she actually is from that time. Though the plot was fascinating it pains me to say I just couldn’t get into the pace or characters. It missed a beat for me but please remember this is my opinion and all readers should give this book a chance. I’m changing my review a bit to get in better detail why I couldn’t get into this book.
Bronwyn Chase is a best selling author who grew up without ever knowing her real parents. Now I do have to say the beginning of the novel really pulled me into the book when Early introduced Bronwyn. There is a scene with Bronwyn dealing with a annoying man on a plan that just cracked me up. Bronwyn discovers she was born in the past, realizing why she never felt she fit in. Then starts her journey in discovering what happened to her mother, why she was sent to another time and what evil is trying to harm her fate.
Likes:
Albert, he’s is such a breath of fresh air type of character. Introduced at the beginning, he is pretty much Bronwyn’s conscience. His job as her chauffer is quickly turned into a very trusted friendship that I felt her character needed. He helped her get out of a funk and guided her on her new path.
Euric is a knight whom is Bronwyn’s destined love. He is smart and really determined to protect his mother and Bronwyn at all cost. He even sacrifices himself to the villain of this story to keep everyone safe. What I call a major hero.
Bronwyn, of course was a thrill, I loved her sprit and how she really grew up through her experiences in the novel. In the beginning she was pretty timid and allowed people to walk all over her, in the end she really took charge of her life.
Dislikes:
Unfortunately the romance was extremely rushed for my liking. I understand the whole destined part and it was more than just insta-love, it was pretty much smack in the face, they are a couple. I like more development in relationship, getting to know each other and why they are so destined to be together. But their romance still had its moments that I enjoyed especially the end.
Repetition was something that caught my eye a lot. The character keep discussing about how to fight the evil Jaenelle. Jaenelle is trying to destroy Bronwyn’s happiness with Euric and uses dark magic to get what she wants. Pretty much the action didn’t start till about half way through and then started to get a lot more interesting. It just took a little to long to get the point across.
Jaenelle, the villain of Spur of the Moment was a bit lacking to me, though don’t get me wrong this girl was pretty insane, but that was about it. I didn’t feel any impact until the end, she was more of a bully who had an evil laugh but couldn’t scare the pants off a child. I was pretty bummed about this because I really wanted to see Bronwyn kick some serious butt and have a good villain to counteract her.
Overall it was a great start and had a really interesting end that I enjoyed but the middle way too drawn out until it reached the climax. Nonetheless I look forward to more novels by Candace Early and remember this is just my opinion and reviews can differ from reviewer to reviewer.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult series that contains minor sexual content for adults and some swear words. Fans of authors Stacey Kennedy and Stephanie Julian will enjoy Candace Earlys Spur of the Moment.
THEME: Time Travel/ Romance
RECEIVED: from Rhemalda Publishing
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
2.5 Stars
REVIEW:
I love when authors create a character that is a writer themselves, Spur of the Moment follows a Historical Romance author who gets transported to the 12th century and finds out she actually is from that time. Though the plot was fascinating it pains me to say I just couldn’t get into the pace or characters. It missed a beat for me but please remember this is my opinion and all readers should give this book a chance. I’m changing my review a bit to get in better detail why I couldn’t get into this book.
Bronwyn Chase is a best selling author who grew up without ever knowing her real parents. Now I do have to say the beginning of the novel really pulled me into the book when Early introduced Bronwyn. There is a scene with Bronwyn dealing with a annoying man on a plan that just cracked me up. Bronwyn discovers she was born in the past, realizing why she never felt she fit in. Then starts her journey in discovering what happened to her mother, why she was sent to another time and what evil is trying to harm her fate.
Likes:
Albert, he’s is such a breath of fresh air type of character. Introduced at the beginning, he is pretty much Bronwyn’s conscience. His job as her chauffer is quickly turned into a very trusted friendship that I felt her character needed. He helped her get out of a funk and guided her on her new path.
Euric is a knight whom is Bronwyn’s destined love. He is smart and really determined to protect his mother and Bronwyn at all cost. He even sacrifices himself to the villain of this story to keep everyone safe. What I call a major hero.
Bronwyn, of course was a thrill, I loved her sprit and how she really grew up through her experiences in the novel. In the beginning she was pretty timid and allowed people to walk all over her, in the end she really took charge of her life.
Dislikes:
Unfortunately the romance was extremely rushed for my liking. I understand the whole destined part and it was more than just insta-love, it was pretty much smack in the face, they are a couple. I like more development in relationship, getting to know each other and why they are so destined to be together. But their romance still had its moments that I enjoyed especially the end.
Repetition was something that caught my eye a lot. The character keep discussing about how to fight the evil Jaenelle. Jaenelle is trying to destroy Bronwyn’s happiness with Euric and uses dark magic to get what she wants. Pretty much the action didn’t start till about half way through and then started to get a lot more interesting. It just took a little to long to get the point across.
Jaenelle, the villain of Spur of the Moment was a bit lacking to me, though don’t get me wrong this girl was pretty insane, but that was about it. I didn’t feel any impact until the end, she was more of a bully who had an evil laugh but couldn’t scare the pants off a child. I was pretty bummed about this because I really wanted to see Bronwyn kick some serious butt and have a good villain to counteract her.
Overall it was a great start and had a really interesting end that I enjoyed but the middle way too drawn out until it reached the climax. Nonetheless I look forward to more novels by Candace Early and remember this is just my opinion and reviews can differ from reviewer to reviewer.
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult series that contains minor sexual content for adults and some swear words. Fans of authors Stacey Kennedy and Stephanie Julian will enjoy Candace Earlys Spur of the Moment.
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