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acesarrows's review against another edition
2.0
A good story, and cute characters, but Emma (our intrepid heroine) annoyed me a great deal. I really would have rather had Edison find someone a bit more more for his leading lady. But, a classic Quick novel, so if you've read others by her then you'll know what to expect from this one.
breezy610's review against another edition
4.0
I really don't like this heroine in this book. she was a littl bit too strong-headed for my taste. She was sooo annoying when it came to her job and her pursince in having a reference written or telling herself that she wasn't in love with the hero of the story. it was soo annoying. This one is definitely not one of my favorites, but I will probably re-read it over again because it was a good story.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
I Thee Wed
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma.
The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma.
The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
autumnalia's review against another edition
I waffled on this for a while. The dialogue and manners stuff that I enjoy so much in Heyer and don’t find as much as I wish in historicals was on point. But the plot got very silly as well as mildly racist, and then the first sexual encounter was problematic as hell. Can’t be bothered to finish it.
thunguyen's review against another edition
4.0
This is why I love reading Amanda Quick's books: funny and comical, lighthearted, easy romance, bit of detective work in historic settings, females who defy her era.
chemist_stuck_in_fantasy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
blonde_byfrankocean's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is the first book I’ve read of Ms. Quick’s & I found it delightful! There is something to be said for historicals that contain great plot & while sexual encounters are referenced, it isn’t in detail. Which for me today was highly refreshing!! I’m seriously considering creating another spreadsheet of the author’s backlist & especially reading the 1st book in this duet sometime in the near future. This is one 📕 I will highly recommend!!
margarks's review against another edition
3.0
There were some pretty funny scenes/dialogue in this novel. The heroines insistence on a reference had me laugh out loud once or twice at her timing. Another enjoyable Amanda Quick read.
For the most part I like her newer novels better, but if you're looking for a solid historical romance, I haven't gone wrong with one of Quick's books yet.
For the most part I like her newer novels better, but if you're looking for a solid historical romance, I haven't gone wrong with one of Quick's books yet.
bannisterb's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I enjoyed the first half of this and many elements were strong (good leads, interesting mystery at first), but as the story went on, the story got unnecessarily complex and ventured into woo-woo territory. I'll read fantasy, but not as a plot crutch. Previous Quick novels I've read had characters who believed in mystical theories, but the leads and the story conclusions didn't lend it any credence -- the world was firmly rooted in reality. This one would not stop with the vaguely Asian mystical practices that allowed the hero or villain to easily be awesome at fighting/concealment/etc. It reminded me of the train wreck that was Kinsale's Shadow and the Star. And I did like the occasional witty banter between the leads and their employment relationship. But their romance was anything but romantic or believable. The reader doesn't even get any assurances of their growing romantic feelings when in their heads.