gonturans's review against another edition
What was Iris Johansen smoking back in the day to only write 16 year old heroines with 30 year old men
b0okcupidity's review against another edition
2.0
Indicitive of 90's romances. Strong Alpha and disagreeable heroine who has no choice but to succomb.
I was really looking for something with the flare of Julie Garwood's historicals, and this wasn't it. Reminds me more of a Judith McNaught story without all the pretty exposition and angst - Iris Johansen is more whimsical or fantastical in setting and events.
I'll put it this way, I liked it well enough to try another book by her, but not well enough that I'd pick up a discount copy if I ran across it at half-price books.
I was really looking for something with the flare of Julie Garwood's historicals, and this wasn't it. Reminds me more of a Judith McNaught story without all the pretty exposition and angst - Iris Johansen is more whimsical or fantastical in setting and events.
I'll put it this way, I liked it well enough to try another book by her, but not well enough that I'd pick up a discount copy if I ran across it at half-price books.
claire_reads's review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
The story was fine and I appreciated the attempt at a storyline other than the romance. My real problem is with the lack of understanding of consent or that it promotes the idea that men know what women really want even when they are saying the opposite. It romanticizes an abusive relationship.
celebrin's review
4.0
I had listed this as read, as I owned it, but I totally dont' remember reading it.
I think I'd remember this book. It was excellent.
I think I'd remember this book. It was excellent.
balletbookworm's review
3.0
All in all, this balances out to a pretty OK book. The mystery of the Jedalar is interesting and creates a good point of friction between Marianna and Jordan. Also, Marianna's facility with stained glass was a good inclusion and her standing as a master craftsman contrasts with the a regency notion that she has a hobby (Dorothy is a bit much, IMO, but she serves a point). Good historical work.
The plot did drag though at times. Yes, we know that Jordan totally has the hots for Marianna, yes, neither of them tell the truth because neither of them trust each other, yes, Jordan can be a dick. It seemed to go around ad nauseum. But I did like the ending.
(The ravin was a bit much with her story laid over Marianna and Jordan's. As was the Duke of Diamonds bit. Could have done without that visual)
The plot did drag though at times. Yes, we know that Jordan totally has the hots for Marianna, yes, neither of them tell the truth because neither of them trust each other, yes, Jordan can be a dick. It seemed to go around ad nauseum. But I did like the ending.
(The ravin was a bit much with her story laid over Marianna and Jordan's. As was the Duke of Diamonds bit. Could have done without that visual)
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