vampar's review
4.0
Cute
A cute, sometimes funny historical romance set in small town, developing America with a touch of paranormal. A quick, enjoyable read.
A cute, sometimes funny historical romance set in small town, developing America with a touch of paranormal. A quick, enjoyable read.
alexlcriddle's review
2.0
The story was okay. The writing was quite repetitive at times and needed another couple of editing sessions. There was an explicit scene toward the end that I just skipped right over and didn't feel like I missed anything. Why do authors feel they have to add inappropriate scenes to romance novels? Romance does not equal sex.
saarahn's review
4.0
Witty, beautiful, a page-turner!
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I don't tend to read books with supernatural elements within them but when putting all that aside, the book was beautiful.
The characters were funny, witty for the most part. There were times when I actually cringed at the words Belle came out with. I loved it! The character of Belle, though lacking in self confidence, was very charming and loyal to her sisters. Oh what I'd give to be a sister like that!
I did have a small problem with one of the underlying messages conveyed in this novel: you have to be beautiful to get a man. For, it was once Belle became beautiful that Stanhope paid any attention to her, in the romantic sense. The fact that Stanhope took advantage of Belle's innocence and naivety also didn't sit well with me. Readers may argue that both characters were in love, yet I'm sure I raise a valid point when I state that Belle had never been in love before. Surely, she'd have to be able to recognise the experience first or know that it's what she wanted.
This leads me on to my next point, the way Belle behaved with Stanhope was not out of love. For example, she imagined him naked- surely, I am not wrong when I think she felt lust for him as opposed to love.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I don't tend to read books with supernatural elements within them but when putting all that aside, the book was beautiful.
The characters were funny, witty for the most part. There were times when I actually cringed at the words Belle came out with. I loved it! The character of Belle, though lacking in self confidence, was very charming and loyal to her sisters. Oh what I'd give to be a sister like that!
I did have a small problem with one of the underlying messages conveyed in this novel: you have to be beautiful to get a man. For, it was once Belle became beautiful that Stanhope paid any attention to her, in the romantic sense. The fact that Stanhope took advantage of Belle's innocence and naivety also didn't sit well with me. Readers may argue that both characters were in love, yet I'm sure I raise a valid point when I state that Belle had never been in love before. Surely, she'd have to be able to recognise the experience first or know that it's what she wanted.
This leads me on to my next point, the way Belle behaved with Stanhope was not out of love. For example, she imagined him naked- surely, I am not wrong when I think she felt lust for him as opposed to love.
holtfan's review
1.0
Her name means beauty but Belle is not beautiful.
Her sister's name is Charisma but Charisma is not charmig.
Her other sister's name is Grace but Grace is not graceful.
If that is the kind of heavy-handed characterization you like, you might like this book. It is full of on-the-nose plot points and awkward, overstated jokes.
The beginning at least felt someone interesting and I liked the use of the Three Graces. Unfortunately, as the book progressed it quickly fell into the familiar pattern of a bad romance novel, complete with an egregious love scene between the 'eager but innocent' heroine and the experienced hero.
In the end, the best thing the book has going for it is the pretty cover and $0 price tag. Don't recommend.
Her sister's name is Charisma but Charisma is not charmig.
Her other sister's name is Grace but Grace is not graceful.
If that is the kind of heavy-handed characterization you like, you might like this book. It is full of on-the-nose plot points and awkward, overstated jokes.
The beginning at least felt someone interesting and I liked the use of the Three Graces. Unfortunately, as the book progressed it quickly fell into the familiar pattern of a bad romance novel, complete with an egregious love scene between the 'eager but innocent' heroine and the experienced hero.
Spoiler
*pulls out soapbox* And another thing! We're supposed to praise this hero for being a gentleman or some such nonsense and the heroine is like 'you would never sleep with an innocent woman and abandon her!' but IS THAT NOT EXACTLY WHAT SHE EXPECTED HIM TO DO IN HER SITUATION? Like, I don't get why he's supposed to be a good guy. He really isn't. If he was, he would have asked her to marry him before all their shenanigans. But then, I guess, you wouldn't have the predictable misunderstandings and boring plot contrivancesIn the end, the best thing the book has going for it is the pretty cover and $0 price tag. Don't recommend.
kindleandcrochet's review
4.0
I rely enjoyed this book and was rooting for Kit and Bells the entire way through.
The characters were great fun to read, Mr Sullivan who is so unassuming, saves the day and it's absolutely fabulous! I absolutely adore Kit he's so cute! And I loathed Daltrey he was such an ass. I loved the relationship between Belle and her sisters, they are all so strong and loyal it's nice to read :)
I'm not sure if I want to chance the next book... I haven't quote decided yet
The characters were great fun to read, Mr Sullivan who is so unassuming, saves the day and it's absolutely fabulous! I absolutely adore Kit he's so cute! And I loathed Daltrey he was such an ass. I loved the relationship between Belle and her sisters, they are all so strong and loyal it's nice to read :)
I'm not sure if I want to chance the next book... I haven't quote decided yet
sirsangel's review
3.0
My opinion, this book was a slog to try to read. I don't find any of the characters that appealing. No interest in the remaining books.
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