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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Interested to find out more about Lord Vaughn in future books. Nice links to the previous books. Like the slower pace of the contemporary stroyline
THIS ONE WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST. MILES AND HEN. IT WAS THE BEST. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
For the first half or so I found this the weakest of the series, but she found her stride further in, and so did her characters. The Eloise-Colin er-relationship(?) moves forward in an entertaining fashion. I found Miles as a hero to be quite doltish and kept muttering "twit" aloud while reading (collecting strange looks at the same time). No wonder the Scarlet Pimpernel had refused to use him as part of his league in France; Miles blunders in where fools dare not go.
All in all a fun and at-times delightful read. I had gotten so far engrossed in the historical story that I found the final switch back to Eloise to be a bit jarring, but that's more a statement in favor of the story than against it.
All in all a fun and at-times delightful read. I had gotten so far engrossed in the historical story that I found the final switch back to Eloise to be a bit jarring, but that's more a statement in favor of the story than against it.
A pretty entertaining sequel - as with the original, the story is way better than the writing, but still a fun read.
These books are a little silly, a little predictable and a whole lot of fun. If you enjoy historical fiction/romance and don't mind the story being told in a borderline satirical manner, do yourself a favor and pick up Lauren Willig.
The mix of past and present really keeps the story moving. I know the spies should be the most important part of the story, but I keep looking for the flashes to the present. Wonder what Colin is up to...
I really like this book, now and when I first read it. It feels more like the original Pink Carnation book. The later books, especially Charlotte's and Pen's feel far removed from the Pink Carnation spy ring, Jane and Miss Gwen. So much so, that after not reading the books for 2 years I had forgotten all about the plot of the original other than it took place in Paris and was really enjoyable.
That said I have a few problems with plot, pacing, and dialogue. It is trying really hard to use the proper verbage of the times, but the inner monologue is entirely modern.
Miles and Hen becoming an item is predictable in that it is a romance style book. The girl always gets her guy or there better be a good reason why. As for the Romance angle, I am glad to see the sensationalism of sex reduced somewhat in later books. If they hook up, its not all thrusting and moaning.At least that is what I remember.
Overall, a favorite.
That said I have a few problems with plot, pacing, and dialogue. It is trying really hard to use the proper verbage of the times, but the inner monologue is entirely modern.
Miles and Hen becoming an item is predictable in that it is a romance style book. The girl always gets her guy or there better be a good reason why. As for the Romance angle, I am glad to see the sensationalism of sex reduced somewhat in later books. If they hook up, its not all thrusting and moaning.At least that is what I remember.
Overall, a favorite.
I read the first book in the series several years ago and wasn't sure if I'd remember it well enough to follow #2. But Willig's writing is effortless and I'm so glad I came across it again. Historical fiction, dealing with British/French espionage during the Napoleonic wars, but with enough action, intrigue and romance to keep it a light, fun read. The romantic chemistry is spot on and I found myself really rooting for the two leads to get together, rather than just going along with it because it was inevitable. Historical details are anchored in plot and character, so it feels natural instead of academic. And though romance is definitely a satisfying element of the story, the plot is fast paced and compelling enough to let it cross genres and appeal to a wider range than strictly romance readers. Recommended for anyone who enjoys light historicals, dashing spies and counter-spies, or historical romances.
So, this was one of those rare, treasure-trove finds for me. I was in a Bookmans, with some store credit, and prowling around when I saw this stunning cover. And the synopsis sounded intriguing enough that I picked it up, along with some others. Flash forward two months later, and I'm finally making my way through my TBR pile (which is staggering, I'm afraid).
When I started reading The Masque of the Black Tulip, I went to enter it onto Goodreads (since I'm trying to be a more conscientious reader) and saw that it was actually listed as #2. Intrigued, I looked into the series, which is something like nine or ten books long, and that this was the second in the series.
So then, I debated continuing the book; I didn't know whether it was enough of a standalone that I wouldn't get confused. Happily, I did continue, and I have never had so much FUN in a historical fiction ever before! Now, onto the review:
1) The characters. A cast of flawed, human, and sometimes ridiculous characters, both in Regency and early 2000s London. I loved Henrietta, I thought that she was a good balance of modern feistiness and proper etiquette for a well-bred young lady of her time. But I also really identified with our modern heroine, Eloise; now, that may be because I'm looking to be a graduate student of British history and so I admire and respect her, but regardless, she was delightfully real as a character who occasionally popped up, here and there.
2) The premise. I just love the whole Napoleonic-Regency spy ring thing. It's interesting and makes the books a great deal lighter, because it was done more in line of Get Smart rather than James Bond, as far as spy-plots goes. The plot was fairly predictable (I knew who the Black Tulip was as soon as *they* entered the story) but the writing was great, the characters were funny and the plot didn't drag.
3) The romance. Obviously, there's got to be some romance, and I was really glad that it was between Hen and Miles. There was no insta-love here, people (thank God!); these two characters have known each other nearly their entire lives, and have only recently uncovered their deeper affection for one another, which leads to some good, old-fashioned angst and some adorable, swoon-worthy scenes. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it. As a side note, I was definitely sensing a spark between Eloise and Colin, and I'm glad that their's is not insta-love either; it's the second book and they had an almost kiss that went nowhere. If/when it does happen, it'll be natural, rather than a forced plot device, which is refreshing.
Overall, this was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I am definitely going to continue the series, but not all at once; this is a series that is going to sustain my need for fun, fluff and romance for some years to come. 4.5 / 5 stars!
When I started reading The Masque of the Black Tulip, I went to enter it onto Goodreads (since I'm trying to be a more conscientious reader) and saw that it was actually listed as #2. Intrigued, I looked into the series, which is something like nine or ten books long, and that this was the second in the series.
So then, I debated continuing the book; I didn't know whether it was enough of a standalone that I wouldn't get confused. Happily, I did continue, and I have never had so much FUN in a historical fiction ever before! Now, onto the review:
1) The characters. A cast of flawed, human, and sometimes ridiculous characters, both in Regency and early 2000s London. I loved Henrietta, I thought that she was a good balance of modern feistiness and proper etiquette for a well-bred young lady of her time. But I also really identified with our modern heroine, Eloise; now, that may be because I'm looking to be a graduate student of British history and so I admire and respect her, but regardless, she was delightfully real as a character who occasionally popped up, here and there.
2) The premise. I just love the whole Napoleonic-Regency spy ring thing. It's interesting and makes the books a great deal lighter, because it was done more in line of Get Smart rather than James Bond, as far as spy-plots goes. The plot was fairly predictable (I knew who the Black Tulip was as soon as *they* entered the story) but the writing was great, the characters were funny and the plot didn't drag.
3) The romance. Obviously, there's got to be some romance, and I was really glad that it was between Hen and Miles. There was no insta-love here, people (thank God!); these two characters have known each other nearly their entire lives, and have only recently uncovered their deeper affection for one another, which leads to some good, old-fashioned angst and some adorable, swoon-worthy scenes. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it. As a side note, I was definitely sensing a spark between Eloise and Colin, and I'm glad that their's is not insta-love either; it's the second book and they had an almost kiss that went nowhere. If/when it does happen, it'll be natural, rather than a forced plot device, which is refreshing.
Overall, this was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I am definitely going to continue the series, but not all at once; this is a series that is going to sustain my need for fun, fluff and romance for some years to come. 4.5 / 5 stars!