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A review by laurenjodi
Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick
3.0
Garden of Lies
3 Stars
While an Amanda Quick book is almost guaranteed to provide a few hours of angst-free reading enjoyment, this one misses the mark.
The plot is a convoluted mess, the character development is uninspired, and the romance is lackluster.
There are simply too many confusing storylines that never form a cohesive whole and actually leave numerous questions unanswered. For example, or or These questions are just a taste of the unresolved issues in the book.
In terms of the characterization, both Slater and Ursula's backstories have been done to death in Quick's works. Similar to many of her heroes and heroines, Slater is dark and broody as a result of his experiences on the mysterious Fever island with its esoteric rituals, and Ursula is an independent and forthright woman who has reinvented herself. While they are definitely admirable in their own right, there is nothing about them to really engage the reader.
Finally, the romance is mundane. Slater and Ursula have little to no chemistry, and their interactions are missing the sensuality and banter that make many of Quick's couples so appealing. It is never really clear how or why they fall for each other.
Overall, readers looking for Amanda Quick's trademark writing style and characters will enjoy this despite the lack of originality.
3 Stars
While an Amanda Quick book is almost guaranteed to provide a few hours of angst-free reading enjoyment, this one misses the mark.
The plot is a convoluted mess, the character development is uninspired, and the romance is lackluster.
There are simply too many confusing storylines that never form a cohesive whole and actually leave numerous questions unanswered. For example,
Spoiler
Why was Brice afraid of Slater?Spoiler
Why would Damon Cobb correspond with Anne and threaten his lucrative relationship with Valerie?Spoiler
what happened to Judith revolting stepfather?In terms of the characterization, both Slater and Ursula's backstories have been done to death in Quick's works. Similar to many of her heroes and heroines, Slater is dark and broody as a result of his experiences on the mysterious Fever island with its esoteric rituals, and Ursula is an independent and forthright woman who has reinvented herself. While they are definitely admirable in their own right, there is nothing about them to really engage the reader.
Finally, the romance is mundane. Slater and Ursula have little to no chemistry, and their interactions are missing the sensuality and banter that make many of Quick's couples so appealing. It is never really clear how or why they fall for each other.
Overall, readers looking for Amanda Quick's trademark writing style and characters will enjoy this despite the lack of originality.