Customer Reviews

Amethyst

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it.

Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty.

The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite.

The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Amethyst "Amy" Goldsmith, daughter of a jeweler, is an accomplished and talented jewelry maker who loves her craft and has a great passion for her work but her personal life is hardly as fulfilling. In just two weeks she will be wed to a man whom she does not love - a man who plans to keep her away from her work to make babies and keep his house. Amy longs for love but will not hurt her father by backing out of the unwanted marriage. One day Colin Chase "Earl of Greystone" walks into her family's store and they make an immediate connection but, sadly, he is far out of her league.

These first few chapters are wonderful and really hooked me. The historic details are interesting and plentiful and Amy is presented as a likable and compassionate character full of life, dreams and motivation. Then a devastating fire destroys her life and changes everything. She now has the opportunity to take charge of her life but first is rescued by Colin who takes her to his home so she can heal from her physical and emotional wounds. She quickly finds love and acceptance amongst Colin's siblings but receives only the cold shoulder from Colin who wants her gone as soon as possible. Amy decides she wants Colin and comes up with one excuse after another to stick around.

It was Colin's attraction to Amy that impelled him to rescue her and it is that same attraction that makes him want her out of his sight as soon as possible. Colin is betrothed to a "titled" woman and has already spent a good portion of the woman's dowry and sees no way to get out of it. And, lets be real, he doesn't want to. For the majority of the story money and titles are more important to Colin than love and it's here that the book lost the most of its appeal for me.

Colin and Amy are wildly attracted to each other and obviously belong together but he stubbornly refuses to break off his betrothal. This makes him come across as extremely selfish. Amy deserved so much better. Amy, unfortunately, loses some of her charm because she is forced into the role of pining away for the stubborn Colin instead of concentrating on getting back on her feet. The jewelry crafting, which was such a huge part of her life, takes a back to seat to thoughts of Colin and this was very disappointing.

This story is a good choice if you like your books steeped in historic detail and don't mind love-stubborn heroes. The author has an obvious love for her time period and weaves in interesting tidbits whenever possible. Although Colin didn't turn out to be my idea of a hero I do look forward to the forthcoming stories about Colin's siblings who were lovable characters.

Lauren Royal is off to a wonderful writing career with her first book: Amethyst.

Tragedy, disappointment and true love fulfilled---what more could a romance reader ask for?

Both the main characters and the secondary characters were well written, fun and compelling. The setting and descriptions were mentally vivid.

Congratulations to Laurie for a wonderful debut novel. I'm already looking forward to her next book!

Almost from the instant I started reading AMETHYST, I felt transported back in time. Lauren Royal lists FOREVER AMBER as one of her inspirations, and it shows. The pageantry and superficiality of Charles II's court, as well as the individual tragedies of the Great Fire of London come alive in this novel.

Not only is the historical basis of AMETHYST extremely accurate, but the character development and interaction is superb. Many romance novelists tend to focus solely on the main couple, leaving me to wonder how happy-ever-after they would truly be when the villian is vanquished and the real world intrudes. Not so for Amy and Colin. They interact with the extraordinary and the everyday -- family, fellow disaster victims, and the king. There is a real sense that their story takes place in the world, not separate from it on some utopia-like plane. There is true chemistry and emotion between them, but you see their true character as well -- their unswerving loyalty, Amy's insecurities, Colin's sense of humor...it all has a very 'real' feel to it.

Based on this book alone, I would pick up any Lauren Royal novel, sight unseen. I just know I would not be disappointed.

What a great read. It is not very often that I get my hands on a book that I just can't put down before I know how it ends. That was the case with Amethyst. I just had to know what would happend to Amy and Colin (the two main characters). Buy this book you will not regret it.

I have read my share of romance novels and this I have to say is one of those books that i will read again and again. It will sit on my shelf for a few months maybe even a few years but when i do pull it from the shelf it will be like saying hello to a long lost friend.

Amethyst Goldsmith is a jewler who makes pieces just as beautiful as her. but after the devasting London fire of 1666 all she is left with is her inheritance. She is taken in by the handsome Colin chase, Earl of Greystone. Can a working class girl ever be with a gentleman?

I love the rags to riches story and I love the writing style of Lauren Royal.

Once you start reading this book, expect to stay up all night. It's a page-turner, with vivid descriptions, emotional depth and characters who touch the heart. I fell in love with Colin Chase and falling in love with the hero of romance is a must for me. Lauren Royal is a talented author--a true rising star. She swept me back in time, to England in the 1600s. Her research was incredible. For 387 pages, I lived with Colin and Amethyst, felt what they felt, saw what they saw, loved what they loved. What more could a romance reader ask for?

I found this book to be very real. You can picture what is going on in the book, in your head, while you are reading it. It is very capturing. I love the character Amythyst. I also like the way how, the auhor used a name appropriate to the heroine's background. It is very enjoyable. One of the best books I have read!!!

Forget any of the other good books you have read. This is sure to knock out any competition on your list! The FIRST time I read I simply could not put it down. It has everything a perfect book needs. History, romance, humor, and tradgedy. I loved this book soo much that I currently have reread it 5 times over! You'll feel like you know Colin and Amy personally and it's impressive twist and turns will keep suprising you over and over again. But be warned reading it once is never enough - no one can resist it's dazzling charm!

I look forward to her next book hopefully its just a good. It was sweet and funny. I nice happy read! You will love Colin and Amy-they are a great couple! Go check out her site... I hope you like this book as much as I did!