Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed!, April 23, 2010
Though I would say this was a better STORY than it was a ROMANCE. This was my first book by McCabe.
What I loved: through her meticulous attention to detail and description of surroundings and events, I felt totally immersed in the historical setting she created. It was fabulous. So often, it seems as though the historical stories occur beyond a hazy screen, one that keeps us from being completely "there". Whether it was the Grecian-themed masquerade ball or the waterfall and grotto in Yorkshire, she describes things in such a way I truly felt present.
What I wasn't nuts about: The sex scene came out-of-the-blue! And the heroine instigated it! This was a real surprise. Yes, both leads were imminently likable, but the hero a bit more beta than I thought necessary. Twice in the first half of the book, he referred to important work he needed to accomplish/to the demons or secrets in his past, and those were never revealed satisfactorily. It was as though that plot point was completely dropped and I think his characterization suffered for it. I also think the story would have read better had the sex scene been completely skipped. It did not add to the developing romance, detracted from it, in fact because it didn't seem to flow naturally at all. (And loads of the mythology references flew way over my head!)
Quibbles aside, I am thoroughly looking forward to reading the Duke's story next month - what a fascinating, dark character with plenty of secrets!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3.0 out of 5 stars
Kicks off the saga of the Chase Muses, February 9, 2011
This entertaining but implausible Regency romance kicks off a series of stories about the "Chase Muses" - the nine daughters of Sir Walter Chase, eminent scholar and archaeologist, who are named after classical Greek muses.
The eldest four of the nine sisters appear or are mentioned in "To Catch a Rogue": they are
Calliope (heroine of this book)
Clio (heroine of "To Deceive a Duke (Historical Romance)")
Thalia (heroine of " To Kiss a Count")
Terpsichore (known as Cory and still a child)
At the moment there are three books in the series, and there do not appear to be too many loose ends left over after "To Kiss a Count" the author may come back and write about the six younger series but the story will not be left hanging if she stops after the initial trilogy.
Very much her father's daughter, Calliope Chase is passionate about ancient art, especially if it comes from Greece.
Sir Alfred Chase had been a close friend and rival of the previous Earl of Westwood, who shared his interest in Greece. As a small child, Calliope had been particularly fond of a bust of Hermes which used to stand in the foyer of the Westwood's town house. She was immensely disappointed when the new Earl, Cameron de Vere, sent it back to Greece.
And she is furious at the activities of the "Lily Thief" who steals works of art from the collectors of the ton under their very noses. Calliope is determined to catch the Lily Thief, and the new Earl of Westwood is one of her prime suspects.
So she determines to keep a close eye on him. But as she does, her feelings about the handsome earl become much more complex. And could it even be possible that the Earl might be innocent: or even Calliope should look for the Lily Thief somewhere much closer to home ?
This book also sets up the next romance in the series, "To Deceive a Duke."
There are some serious problems on the credibility front - many of the characters have very modern attitudes to antiquities, for instance, which were unheard of in the Regency period. And what are the chances of a couple who decide to name their daughters after the nine classical Greek muses managing to produce exactly nine of them?
But this is an entertaining read, and I can recommend this series as good fun if not taken too seriously.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4.0 out of 5 stars
To Catch a Rogue Delivers for Romance Readers!, May 19, 2010
Amanda McCabe has crafted a spell-binding, sensuous read grounded in Greek mythology. Filled with muses, romance, intrigue and mystery, this thrill-of-the-hunt regency historical, evokes visions of Aphrodite and Apollo amongst the ton setting.
A refreshing plot with a compelling start from page one sets the course for this delightful read with perfect-pacing and well-developed characters that follow a Greek infused theme threaded throughout the book.
The compelling, aristocratic Chase women - Calliope, Clio & Thalia - are regarded for their education and upbringing in Greek arts & culture thanks to their parents, Lord and Lady Chase. Known affectionately as the Chase Muses for their slightly eccentric ways, their oldest sister Calliope is the most reserved yet passionate about Greek antiquities which is exactly what life-long family friend, Cameron de Vere, Earl of Westwood likes about her.
Himself of Greek descent, Lord Westwood returns to England after years of traveling the Mediterranean to assume his title and sets about returning his family's collection of Greek artifacts to their home lands.
An unknown thief apparently has a similar agenda: to retrieve artifacts believed to be ill-gotten. Known as the Lily Thief, he boldly steals precious artifacts displayed during these gatherings setting in motion a chain of suspicion, doubt and intrigue. Calliope cannot resist tracking down the bandit with the help of friends but she begins to suspect Cameron to be the thief even as her feelings for him grow and concern for Clio`s well-being emerge.
Drawn to the same events and venues that highlight ancient artifacts, Cameron spars regularly with Calliope sparking an undeniable attraction and mutual respect despite her distrust and fear that he may be the Lily Thief.
Against a backdrop of British aristocracy, the cultured ton partake of the usual society events typical of `season' but with a twist: ancient antiquities are a focal point. As the elite set about acquiring then showing off their garnered antiquities the reader attends cotillions, balls and meetings featuring the Society ladies and mercurial Lord Averton. Their romance blossoms along with the intrigue of this mystery and a unique plot twist that threatens to separate them, and unravel her family.
In my opinion, McCabe has done a tremendous job of drawing the picture and placing the reader in it without too much back-story, dialogue or narrative making it a read to look forward to. It is so well-paced and description refreshing, it was truly a pleasure to read.
Further, McCabe introduces such well-developed characters both primary and secondary - the reader yearns for additional books about them. And good news, two more books are on their way!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|