Customer Reviews

Clandestine

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Sarah Callaway has only one hope in finding her missing cousin and that hope is with none other than Guy Devoran. He is the handsome nephew of the powerful Duke of Blackdown. Her last letter from her cousin stated a close connection to Guy and if there is any hope at all at finding her she knows that Guy will be the answer. After a daring period of time where she follows the handsome man they finally meet face to face and Sarah puts forth her request. She has no idea that the connection between Guy and Rachel was more then she was lead to believe. When he agrees to help her the time they spend together forces Sarah to realize that her heart is awakening again. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the smuggler world these two fight the attraction and honor that binds them both together.

Ms. Ross is without a doubt one of the most lyrical writers to pen a historical romance in years. A reader is guaranteed a fine read when they pick up anything by this author. Guy and Sarah's romance is just that...romantic. The push/pull that makes up their courtship will capture the reader's attention from the beginning. For those that have been reading this series from the beginning you will be able to visit with old friends. For readers that are new to Ms. Ross...will be making a beeline to their bookstore of choice to pick up her backlist. This read offers it all, romance, suspense, entertaining setting and full rich characters that will jump off the pages. Even the frustrating Rachel is a ideal addition to this read. Ms. Ross understands what romance is and how to convey it to fans new and old. Courtesy CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

In this third book of the Wyldshay trilogy, Ross again pits honor against personal happiness in a story of great passion and suspense. Apparently plain widow Sarah Callaway, fearing that her missing cousin has been kidnapped by a thwarted suitor, enlists Guy Devoran, irresistably handsome and passionately honorable, to help her search. Guy has his own history with the missing Rachel which he keeps to himself, though his honor demands he help Sarah. As they begin their search, passion sparks between the delighful Sarah, who doubts any man could find her attractive, and delectable Guy, whose deep sense of honor battles with his growing connection to Sarah.

As with all her books, the rhythym and rich texture of Ross's writing raises this book above the average romance fare. If her story were a ballet, the dancers would move with deliberate and passionate grace as the music sounded a deep, resonant undertone. In Clandestine all the characters, including the infuriating Rachel, remain true and capture the reader's interest to the last page.

I picked up this book at a dollar store, so, admittedly, I had no expectation that this would be a riveting read - although there were accolades aplenty (printed inside the cover) for this novel and her previous novels. It turns out that my initial impression was correct (and the accolades mystifying). From almost the first page on, there were many instances of overblown, cringe-worthy descriptions, dialogue, etc. Following are some examples from the first 38 pages:

Descriptive passage:

"His eyes were deep green, like the laughing shadow beneath a wave."

"...a pulse beating beneath the skin of her speckled thrush throat." (describing a freckled woman's neck)

Dialogue:

"...and now you're feeling as soaked in dishonor as those petals are in the duke's best brandy."

Additionally, the plot, about a missing woman, is needlessly overly complicated, and characters are cliched and one dimensional. However, if you are a fan of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, this might just be the book for you!

Whether you're a diehard Julia Ross fan or never been introduced to her historical romances, you can't go wrong picking up her November release, Clandestine. In her inimitable captivating style, Ross has created another pair of memorable characters and thrown them into a complex and sensual adventure that is sure to please.

Widow Sarah Callaway's cousin has gone missing under suspicious circumstances, and the only lead Sarah has is a handful of old letters that convince her the only man who can help her is Guy Devoran, nephew of one of England's powerful dukes. Despite an immediate attraction to the flame-haired botany teacher and his need to keep his own secrets regarding the missing woman, Guy is enticed into helping the determined Sarah. Their quest carries them from the backdrop of elegant London ballrooms to the country estates of England's peerage to the lonely beaches smugglers walk, each clue unfolding upon the other as their forbidden love--and ever greater danger--unfolds.

Ross's wonderful imagery is enhanced by wicked botany references, creating a delicious and lush historical romance that is immensely satisfying. This one's destined for my keeper shelf!

I really enjoyed this story. It was sweet and the way JR writes got to my heart. I love that Guy was a gentleman and the realitic approach that He and Sarah didnt spend time all their together since she was considered lower class and had to ride/eat and whatnot separately. Hence for the midnight/dawn (clandestine) meetings where they got to know eachother and really fall in love. However with all they mystery and twist and turns, it felt kind of soap-operish at times but still a novel i recommend and will surely read again. Guy was a romantic and honorable hero and i think Sarah was perfect for him. Its nice to read a story where the hero is not always a rake (and titled) and that the heroine is not always a virgin.

In 1829 England, Sarah Calloway worries that a rejected suitor has abducted her cousin Rachel. She has no one to turn to for help except perhaps Guy Devoran, a man her cousin mentioned in a letter to her as a kind caring person. Desperate and worried, Sarah clandestinely observes Guy at various galas before finally asking him to find and rescue Rachel.

Guy cannot fathom why the young widow selected him, but admires her courage and loyalty. He agrees to investigate what happened to Sarah though he thinks she hides something from him. He knows he has not told her the entire truth of why he acquiesces to make inquiries. As they journey through the world of the Ton and the underworld of smugglers, they fall in love, but both must reveal their deepest darkest secrets if they want to make a permanent match and save Sarah.

This is a terrific Regency romantic suspense thriller as the rescuers fall in love while not totally trusting their beloved as each believes the other hides something critical from them. The action-packed story line moves rather quickly yet the prime players are fully developed. Julia Ross proves the sub-genre is alive and well.

Harriet Klausner