30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Historical Debut, July 29, 2009
This review is from: Goddess of the Hunt (Mass Market Paperback)
Every year there seems to be one debut author who bursts upon the scene and absolutely knocks my socks off with her superb writing skill. This year, that author is Tessa Dare. In her debut book, GODDESS OF THE HUNT, Dare showcases her command of the English language with exquisite prose that sings across the pages with a lyrical quality that is a joy to read. Her characters are so vividly drawn that they practically leap from the pages and her story unerringly hits all the right notes.
Irrepressible Lucy Waltham has fancied herself in love with Sir Toby since the tender age of eleven, when her older brother's friend dubbed her his "Diana, Goddess of the Hunt". She has bided her time, knowing in her heart that one day Toby would awaken to his real feelings for her, but now, eight years later, her brother's friends have arrived for their annual gathering and, for the first time, Toby is exhibiting a serious interest in someone. Lucy has no choice but to seduce him and show him that she is the woman of his dreams and the one he is meant to marry, not Miss Sophia Hathaway. Unfortunately for Lucy, she has never even been kissed but she has a book that explains everything. All she needs now is someone with whom to practice.
Jeremy Trescott has always treasured his visits to Waltham Manor, the home of his good friend, Henry Waltham. It's the only place where he has ever been able to relax and be himself. Growing up with parents who showed neither love nor appreciation for their son, Jeremy learned to close off his emotions years ago. In truth, the only person who has ever been able to get a rise out of him is Lucy, his friend's exasperating younger sister and in Jeremy's own words, his "personal version of a biblical plague." Now she shows up at his bedroom door in the middle of the night with the crazy idea that she is going to seduce Toby...after honing her skills with him! If only she wasn't proving to be such a fast learner.
I have always enjoyed the "brother's best friend" storyline and I was intrigued by Dare's unique spin on the concept. Lucy does indeed fall for her brother's friend, just not the one that she, and everyone else, expected. But the self admission of her feelings isn't the end of this story but, rather, the beginning of the second half of the book for her greatest challenge, winning Jeremy's love, is still to be achieved and this is one hero who doesn't make it easy.
That perhaps is Dare's greatest talent as a writer. Aside from the scintillating banter, the lovely, lyrical prose, the humor and angst of young and unrequited love, this is an author who made me care about her characters - all of her characters. I highly recommend GODDESS OF THE HUNT. The next two books in this trilogy, SURRENDER OF A SIREN and A LADY OF PERSUASION will be released August 25th and September 29th, respectively. I'll be counting the days!
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Distinctly aware of the heroine's age, March 1, 2010
Throughout this novel, I was acutely aware of how young the heroine was. That's never a good sign. Basically she acted like an immature teenager, which was very unappealing. An interesting premise, but it got annoying and irritating to see the heroine careen about the plot with so little awareness and sense of reality.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Cliche, March 31, 2010
This review is from: Goddess of the Hunt (Mass Market Paperback)
This book started off with promise. The writing is witty and well paced. The plot had potential. The second half, however, is a serious disappointment. The themes lacked originality--the Big Misunderstanding That Could be Solved With One Conversation; the Redemption of the Rake by a Young, Innocent Virgin. Jeremy's angst was never believable, and his highly overreactive protection of Lucy got annoying. Lucy's character was better developed, but I was constantly reminded of her age and immaturity. There are better ways to spend your Kindle budget.
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