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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Second Chance At Love!!!, March 14, 2006
This review is from: The Handmaiden's Necklace (Mass Market Paperback)
Ms. Martin's last entry in the Bride Trilogy is not as strong as the others...but not as dismal as it could have been. This story seemed to lack the heart the previous titles offered. Still this was a nice regency romance a stand alone read if you've not read the previous titles in the series.
Five years earlier Rafe and Dani are engaged to be married. They are in love and all is right with the world until Rafe is lead to believe his Dani has been unfaithful. He finds her in a very delicate situation with another man. Crying off from the marriage, Rafe leaves Dani to face the gossips and to be shunned for her part in the escapade. She claims innocence but Rafe is to hurt to listen. Years later Rafe has learned that he has been duped. Dani had been telling the truth and he now vows to win his ladies heart back at all costs. He follows her across the Atlantic and keeps her from marrying an American...but at what cost? He has to resort to blackmail...he will do what he must because there is still a large attraction between them. Will he ever be able to win Danielle's heart for his own?
Danielle has lived the past five years in seclusion. She has been ruined in the eyes of society when Rafe ended their betrothal all those years ago. She is wants a happy ending more then her next breathe so she agrees to marry an American. She sets sail with her ladies maid and aunt for Philadelphia. There she hopes to have a fresh start with a happy ending. She is not prepared for Rafe's arrival and explanation. Or his need to have her at all costs. She agrees to marry him...but she will not love him again. At least she thinks she won't love him...but she can't forget how he makes her feel. When someone starts trying to kill them will they be able to sort out their feelings or will a killer manage to bring an end to their happy ending.
This was a push/pull romance and honestly it did start to wear a bit thin towards the end. Still Ms. Martin was able to create a wonderful secondary romance which was a pleasant addition to the story. Rafe and Dani were endearing characters but the vehicle in which Ms. Martin kept them separate did not allow for a believable romance. This was the weaker of the three stories but a fair addition to the series.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
3 1/2 stars, January 5, 2006
This review is from: The Handmaiden's Necklace (Mass Market Paperback)
My opinion is along the same lines as the other reviewers. I was greatly anticipating this book and was disappointed. I love the "childhood sweathearts" premise and had high hopes for Kat Martin's latest.
I felt the conflict of unrequitted love was resolved too quickly. Danielle didn't make him grovel for her affections.
Also, the book's other conflict is based on "the BIG misunderstanding" which I do not like.
As in her other more recent efforts, the love scenes are sensual, but too contrived. The development and quite frankly the positions of which they make love occur at the same time as in her other books. I don't want to spoil it by saying exactly what I'm referring to, but any other avid Kat Martin fans know what I am speaking of.
Not my favorite book, but not a complete dud.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Kat Martin - Where is the Romance?, February 17, 2006
This review is from: The Handmaiden's Necklace (Mass Market Paperback)
Kat Martin wraps up the "Bride's Necklace" trilogy, with THE HANDMAIDEN'S NECKLACE and measurably, the final entry lacks emotion. Martin's writing style is wretchedly distant and for a genre that floats in emotion, a distant writing style is a major problem!
Five years ago, their betrothal ended. Rafael Saunders, the Duke of Sheffield, promised her forever - but he believed the lies. Once, Rafael and Danielle were in love, but their marriage never happened - he had believed the lies! Losing him cut deep . . . and now . . . now . . . he wanted to do it all over again . . .
Rafael Saunders, the Duke of Sheffield, no longer was a passionate youth. Danielle's betrayal still pained him; yet, he could not forget the woman who had stolen his heart. The memory of Danielle still haunted him and suddenly Sheffield wanted to know the truth . . . what really happened five years ago? F I N A L L Y, Rafael decided to get to the bottom of his nightmare! And shockingly . . . it seemed the entire affair was nothing more than an enemy enjoying a cruel, vindictive joke.
Now . . . let the games begin!
Quietly, Rafael Saunders and Danielle Duval wed. Kat Martin's game? The standard "discontent/deception" theme. For weeks, Rafe and Danielle do not make love - Danielle needs time to adjust. The necklace is missing - is Danielle lying? Desperately, the Duke of Sheffield needs an heir - Danielle is barren and consciously she holds back the truth. An attempt is made on Danielle's life - is Rafael responsible?
This is cagey writing. By using the "discontent/deception" theme, an author can cover much ground. In THE HANDMAIDEN'S NECKLACE, Kat Martin remains true to form. The "discontent" theme displays lustful nights and unpleasant days. The "deception" theme uncovers guilt and half-truths. Both themes are acceptable if the story has a degree of excitement; unfortunately, here that is not so! When it comes to the romance genre, the reader wants and demands emotion. Kat Martin is a bestselling author; unfortunately, "bestselling" and "expertise" do not necessarily create winning novels. Without a doubt, Kat Martin wrote THE HANDMAIDEN'S NECKLACE from experience - not from her heart!
Grade: C-
MaryGrace Meloche.
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