Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of her best, March 3, 2006
This review is from: Her Master and Commander (Mass Market Paperback)
I bought this book yesterday, and finished it this morning (I fell asleep around 3AM, still clutching the book).
This has to be one of her best. It had all the best elements: Dying EARL Dad trying to make amends for criminal meglect of his NINE illigetimate children. (NOTE: You're going to write NINE novels on this series? Sheez.) OK, back to my point: All the best elements: Lost children being found, twins cruelly apart and finding each other again, Heroine lost to society through no fault of her own, Hero lost to society due to his father, and impressment.
Hero and heroine find each other on a rocky coastline........thanks to a marauding sheep (ewe, to be exact).
It isn't LOVE at first sight, both dislike each other intensely.
Thanks to the same sheep (ewe).
Along comes Reeves, the butler, employee of the now deceased Earl/Dad. His job is to make a gentleman/Earl of the Hero. Not an easy task, as it turns out.
Highlights of the book: I laughed about the antics of the "crew", especially Stevens. He eventually learns to knock first. The sheep/ewe that broke into the garden. Reeves little book excerpts, particuliarly his cleaning recipe.
All in all, the book was a romp. I loved it.
Thanks, Karen. I was beginning to get somewhat jaded over the current quality of books being published.
Oh, and Karen? I don't "know you" because of your books. I just enjoy them like an sane person would.
PS: Hugo is the BOMB.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
disappointed, April 3, 2006
This review is from: Her Master and Commander (Mass Market Paperback)
I am a fan of Ms. Hawkins previous books, but could not like this one. The premise was good, but the story didn't deliver. I felt that the relationship between the two main characters and the story itself, were rushed, and the characters lacked depth. The cliche's, especially the naval cliche's, were ultimately annoying. The book could have also benefited from better editing, as there were many inconsistencies.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fun, Fresh Historical Feast!, March 2, 2006
This review is from: Her Master and Commander (Mass Market Paperback)
HER MASTER AND COMMANDER is the first fabulous book in a new series by the talented Ms. Hawkins...
Most proper butler, Richard Robert Reeves arrives unexpectedly at Captain Tristan Paul Llevanth's cottage to tell him of the death of his father and to inform him, that surprisingly, Tristan has inherited his father's title and is now the new Earl of Rochester. However, unless he can prove to a demanding board of trustees that he is civilized and a true "Gentleman" worthy of assuming the mantle of the earl, he will only get the title and NOT the 20,000 pounds per year income that goes with it. Tristan for many reasons wants nothing to do with his father's title or money, but when he realizes he could use the money to provide better food, housing and doctor's care for his needy shipmates, he reluctantly agrees to allow Reeves to try to turn him into a proper gentleman. Reeves decides the most suitable person to teach Tristan would be none other than his than his lovely widowed neighbor ~ Prudence Thistlewaite. When Prudence and Tristan get together... the sparks fly and the sexual tension mounts because Tristan clearly has seduction on his mind; he wants to be the one to give his lovely but unyielding teacher lessons ~ in love!
I loved this book. It has everything a great romance novel should ~ a delightfully captivating, heartwarming and humorous love story, with a marvelous pair of leading characters that are interesting, engaging, irresistible and whose chemistry together positively sizzles...
The Hero ~ Tristan Llevanth is blond, tall, handsome, sexy, strong, brave, proud and honorable. Due to a painful injury that forced him to give up command of his ship, he is also at times surly, demanding and brusque; he mimics a caustic and formidable sea captain, but that just hides a heart of gold. Tristan's a bold ex-pirate turned naval hero ~ after having served with Admiral Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar; who exudes sensuality and excitement. He's the perfect fantasy hero!
The heroine ~ Prudence Thistlewaite is pretty, caring, loving, compassionate, and intelligent. She's a feisty widow who is just outspoken and spirited enough to tame a gruff, rude and arrogant pirate. Even one whose intense looks of barely restrained lust and highly potent desire enthrall her against her will; as they suggest nights filled with passion and exquisite pleasure ~ she realizes that she'd never experienced with her first husband.
The large secondary cast of characters is made up assorted family members, employees and a collection of charming rogues that were formerly the captain's crew; all are comical, entertaining and endearing. Then add to that Richard Robert Reeves the "PERFECT" butler. Reeves is someone who manages to anticipate everyone's needs and then seems to effortlessly and efficiently do whatever's necessary to pull everything together ~ and bring peace and harmony to his charge's lives.
Karen Hawkins has written another winner in HER MASTER AND COMMANDER ~ one that's destined for the keeper shelves!!!
Coming next in the series, Christian's story ~ HER OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
