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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
3 ½ stars...good mystery, sweet...but at times long-winded, January 29, 2009
This third entry in the "Ladies Literary Society" series is sweet with a good who-done-it, but at times is a bit sappy and long-winded. The heroine is Lady Julianne Bradley, the beautiful, wealthy and much sought-after only child of an earl, and the object of her affections is commoner Gideon Mayne, a top-notch Bow Street Runner/Detective. Julianne met Gideon several months ago when he contacted her about a murder investigation. Since then, neither has been able to forget the other, but they are unable to do anything about it because Gideon is so far beneath Julianne socially. Then they accidentally meet at a society soiree where Gideon is on duty, trying to catch a murderous jewel thief known as the 'ghost'.
Julianne is feeling rather hopeless. Her parents are forcing her into a loveless marriage with a coldly civil lord, while she is a romantic soul yearning for someone vital to love...someone like Gideon. Desperate to experience true passion before she is wed, Julianne pursues Gideon outside into the garden, but then is too embarrassed to admit her feelings for him. So she lies and tells him that she heard threatening ghosts sounds outside her bedroom window, and perhaps it was the thief. Gideon of course shows up at Julianne's mansion the next day to investigate. He is promptly hired by her father to protect her until her wedding in two weeks time. Which means he must be with Julianne day and night...all the while knowing she can never be his.
My opinion of this book is mixed. The mystery was quite good and kept me interested right to the end. And overall it was sweet and upbeat with a good cast including the returning characters from the previous two books. However, Julianne and Gideon's excessive carrying on about their feelings and their relationship detracted from the story. The book was good when there was dialogue or action. But there were too many tedious moments in between when either Gideon or Julianne would daydream or anguish about the other - really working themselves into a lather - that disrupted the story's flow and made my mind wander. There was a genuine attraction between the couple. However, the frequent emotional forays into their feelings and desires just slowed the story too much and at times made both appear cloying and weak or, in Gideon's case, a tad unmanly. In this instance, less would indeed have been more...but overall it is not a bad read.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
My expectations were probably too high, January 30, 2009
I really loved the first two books in the series and I couldn't wait get my hands on this one. I loved the idea of the book - two people who love each other but can never be together because of their differences. But the book somehow wasn't what I wanted it to be. I wanted there to be more between them than just Julianne's struggle to seduce him and Gideon's struggle not to give in. Well, I liked it that they spent a lot of time together, talked to each other and cared for each other - and not just because of their looks. Still, there was not enough tension between them. They loved each other from the beginning of the book. I would like to see them falling in love.
And there were so many things we weren't told. *spoiler warning!*
First, how did Gideon find her when she was kidnapped? And how did he get there so fast? I disliked it that the murderer turned out to be the most convenient person possible. I mean, hello!!! It was just too much! Too easy way out. And the whole explanation for the crimes was ridiculous. I had a feeling that I was reading an Agatha Christie novel. Some of the scenes just ended somewhere in the middle, and we were never told what happened afterward. And I'm still curious what he did with her drawers after their interlude in the drawing room ;)
In the end, I would like them to spend some more time apart than just a few hours. And I would like to see what the consequences of their marriage were. How did her parents react? How did the ton react? How did she adjust to her new life? Did she even know what her life will be like after her marriage? Because despite all her talking about how money isn't important, I didn't find her believable. She never had to move a finger in her life. How would she get used to having to take care of herself? To do some work around the house? To not have 5 servants at every corner? To be cut from the life she knew? I don't know, I just don't believe their marriage would actually work. In a way, this story was similar to A notorious love by Sabrina Jeffries, but that one was much better.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh, Be Still My Heart.....Loved it!!!!, January 6, 2009
This book was entertaining from start to finish with a hero and heroine who truly fall in love and share a hot and sensual romance. Now, isn't that exactly what we're looking for in a romance? More like this one, please!
The hero is a bold and courageous Bow Street Runner and the heroine is Julianne, the stunningly beautiful and sought-after daughter of a wealthy Earl. Once these two meet they only have eyes for one another. However, the relationship cannot be because the hero Gideon Mayne is a commoner and well beneath Julianne's social station. While there have been many books written with this type of scenario, this is a fresh story with an entertaining mystery and the love of Julianne's friends makes it even more enjoyable. I have read the others in this series so I am coming from that perspective as well. I definitely like this one the best so far.
I just really liked this couple - both of them - no annoying heroine or overbearing hero. They were both admirable and extremely likable characters. The level of emotion between the two was just right and there was enough focus on the romance and the mystery that one did not take away from the other. And much of the romance will definitely leave you breathless! This is a real winner and a highly recommended read. Any yes, if you know this author, you know the story included pets and humor - just the right dose this time.
I cannot wait to read Emily's story next!!!
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