Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good romance, bad mystery = a mixed result, July 11, 2004
This review is from: It Takes a Hero (Mass Market Paperback)
Ms. Boyle's style is a big stumbling block on this book; there are some very tortured phrasings, including some that simply do not make sense. The book is sometimes slow and the murder mystery is solved almost too quickly. That subplot is the least fulfilling part of the book. Indeed, the whole murder-ruby angle detracts from the lovely romance. There's some very nice humor; Rafe is a good hero; and the heroine is quite likable except for her desire to hang onto stolen property as though she deserves it. Perhaps it's supposed to be symbolic of the corrupting influence of the gem (the curse), but it doesn't really work. Nevertheless, Rafe and Rebecca are very good together. The romance part of the book is quite good, and is marred only by the subplot and by Boyle's overblown prose.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
flawed, but diverting, April 23, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: It Takes a Hero (Mass Market Paperback)
I wanted to like this book. I did like it, more-or-less. It wasn't the most intense or riveting romance I've ever read, but as a lightweight diversion, it worked. If you're looking for depth and soul-wrenching drama, look elsewhere--this is more of a light-hearted romp. My problem with this book--and for someone who is as politically incorrect as I am, this is significant--was the questionable ethics/morality/lack of respect for other cultures. I speak specifically of the "McGuffin"--the stolen ruby that everyone is after. Let me make sure I understand this. The heroine's father broke into a sacred religious site, removed the ruby, was relieved of the ruby, and now the heroine wants to find the stolen goods and sell them. Was it just me, or do other people have a hard time respecting someone who thinks because she's stolen an item that it's hers now? I realize that in the time we're talking about (19th c.) that the British were not known for their enlightened views of Indian culture, and considered these people beneath them, but it's been my experience in the romance novel genre that usually our heroes/heroines are ahead of their time in their politically-correct thinking (I suppose so that the reader can more easily relate to them). At any rate, I was appalled at her lack of understanding that "her little nest egg" was not, in fact, hers. She had no right to do anything but return it to its home, but she resisted with all her might. This bothered me greatly, so much so that it spoiled my enjoyment of the rest of the book. You have been warned.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
One of the worst..., February 9, 2006
This review is from: It Takes a Hero (Mass Market Paperback)
Generally, I like Elizabeth Boyle's books but this one was terrible. All the things I do not like about romance novels were contained in this story. I have to question anyone giving this read 5 stars. This is a perfect book???
First of all, the descriptions of Rafe and Rebecca were slight. I know more of what Rafe looks like than Rebecca and what I kow about Rafe is that he is very manly and dark. Also, the "instant" connection is not well played out. It seems his interest was gained because she did not fall for his charms right away. What a bore he is for that.
Rebecca's desire to keep the ruby defies logic. What a terrible thing for her to do. This alone would make most readers question what sort of person she is.
Also, Rafe, while no longer comfortable with turning Rebecca over to Malvina, reflects he might have to sell whatever belongs he has left to pay the rent. Well, why? For those of us who have read the previous books we know who his brothers are!!! I mean, show me the money. Rafe has little in the way of clothes, can't pay the rent, etc. That is just ridiculous. He brothers do not share their wealth with him? Forget the end of the book, 3/4 of the book he is poor.
It is hard to get involved with characters who are too vague in appearance and also hard to get involved with characters who tend to over react to situations. Rafe was hired to do a job and he lets his feelings for Rebecca cloud his judgment. But why? This is a man who fought in a war for goodness sakes. Mental toughness is important. And to lose that after, what, 3 or so meetings? Silly.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
