Customer Reviews

The Wedding Runaway

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Wedding Runaway jumps right into action, with our heroine, Lydia, dressing herself up as a young man. When Victor meets her, he is immediately disturbed by feelings of attraction toward "him." I think this is handled extremely well--he's as freaked out as any hetero Regency gentleman would be, but the story doesn't lapse into homophobia. Of course, he finds out before long, and I love the way that happens.

Lydia is a great character, very tough and very vulnerable at the same time, and Victor is *absolutely to die for.* This book just goes from one great scene to another...didn't drag anywhere. Even though I was very sleepy at work the next day :-)

Though well written and cute, the story-line's character didn't ring true. Lydia flees to London to escape marriage to a man she knows does not love her. She is right. He's in love with someone else, but felt their match would be profitable for him. In London, Lydia become "Lennie" and makes a living in the gaming hells. One night, on the verge of being beaten, Lennie is rescued by Victor. The Earl takes Lennie under his wings. Mutual attraction, and mortification by Victor, follows. Eventually, Victor discovers Lennie is Lydia and can breathe easier about being so attracted to Lennie's apple bottom. He continues to offer protection. This time, from her pursuing fiance and over zealous family.

The reason I didn't like this book, Lennie was never in character...never believable as a young man, at all. "He" screeches, jumps into Victor's arms in fear, is scared to death of horses and never comfortable in "his" skin...,etc. Even Victor thought he was gay. At no point in reading this book, did I buy into Lennie as a man. Never. I think this book would have been better, if the author had left the gender switch out of it. If she was going to write this storyline, then commit to it. Don't be afraid. While reading this book, I felt the author was afraid to let the reader forget Lennie is a woman, for even one second. In doing so, the she took credibility from her plot. I kept thinking, Victor can't be that stupid. Even in fiction, once the plot is established, I want it to be plausible. There are much better books with this storyline; "More than a Gentleman" by Pam Rosenthal and "The Switch" by Lynsay Sands.

I enjoyed reading The Wedding Runaway, although I don't often break away from romantic suspense. However, this book drew me in and it was a pleasant escape to another time. Ms. King is and excellent storyteller.

The Determined Lady

This is the first Karen King novel I have read and after reading Wedding Runaway, it will not be my last. The heroine of this delicious novel is Lydia and she is running away from an impending marriage. She dons boy's clothes and blends into London's gaming establishments with the other rakehells to support herself and her maid. She is saved from a certain beating by the hero, Victor, the earl of Wedmont. He does not see through her disguise at all instead he sees a scrawny too young American boy desperately needing his assistance in London. The more time Victor spends with this callow youth, the more attracted he is to him so much so that he is astounded that he is having "feelings" for the boy.

Lydia is very attracted to Victor but must remain in her boy's clothing. When challenged to a duel by Victor, she still does not give away her secret.

These two characters are delightful from their first appearance. Lydia is pragmatic and also very vulnerable. Her innate goodness shines through. Victor battles his past and needs Lydia to show him that he can succeed in love. There is a great romance that blossoms between Lydia's brother and a proper aristocrat too. All in all a wonderful read with some interesting plot twists and fun characters.

From the minute you open Karen L. King's latest historical Regency romance and read the first page, you'll be hooked. This story is filled with deception and desire and pulls you in and won't let you go. An engaging herione pretending to be a boy, a tortured hero and a set of cursed dueling pistols come together in a compelling story that will have you reading late into the night. Enjoy!

This book is funny because dressed up as a boy, the heroine gets herself into situations that are ironic. The hero of this book is great but I became a bit exasperated with his constant low opinion of himself. That is why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5. But non-the-less this book was a page turner for me. The romance in this book was sweet and the characters lovable. If you don't want to buy this book, look for it in your local library--like I did-- or borrow it from a friend. I am sure you will enjoy it.

Even if I wasn't lucky enough to meet the author and get my book signed, this book would remain on my shelf for other times in which I wanted to visit with the characters again. Thanks for giving us a world we could get lost in Karen and keep up the good work, because we will be there to always buy your books.