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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fantastic romance, June 8, 2000
It's not very often that a romance writer dares to have a woman and man be FRIENDS first--best of friends at that, then lovers. That alone made this book a worthwhile read. I tire of all those bickering couples. Lovers' spats now and then are expected, but, really, the constant arguing to mask quivering sensitivities does get old. A good plot needs conflict, but quarreling over the usual well-worn devices ("S/he is only using me," "S/he doesn't/can't really love ME," etc, ad nauseum) doesn't necessarily qualify for that. This book doesn't do that. The main plot revolves around finding out who has kidnapped the heroine's brother, and why. The answer really isn't a surprise to anyone who has read the spy books of John Le Carre. The romantic plot conflict is very real, and very understandable: We're all thrown for a loop, to realize that someone we THOUGHT we knew so well might have some traits, or secrets, that we hadn't expected. It takes some time to adjust, to get past the feeling of betrayal, the feeling that we weren't trusted with certain information, to trust again. As is often the case, doubt leads to doubt. It is how the lovers overcome all the havoc wreaked by so much doubting that makes a story. Hugh and Abbie are able to overcome these problems not for a reason as idiotic as being good in the sack together (although they of course are), but because they have a stronger foundation than most romance-book couples: They are friends, first. Thank you, Ms. Thornton, for writing a romance book that makes sense, romantically speaking.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully told suspenseful historical romance, June 7, 1999
This was my first Elizabeth Thornton novel. It took me a while to navigate through the language as I'm not an historical romance fan. I usually read contemporary novels. But Ms. Thornton is a skilled storyteller, and, soon, I was engrossed in Abbie Vayle's life, her growing love for Hugh and their adventure. I didn't know those Victorians were so recklessly passionate! Bravo, Elizabeth Thornton.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Super Suspense and Sensuality, November 18, 2002
Abbie Vayle is a smart independent woman who at the age of seven and twenty is quite content with her unmarried state and plans to stay that way. On a trip to Paris in 1814, fate, in the form of a very desperate spy, running for her life would upset the comfortable existence that was Abbie's life. Unknown to Abbie, the spy had slipped a book containing some dangerous coded information into a basket of rare books Abbie was bringing back to England for her book shop - a book that Nemo, who is Napoleon's most feared agent, would kill for! It would be some weeks later, that Nemo would track down, the book and Abbie to threaten her with her youngest brothers life should she not comply with his wishes and turn over the book. Abbie's friendship with Hugh Templar, both of them members of the Antiquarians Society has always been comfortable. Hugh, was once a government agent but had retired from that life and wanted nothing more than to rusticate in Bath as a scholar and archaeologist searching out Roman ruins. When Hugh senses that Abbie is hiding something and seems disturbed, Hugh's former skills as a soldier and spy would come in handy - if only Abbie would confide and trust him. Abbie, unfortunately, cannot decide if he is friend or foe and initially still thinks of him as the quiet, well-mannered scholar. A kiss from him actually startles her enough to start looking at him from a different perspective, but whether she can trust him enough with her brothers life on the line is the bigger problem. As he had always assumed this scholarly role, Abbie, who would have liked to involve him, felt he would have been more or less useless - what could he do! Then when he reverts into this macho type of man - she is more or less repelled. So what's a girl to do - especially as she has prided herself on her independence - nothing but fend for herself! This was another superbly written mystery and romance by an author that this reviewer has just discovered. The complexity of her plots with romance, and historical background has all the elements that keep me enthralled. I loved the character's portrayal of both Abbie and Hugh - although at one point I would have liked to shake Abbie for not telling Hugh the whole truth, especially after they had shared a most sensually delightful evening together. Hey, if you trust a man enough to share your body, you might want to share a few other things - like the truth! The rest of the secondary characters also add to the enjoyment of this book and I loved the way the siblings in the Vayle family drew so close together in support of one another when the chips were down. This was truly a wonderful read, fast paced and hard to put down. Loved it and highly recommend this book.
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