Customer Reviews

Whisper His Name

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I came upon Elizabeth Thornton not too long ago and what a find! Her books grab you at the prologue and don't let go until the end. It's not too many authors who know how to immediately capture your attention in the first few pages. Her heroines are always strong, or quickly learn how to be strong, and refuse to be victims. In this story an innocent woman is catapulted into a deadly game of espionage through a chance encounter with a desperate spy. The hero is a friend who wants to be more than a friend. Great reading. Wonderful romance. Fast paced and sure to hold your attention until the end. Don't forget to request the epilogue to this story from ET's web site.

Whisper His Name is my favorite Thornton book. After reading the other reviews at Amazon, I guess this is one of the books you either love or hate, so let me put my vote on loving it. Having two extraordinary characters put in a pressure-cooker of danger and suspense just made the love story all the more poignant and urgent. I just couldn't put it down the first time I read it, and I always pick it up every several months to re-read. I would love to read more about some of the secondary characters involved in the book. My recommendation is to give this book a try, especially if you like mystery and action mixed with your romance.

I just finished Whisper His Name and loved it! Historical Romance is my favorite read, but having the intrique added was great. I like the fact that the characters didn't just fall into each others arms and stay there. Both had issues to deal with, and getting caught in the midst of murder and spies made this story very exciting.

I began this book with very high expectations and Thornton delivered. The hero Hugh is one of the most complex male characters I've come across in ages. The dicotomy between his low-key scholarly persona and his dangerous masterful self made him fascinating to read about. Abbie, the heroine, was also well-characterized. Her fear in the beginning of the novel when the villian holds a knife to her throat was more realistic than the usual stalwart bravery of most romance heroines. It was interesting seeing Abbie progress from petrified to angry about the villian's terrorizing tactics.

The sparks between Abbie and Hugh are considerable, even when both believe they have been betrayed by the other. I found myself re-reading many of their scenes together. All in all, Whisper His Name is a superior book.

In 1815 England, Abby Vale lives her life as she wants to, not caring what the aristocratic society, including her own family, thinks of her activities. Instead, she runs a rare book business and has the unique opportunity, at least for a female, to apply her intellect.

However, her idyllic life runs into a problem when someone demands she returns a book she unknowingly obtained in Paris. If she fails to abide by their wishes, she and her brother will suffer the consequences. She tells her friend, the scholarly Hugh Templar, about the threats. He, having once worked for British Intel, begins to insure her safety because he loves her even though she seems only interested in his works on Roman antiquities. Things change when an assailant abducts one of her brothers. Working closely with Hugh, Abby falls in love with her hero. However, she relishes her independent lifestyle and wonders if love is worth the cost?

Famous for her historical romantic who-done-its, Elizabeth Thornton scribes another terrific tale that sub-genre fans will take immense pleasure in reading. The action-packed story line is a thrill a page without scrimping on a warm romance. Readers will admire the autonomous and unafraid Abby (even though she seems a bit too narrow-minded in outlook). Hugh is a huggable hero that demonstrates an action figure can have a brain too. As has occurred with Ms. Thornton's previous works (see the DANGEROUS trilogy and YOU ONLY LOVE TWICE), the audience will shout that WHISPER HIS NAME is must reading.

Harriet Klausne

Stubbornly independent Abbie Vayle lives by her own fules. A spinster, she has no plans to marry. When she is given a book with an encoded message in it she only plans to resale the book for profit. But somebody wants that book back and they want it back bad enough to kill. In order to save her own life and her brothers life she is forced to confide in her best friend Hugh Templar.

Hugh has been in love with Abbie for some time, but has yet to declare himself. Once a spy for the British government during the Napolionic War, he is instantly on guard when Abbie confied to him. But is she telling the truth?

As Abbie and Hugh are thrown deeper and deeper into danger the closer they become. Abbie realizes what Hugh has known all along, love. But can they make it work and live long enough to save Abbie's brother George?

Elizabeth Thornton is the master of historical romantic suspense. I highly recommend WHISPER HIS NAME and look forward to reading more in the future.

I love, love, love Thornton, and this book met and exceded her other works. Whisper His Name was amazing, the characters and the plot were both very well developed, and it was just a great book overall!!!! Anyone who loves romance, romantic suspense, or just wants a good book to read, should pick this up. I loved it, and I can't wait to read the next one. Keep up the fab work Thornton!!!!!