Customer Reviews

Who Will Take This Man?

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Ten years ago Philip Whitmore (a.k.a. Viscount Greybourne), and his father made a deal. Philip would go off to exotic locations and indulge himself in antiquarian studies. He was never more happy than when he was holding dusty relics and learning about the people of past civilizations. Upon learning his father's health was failing, Philip kept his end of the bargain and set sail home to marry the lady chosen for him. Just before sailing, Philip located part of the "Stone of Tears". The stone was cursed. Any who read it would lose the one they married within two days. The part with the cure was missing. He could only hope the other piece was among the crates shipped ahead to his warehouse.

Lovely Meredith Chilton-Grizedale was known as "the Matchmaker of Mayfair". Philip's father hired Meredith to locate the perfect match for his son. But on the day of the wedding, Lady Sarah did not show. Philip had told Lady Sarah of the curse and gave her the choice as to whether or not to marry. With the wedding canceled, Meredith's business was in ruins! As for Philip, the gossip papers were having a field day with the curse, but claimed that impotence was the real reason for the cancellation.

Meredith, Philip, and their close friends were desperate to locate the missing stone. This was made harder by the fact that someone was out to harm anyone Philip cared for, including his friends and family members. As Meredith and Philip searched, their attraction for each other grew and Meredith fell under the curse. If they did not locate and transcribe the missing piece of stone within two days, she would die.

***** This is one of my favorite authors. In fact, she can not write quickly enough to suit me. I was ecstatic to find this latest book! This story is full of romance, danger, intrigue, and betrayal ... and very highly recommended to all. *****

Novels can start out in various ways, but for a romance writer, the story's concept usually springs from a romantic relationship, and the background and themes are created as support. The protagonists of _Who Will Take This Man? _ do not have the same degree of romantic chemistry as the couples from D'Alessandro's earlier works-there really aren't any of those romantic scenes that can be read over and over again. But if one does not read this novel with expectations, anticipating the same formula as that employed in this author's previous novels, one can still find a great deal to enjoy in this fun, interesting, lighthearted story.
It's obvious that D'Alessandro wanted to try something new-and that characterization and the development of Meredith and Philip's relationship were not so much the primary focus as her fans would expect. Emphasized is the theme of not believing oneself worthy of love, and also the fascinating study of mythology and artifacts. The latter won my heart immediately, as I am fascinated by the Classics and ancient history. I enjoyed the secondary-character romance, which did not at all detract from the main plot, and I found the main characters quite refreshing. The author at times teetered close to _bathos_ with slight redundancies and a melodramatic word choice here and there, but I never became disinterested in the novel because it was quite original; for a romance, that is. The hero is a bespectacled scholar who grew up ugly and, for lack of a better term, geeky. He was not as endearing and attractive as Amanda Quick's Baxter St. Ives, the scientific hero of _Affair_, but he was sweet and knew what he wanted; and it was nice to have the hero chasing after the heroine instead of denying his feelings. Meredith wasn't quite as interesting, but her past was intriguing-again, not quite the norm for this genre. Some reviewers found her propriety and preoccupation with her matchmaking enterprise annoying, but her background, the three people dependent upon her, and the fifteen years during which she worked to create her own business adequately justify her actions-and really, most of her comments about Philip's unconventional attire were portrayed more as a natural attempt to distance herself from him than as actual irritation. D'Alessandro made use of Meredith's penchant for euphemistically rephrasing Philip's remarks by bringing a circular feel to the conclusion, and their mutual tendency to place people into categories was also well strewn throughout the narrative.
The mystery could have been more engaging-and its resolution less obvious-but the curse was creative, and the doubts placed in the reader's mind kept the suspense from _completely_ deflating. The end left me curious as to Andrew Stanton's story. Will he and Lady Catherine star in D'Alessandro's next book? (Just a hunch.)
This story is yet another case of an author deviating from her formula and trying something new-showing improvement in theme presentation, story organization, and dialogue, but not quite having her heart in the romance or characters as much as previously. This isn't a book one would reread very often, but I'm not sorry I picked it up. It was interesting, and it was as new and different as lighthearted romance novels usually can get. I would rather _own_ D'Alessandro's earlier offerings (_Red Roses Mean Love_, _Whirlwind Wedding_, _The Bride Thief_, and _Whirlwind Affair_), but this is a good read to check out from your library if they eventually purchase it, to borrow from a friend, or to go ahead and buy if you have a few extra bucks in your pocket, as I did. This isn't great romance; but it's not bad, either.

Also recommended (this list will keep you busy for a while): For a witty, lighthearted, humorous romance, try books by Julia Quinn, Amanda Quick, and Sabrina Jeffries, _Educating Caroline_ by Patricia Cabot, and Johanna Lindsey's better efforts (the third and fourth Malory books, _Angel_, _A Heart So Wild_, _Love Me Forever_, and _Fires of Winter_ come to mind). Other good reads include _Flowers from the Storm_, _The Prince of Midnight_, etc. by Laura Kinsale; _Paradise_, _Perfect_, _A Kingdom of Dreams_, _Once and Always_, etc. by Judith McNaught; _Thunder and Roses_, etc. by Mary Jo Putney; _This Time Forever_ and _Sunrise Song_ by Kathleen Eagle; _Shanna_ by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss; and _Sweet Lullaby_, _Always to Remember_, _Texas Destiny_, and _Love with a Scandalous Lord_ by Lorraine Heath (who can be slightly melodramatic, but is adept at making the reader care for the characters).

Ten years ago, Viscount Philip Whitmore struck a bargain with his father, trading in the strict society rules of Regency England for a life as a scholar, enabling him to travel the Mediterranean & Middle East studying antiquities. The price for his freedom? At the end of the ten years he must marry a woman chosen by his father and settle down. It seems that his marriage is is not to be, however, when on the voyage home he is cursed after reading an ancient stone tablet that dooms his bride to a certain death. Matchmaker Meredith Chilton-Grizedale has chosen a woman who should be the perfect bride for the
viscount, but when the curse takes hold days before the wedding, the groom is left jilted at the alter. Meredith must find another bride for Whitmore before her professional reputation is ruined, but it is easier said than done, especially when the attraction between the matchmaker and prospective groom is unmistakable.

The hero and heroine are very likable characters, particularly Philip Whitmore. He is not your typical Regency romance novel rake in need of reform by a good woman, but instead more the scholarly type, yet doesn't seem to take himself too seriously. Also, there is a fascinating love story involving two secondary characters; I only wish it could have been developed a bit more, but that plot line played a clear second fiddle to the Philip/Meredith story.

Bottom line: if you can accept the premise, which seems a bit ridiculous at first, this is a very enjoyable read.

First and foremost, THANK YOU, Ms. D'Alessandro for your quirky characters in this book! I loved them! I loved that Meridith and Philip were a bit "odd" (in a good way), I loved that they were not the typical "beautiful people" of the ton. I loved that they tried desperately to ignore their attraction to each other. Ms. D'Alessandro did an excellent job of weaving a story, creating a great romance and keeping the characters down to earth (making them very lovable)!

"Who Will Take This Man" has all the great aspects of a terrific read! It has amazing sexual tension, touching and tender love scenes (yep, they're hot!) and enough humor to keep you laughing.

Well done, Jacquie D'Alessandro. Next, please!

It should have been the wedding of the year, but Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, discovers that it's not so easy, when it comes to something as ordinary as getting married. First of all, on the way home he translates an ancient stone tablet that curses him and dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him. Feeling honor bound to inform Lady Sarah, his handpicked beautiful society bride, of the curse, she left him at the altar. To top it all off, the matchmaker arranging this `wedding of the year' just happens to be so very beautiful that he finds it quite difficult to even think of marrying anyone else!

Unfortunately, Meredith Chilton-Grizedale's entire future depended on this brilliant match she had personally arranged coming to fruition! She needed this to solidify her reputation as the most brilliant of matchmakers! Following the fiasco of the `marriage that didn't happen', coupled with the rumors running rampant of the Viscount's `curse' she had her work cut out for her! She now had to find someone to marry the `most unmarriageable man' in England! But nothing prepared her for she herself falling in love with him. Allowing themselves to admit to their attraction and love for one another would find them racing against time and a mysterious madman out to destroy them.

As a rule I've found D'Alessandro's work to be fast paced, sensual and very amusing. I certainly enjoyed the secondary characters and the romance that sprung between Albert and Charlotte. However, I was disappointed that there was not another romance that I felt was hinted at but never capitalized on between Andrew and Lady Catherine. While this was an interesting plot, I was not overwhelmed with a race to turn the pages, nor did I find it as amusing as some of her previous novels ---- which is not to say it wasn't a good read because it was entertaining - it was just not what I would categorize as great!

Ten years ago Philip Whitmore (a.k.a. Viscount Greybourne), and his father made a deal. Philip would go off to exotic locations and indulge himself in antiquarian studies. He was never more happy than when he was holding dusty relics and learning about the people of past civilizations. Upon learning his father's health was failing, Philip kept his end of the bargain and set sail home to marry the lady chosen for him. Just before sailing, Philip located part of the "Stone of Tears". The stone was cursed. Any who read it would lose the one they married within two days. The part with the cure was missing. He could only hope the other piece was among the crates shipped ahead to his warehouse.

Lovely Meredith Chilton-Grizedale was known as "the Matchmaker of Mayfair". Philip's father hired Meredith to locate the perfect match for his son. But on the day of the wedding, Lady Sarah did not show. Philip had told Lady Sarah of the curse and gave her the choice as to whether or not to marry. With the wedding canceled, Meredith's business was in ruins! As for Philip, the gossip papers were having a field day with the curse, but claimed that impotence was the real reason for the cancellation.

Meredith, Philip, and their close friends were desperate to locate the missing stone. This was made harder by the fact that someone was out to harm anyone Philip cared for, including his friends and family members. As Meredith and Philip searched, their attraction for each other grew and Meredith fell under the curse. If they did not locate and transcribe the missing piece of stone within two days, she would die.

***** This is one of my favorite authors. In fact, she can not write quickly enough to suit me. I was ecstatic to find this latest book! This story is full of romance, danger, intrigue, and betrayal ... and very highly recommended to all. *****

This book reminded me too much of the authors other book "sleepless at midnight". Just a bit too boring for me.

This book was so poorly executed, I could barely finish it. For starters, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was completely nonexistent. I know the author kept telling us how attractive they found each other, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out why. Next, the plotline was totally transparent. I figured out who the "villain" was and his motivation by the second chapter. The transparency of the plot was made all the more uncomfortable by the author's inept attempts to lead you astray by having other characters engage in suspicious behavior. And, finally, the ridiculous curse itself, which drives the whole plot, is painfully pathetic. The author just makes it worse by having the hero translate incomplete words on the broken tablet containing the curse into incomplete words in English. How on earth could a translator know that a few characters of an incomplete foreign word will translate into an English word beginning with the letters "lo"? That was so completely illogical that it had me gritting my teeth through the end.

This is the first book I've read by this author. After finishing it and then reading the mixed reviews here I'm surprised because I really enjoyed this book:)

I think the problem here is not the book but the readers-in the way that different readers want different Heroes and Heroines.

While the books premise has been summed up well by other reviewers-just let me add a few points:

1-I loved that the hero and heroine are not handsome or pretty in the vein of "his/her looks took everyone's breath away". As someone who is "average" herself, I tend towards romances along the same vein. I think some reviewers took the H/H averageness for boring-but it may be they just prefer the other, studlier type romances.

2-I disagree with the publishers weekly review statement that this is a screwball comedy. It's not-it's a kind of "goulash" of comedy, adventure, mystery, and some very serious issues like prostitution, child abuse, death, etc. I personally enjoyed this and found that I didn't want to put the book down-it kept my attention.

3-great love scenes and fantastic sexual tension that built up to the love scenes. Very sexy and sensual and I applaud the gentleness in the hero in these scenes-a nice change from some more aggressive alpha male types. The scene where the hero feeds the heroine is hot!

4-some have said the heroine seemed cold but if you continue through the book you'll see she has valid reasons to be wary.

5-great secondary characterization -loved the side stories-they really make the book!

All in all, I heartily recommend this book if you like quirky, "non beautiful" hero and heroines.

5 stars!

Well, this book seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews, but this is another rave. This is the third D'Allessandro book I've read, and this author has yet to let me down. She writes a book that centers around an ancient Egyptian curse, and somehow keeps it from getting dark and depressing, as most 'curse-themed' books do. Instead, this book is enjoyable and heart-warming, yet still manages to take the curse seriously.

As always, the characters are loveable, the dialogue is witty, the sexual tension is top-notch, and the historical detail is lush without overtaking the plot. The balance of action/mystery and romance is wonderful. Neither plotline overtakes the other, instead they both interweave to form a lovely whole.

There is also a short, sweet secondary romance between two minor characters. It added nicely to the book without detracting from the main romance.

I give out very very few five star reviews. In fact, most of my friends consider me quite critical in what I read. If I enjoy even a quarter of the books that I read, I'm surprised. And even out of that quarter, a very select few make the five-star mark. (See my other reviews if you don't believe me.) I don't hand out my praise lightly, and for me to love a book this much says something about it. You just can't go wrong with this author. I very highly recommend this book.