Customer Reviews

Wishes in the Wind

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

 

 

I prefer not to give anything a 5 star rating because I don't believe anything is perfect but I really enjoy Ms Kane's style of writing. I enjoy her because there are no real games. The story line is not too far from what is usual in most regency novels but the difference is, there is no major misunderstanding that stands between the couple. They come together in a tender kind of way. NO, it's not your typical story where boy meets girl and there is something or someone that deters their romance. It's nice to read a book that one does not mistrust and suspects the other for three quarters of the book. They can 'get together' without the going through half the book figuring out that each had the wrong view and/or opinion.

Nicole and Dustin are from two different worlds, in a way. Nicole is basing her knowledge of the nobility from what she's learned in the stables, applies it to Dustin, has a pre-determned Dustin in her mind. Dustin, however, surprises her by not being the typical nobleman she has been exposed to. Dustin senses something unique about Nicole but isn't able to act upon it as soon as he would like to. He knows there is something 'different' about Nicole but isn't doesn't recognize himself to be in love. He has a bit of a problem admitting it to himself. It doesn't go on and on as some books do which is the refreshing part.

I've said enough without ruining the story. If you're tired and frustrated of reading romance novels that spend at least half of the book resisting the "love" that is to bound to occur, Ms Kane is for you. The love scenes are every bit steamy. They do not go on for chapters as I've seen with other authors but it's just right.

I strongly recommend reading Wishes in the Wind before reading Echoes in the Mist. Echoes in the Mist is, to my knowledge, the conclusion of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and hope this review helps you.

It was great. Ms. Kane draws the readers into Nicole's (Elf) world. Dustin and Nicole's first encounter was memorable. Nicole has fine qualities. She's honest, hardworking, caring, loyal..need I say more? But she can't cook didley-squat. Her father, Nick Aldrige is a jockey who is hiding. Some people approached him and told him to throw some races or else. But he didn't and so now they want him. Nicole has this wishing locket her mother gave her when she was young. You hold the locket and make a wish and the locket will store it until fate decides to let it out. It was a great book. It's a book you HAVE to read time and time again.

[1875, England]
I know I'm in the minority here, but I did not like Wishes in the Wind at all. I didn't hate it - I've read worse historical romances - but I am definitely never rereading this book and will probably sell my copy. Frankly I was surprised that I disliked this book so intensely, since there are some Andrea Kane books that I absolutely love (the most recent example being My Heart's Desire - for more details check out the review I wrote for it). The romance and characters did not engage my interest and Kane's writing, far from being able to save the book, only made the experience of reading it worse: her dialogue was often too lengthy, aspects of the unfolding mystery subplot were over-explained and repeated by the characters when they didn't need to be, and the exchanges between Dustin and Nicole were *way* too sappy for me.

PROBLEMS WITH THE ROMANCE:
Andrea Kane's books are often sweeter than other authors' and this is usually a change that I appreciate - she never employs those horrible misunderstandings that overtake the book where neither the hero nor heroine is being honest; also, her heroines are never immature, bratty, or arrogant/conceited. Wishes in the Wind includes Kane's usual mystery subplot and villains (who are easily guessed at before their unveiling), the nickname-given-to-the-heroine-by-the-hero (in this case it's "Derby"), and the sweet romance, but in this book I found this last to be terribly boring and tepid - I literally had to drag myself through this book, for although I had no interest in getting to the end I am literally incapable of leaving a book unfinished.

Nicole cries far too much and I wanted to yank the handkerchiefs out of her father and Dustin's hands when they're constantly wiping away her tears (if she insists on weeping all the time can't she at least dry her own face?!?!). She and Dustin's exchanges were sickeningly sweet (all the talk about wishing lockets, them being each other's "miracle," the stars winking down at them and looking down on them, fate and love, and on and on) - Ex: "Teardrops glistened on Nicole's lashes. 'I suppose once you've been given a miracle, it's far easier to believe they exist.' 'That's true,' Dustin concurred softly. 'I'm discovering as much myself. Right here, right now.' Their gazes locked. 'My beautiful miracle.' Dustin drew her against him ..." (p.150).

And the above passage occurs not even halfway through the book, which leads me to another complaint ... Dustin and Nicole got together far too quickly. I'm not saying I wanted a relationship that encounters problem after problem, but that they instantly fall in love when they meet by the Thames in London - I hate "love at first sight" books and this comes dangerously close to that. When they say they love each other (p.200 - out of 335) I felt like they still barely knew each other and regardless of when they verbalize the feelings, they act in love practically since their first encounter. This makes it so that the whole book is basically about only resolving the mystery subplot, since their relationship doesn't have any problems (Nicole harps on about certain "obstacles" until she suddenly decides to dismiss them - instead, they should have either been eliminated or explored and dealt with more fully, since her worries seem to have only been included to make their love story not a hurtle-free path - though it still is for all intents and purposes).

THE KINGSLEYS SERIES:
Echoes in the Mist is the first of Andrea Kane's Kingsleys book and features Ariana Caldwell and Trenton Kingsley, the Duke of Broddington (Dustin's older brother). It's followed by Wishes in the Wind, which tells the story of Nicole Aldridge and Dustin Kingsley, the Marquis of Tyreham. I hadn't read the first book but had no problem following this one, though those who read and enjoyed Trenton and Ariana's story will appreciate seeing them often again in Dustin and Nicole's.

BOTTOM LINE and RECOMMENDATIONS:
If you like extremely sentimental books with sappy/corny romance, this is the book for you. If you want to read a better Andrea Kane book (IMO), then buy My Heart's Desire (The Barretts, Book 1) or The Silver Coin (Coin Series, Book 2) instead. If you like historical romances that involve impersonation or mistaken identity, check out my "So You'd Like To ..." Guide with that title.

Nicole and her father Nick recieved a threating note painted on a stable wall..... they leave the country and Nicole disguises as a boy to protect her father..... when she goes in for a job she did not relize the man she met 2 nights before was the same man...... Dustin puts his life on the line 2 protect nicoles secret and her father..... u must read this book too find out what happens.... this book will keep u glued to the pages..... i can't wait to read more from this fantastic author

The one thing I always notice about Andrea Kane's books is her ability to inject just the right amount of internal conflict. It's refreshing to see the hero and heroine jointly overcoming outside obstacles instead of fighting each other. _Wishes in the Wind_ is a well-researched, enjoyable book with a wonderful combination of romance, humor, and just a bit of intrigue. Dustin Kingsley is a compassionate, about-to-be-reformed rake, and Nicole Aldridge is an enchanting female jockey. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance.

I bought this book expecting to like it, as I'd really enjoyed one of this author's previous works, YULETIDE TREASURE from the Christmas anthology A GIFT OF LOVE. Surprisingly, I couldn't get very far into WISHES IN THE WIND.

The writing style was very awkward. In any given page, 75% - 90% percent of the text would be dialogue. People burst out into huge, rambling speeches every time they spoke. Every time. Hero has a speech, then his brother has a speech, then his sister-in-law has a speech, and then it's back to the hero for another speech. It was ridiculous. It's not that I don't like dialogue, (in fact, I've tossed aside many a book for not having enough), but there needs to be a balance between dialogue and prose. I just didn't find this realistic. I mean, who spews out ten sentences every time they get a chance to talk in a conversation? Only a narcisist.

This writing style reminded me of Fern Michaels'. And that's the very reason why I don't read her books, either! All that rambling is just too irritating. I'm glad I got WISHES IN THE WIND at a library discard sale, otherwise I would have been mad at spending too much money on it.

I know not everyone will agree with this review, but if you're picky about the writing style in the books you read (like I am), and you've never read anything by Andrea Kane before, then you might want to consider trying a different author. But if you're a fan of Kane's, then this probably won't bother you at all, in which case, go ahead and buy this.

Nicole Aldridge, daughter of England's most acclaimed jockey, Nick Aldridge, whisks her father into hiding to protect him from blackmailers who have threatened his life for refusing to throw a race. Desperate to keep her father safe and the two of them fed, Nicole dresses as a boy and answers an ad addressed to her father by the Marquis of Tyreham. As Nick's 'protege,' she wins the position of jockey, hired by the marquis to run the race of a lifetime: the celebrated Epsom Derby.
Dustin Kingsley, Marquis of Tyreham, renowned as a thoroughbred breeder and the ton's most sought-after bachelor, is restless, empty--until he meets the beautiful stranger sitting by the Thames. Determined to win Nicole's heart, Dustin plunges headlong into the ominous mystery eclipsing their future, hell-bent on convincing Nicole that he's the only man for her...

I really do love this book. It's the first book of Andrea Kane's I've really enjoyed it!! I love Nicole and her boldness to be a man and race in the Derby where she knows women are not allowed to compete. The Derby Race is very intense and exciting. As is the love between Dustin and Nicole. I also fell in love with Dustin and of course his adorable nephew, Alexander. Andrea Kane definetly works her magic in this novel.

In this book you are re-introduced to Dustin Kingsley whom you met in "Echos in the Mist". This is a great story of a strong minded woman and what you are able to achive when you set your mind to something. Nicole is the perfect choice for Dustin. You will also get to met Trenton and Ariana again.

I love Ms. Kane's writing and story telling ability. Her characters are likeable and the plots are interesting. You should not miss this story.