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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Magic of You (Malory-Anderson Family, #4) in Books

Jan 18, 2018  
TM
The Magic of You (Malory-Anderson Family, #4)
Johanna Lindsey | 1993
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really wanted to love this book. I really did. As a Malory novel, I was so sure that it would be just as amazing as the others I have read. In fact, when my grandmother gave it to me, I couldn’t wait to read it and bypassed a pile of books I had lined up to read.

Disappointment always leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

While the novel still held Lindsey’s easy straightforward style, lovable characters, and hilarious dialogue, it lacks the magic that I experienced with the others. I think this is because the lead female protagonist, Amy, annoyed me beyond reason. I don’t think I have ever read a novel where the lead female was so obnoxious that I almost threw the book.

I give Amy props for being determined, but it reaches a certain point where I just believed her pathetic, to be honest. If she annoyed the hell out of me, I can’t imagine how Warren felt. It annoys me just as much that apparently sex can make people fall in love. Sorry romance novels, it doesn’t work that way.

However, I found myself laughing with this novel more than I did the others.
  
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Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Before the Crown in Books

Jun 14, 2020  
Before the Crown
Before the Crown
Flora Harding | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Thank you to Netgalley and Flora Harding for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Before the Crown is a beautiful historical novel which delves deep into the romance between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece, perhaps better known as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

However, this is not a traditional romance and Harding does not hold back in laying out all the struggles Elizabeth and Philip faced. From the King and Queen's disapproval of the match for their daughter to the effects of public opinion on the relationship, Flora Harding covers it all.

Nor does this novel present the engagement as all hearts and flowers. Despite Elizabeth being attracted to Philip from a young age, this is initially a one-sided crush and a political arrangement for the couple. However, due to Flora Harding presenting her novel from the perspective of both Elizabeth and Philip, the reader is able to experience first hand the doubts, worries, longing and evolution of this infamous relationship.

I will be honest it is hard not to envision the Netflix series when you read this novel but it is by no means a copy cat situation. Harding provides such interesting insights into Philip's lifestyle and his family that it is hard not to pity the sacrifices that he makes in order to be with Elizabeth.
In 'The Crown' young Philip was a bit of a dirt bag and, although Harding's Prince is no angel, he is clearly fighting an uphill battle against the aristocracy's view of him. It is difficult not to sympathise.

I would have liked an author's note to know how much of the story is fact and how much is fiction or speculation. However, given the privacy of the Royal Family I imagine any factual insights are rare.

In summary, 'Before the Crown' is a captivating read, exploring the sacrifices and struggles where we often blindly see prejudice, all against the backdrop of WWII Europe.
  
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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2) in Books

Jan 18, 2018  
TG
The Gladiator's Temptation (Champions of Rome #2)
Jennifer D. Bokal
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.

What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but it’s more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.