Margaret Locke

This had it's problems - the plot was a bit all over the place and the villain was a moron - that said, this was an extremely enjoyable read. The romance was sweet, the main characters very likable and it was really funny. The romance between Grace and Damon developed a little too fast but it's easy enough to overlook because Grace and Damon were brilliant in their own rights. Plus they're book lovers - and I mean how can you go past book lovers who meet in bookshops?!

Damon was a strong and sympathetic character. The author addresses Damon's Tourette's with compassion and understanding without making Damon an object of pity. I think it's very easy for an author to miss the mark when dealing with sensitive issues, but Locke addresses the issue with the right amount of practicality, emotion and compassion. Grace's reaction to his Tourette's enhanced this. That said, I think in Locke's eagerness to show Damon could find love, caused her to rush the romance a bit - it would've been nice to see them get to know each other more before they found love. But the romance was really sweet and it didn't exactly have me cringing like some books.

The secondary characters were interesting and it's a shame the author's other books feature time travel because otherwise I would love to read more. I really hate time travel - unless we're talking fanfiction and do overs. I did consider picking them up but I just can't. In addition to that I prefer either historical romance or fantasy. I don't particularly enjoy the mixing of the two genres. Anyway, it's a shame because I would've liked to see more of the secondary characters.

The plot was a mess but then I've never really enjoyed straight romance plots. Even in my historical romances I prefer mysteries. Still overall, I really liked this and would love to read more just like it.
… (mere)

I decided from the start with whom I wished to see our dear gal Cat...with whom I identified with on many levels. She needed someone sweet and honorable but challenging in all the right ways that would love her til the end of days. I was rooting for Ben! Surprised! Don't be. You'll see what I mean when you read it, but the million dollar question is does he come out on top?

I really enjoyed the story from start to finish. It had me in tears at the start with the passing of a loved one, fits and giggles when Cat and Eliza were trying to figure out if what they thought might be real was (i.e. fiction come to life...come on, you KNOW you wish you had that power!), and cheering for the underdog as things began to unfold for better or worse. The chaps introduced all had their positive points as well as their drawbacks, even if those seemed a bit hard to pinpoint. Eliza was a breath of fresh air and a grounding point for Cat. She may have been a religious reader of Romance novels but when it comes down to it, that very "knowledge" and insight helped our leading lady out in the end. Can't wait to find out more about her story despite her tragic beginning.

Recommended read for adult Contemporary Romance fans (for two "scenes" and some steaminess, though the rest is sweet) and those readers that always believed the pen was the mightiest weapon of all, next to the heart of course.


**review copy received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**… (mere)

Fantastic start to a promising new series! Author Margaret Locke weaves her wordy magic once again giving us a grand (and at times lesser grand considering the circumstances) romp through the times of Dukes, Duchesses, and other assorted titles, in a tale that promises much and delivers more still. I loved the seemingly imperfect Duke, scandalized by a society that simply did not understand... and the fact that he was inspired by real world heroes, touched my heart. What Damon did for that child, the love he had for Grace, his desire to protect those he holds dear... beyond words. I loved the bookish "mouse" with her temper, tongue, and talent for blending in, if only just, even as she harbored an inner lioness. Let's just say Grace may be her name but that's because she-who-speaks-her-mind-kicks- butt-and-asks-questions-later was taken. Seriously though, she's a proper young lady that doesn't believe proper need be defined as stringently as society dictates. The love affair that erupts, the scandals that set the ton ablaze, the downright sniveling conniving asinine behavior of those that ought know better and the comeuppance they receive, along with the surprising presence of old familiar faces, made this take as enchanting as the clothes were decadent.

Wonderful read for Historical Fiction, Romance and Women's Fiction fans alike... with just the right touch of real world magic to keep things interesting. Oh and the book love, oh the book love! Adored it!… (mere)