Susanna Fraser

This felt like it wasted some real potential! It's pretty sweet and slow-moving, and I found myself skimming at times, but I LOVED the premise, and the sex scenes were pretty well done IMO. But, there is only a smidge or two of angst, and it gets glossed over far too quickly. First, we start with a MOC between a reserved young woman who is a poor relation in a family that runs from indifferent to asshole, and instead of having some insecurity or angst surrounding the situation, we just jump into the getting-Lucy-to-orgasm saga. Second, when Lucy's secret betrothal to Sebastian finally comes to light, I was excited for some drama, though I knew it was going to be resolved far too quickly just based on the number of pages left. We get ONE delicious moment of angst where James tells Lucy he is sending her away, and that is basically completely over the next time they see each other. Honestly, I don't understand why he was suddenly over it, because, really, she should have told him!!! She KNEW Sebastian's character was suspect; even if she believed him and Anna in love, his behavior towards her was unconscionable - he doesn't end their betrothal until AFTER he proposes to Anna! Could have saved the poor woman years of heartbreak. We never know if she learns of the betrothal, or of the reason for it (Sebastian was trying to avoid having to marry the mistress he dumped when he got her pregnant), but I would guess not. I feel bad for her, really. I was going to put Lucy on the plain/wallflower shelf as she is fairly shy and initially describes herself as plain, but she gets over it pretty quickly once the hero tells her she's beautiful (which she is). Overall, the book is fine, I just had such high hopes; but somehow, this dramatic storyline has no drama.… (más)

Loved it! This book surprised me. I have pretty high standards for books taking place in the midst of the Peninsular Wars. I love the 'following the drum' stories and stories where there is a class difference between the hero and the heroine. This one is one of those rare ones where the hero is of a lower class than the heroine. The story was not one of those where all the action happens in a week. It plays out over time which adds to the believability of the H/h's feelings. The only thing really that could have been better was a little more description of physical things to help set the scene. I'll be reading more of this author.… (más)