Always seem to be coming from behind

I never intended for this blog to take on a digest format. But, here I go again—summarizing books read more than a week ago. Consumed under duress and only now (vaguely) recollected.

Lady Sophia’s Lover and Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas

Working my way through Kleypas’ backlist. I read these two plus 4 other books in the span of 3 days. Of the 6, both Kleypas titles stand out. I particularly liked LSL—and having read Nick Gentry’s story (Worth Any Price) before this one, I experienced LSL as I would a prequel. The only quibble I have is with the characterization of Ross. I wasn’t wholly convinced this was the same person I was introduced to in Someone To Watch Over Me and then revisited in Worth Any Price. In both of those later titles, Ross is depicted as a much harsher man. In his own story, I looked forward to seeing how Kleypas would dismantle his defenses to let a woman in. What I found however, was a man who seemed more than ready to accept another woman into his life; I don’t recall much resistance. It wasn’t a letdown in any sense, just not what I expected.

I’m pretty sure I skimmed Then Came You. Thinking back to how this book affected me, I don’t recall being tugged into the story. Instead, I recall not liking either the hero or heroine very much. Thinking back on the storyline however, I have to say it was very much my cup of tea. I like the whole woman out of control, burdened beyond understanding thing; and the relatively silent (read misunderstood or unknown), controlling alpha that simply commandeers her and her problems. Reminds me just slightly of SEP’s To Kiss An Angel. At any rate, I’ll admit to liking this one, but recognize that I really need to go back and READ it front to back—no skipping around or skimming.

A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens

Also working through this author’s backlist. Of the 6 titles I read, this one provided the most potent escape. It was the first Laurens I’d read in awhile and I was reminded of how much I like her characters, their dialogue, and their actions. I let everything go and just enjoyed living in their world for the duration. This one, another in the Bastion Club series, was excellent. I enjoyed every single aspect.

Much Ado About You by Eloisa James

I’ve been a longtime fan of Eloisa James, but had yet to begin this series. In fact, the last James title I read was Midnight Pleasures, published in 2001. I’ve been meaning to catch up with her work for a while. Having read Much Ado About You, I can safely say I still enjoy this author. However, because my discovery of other historical romance authors like Laurens and Kleypas has changed my expectations somewhat, I was not as bowled over as I recalled being by James’ Potent Pleasures or Midnight Pleasures. James’ characters stick very much to socially acceptable behavior—to the point of driving the reader near nuts. Their staunch refusal to run headlong into anything “inappropriate” gave the women the appearance of being weaker, less smart. The same reluctance in the men left me feeling like they were not as strong, not as “alpha”, as I would have liked. All in all, I found myself more annoyed then enamored.

To Love A Man by Karen Robards

This one was lying about the waiting room ‘library’. It was a fast, relatively predictable read. Very 80’s, although I’m not exactly sure when it was published. The connection between hero and heroine was a disconnect for me—not for a minute could I believe that a woman experiencing such trauma—physical and emotional—would just roll over and do the first man she opens her eyes to. I kept reading though, because I was out of my own books. It wasn’t a total loss really; just not a book I would hold onto for more than a few minutes.

For The Roses by Julie Garwood

Another book lying about. This is the only Garwood book I’ve NOT read previously. It was good. I’m glad I had opportunity to read it. I will say however, that nothing—including this title—compares to the Scottish Laird takes English bride stories that made me fall in love with Garwood. If anything, reading For The Roses served to remind me that I’m about due to re-read The Secret again.