by Sarah Luck
Publisher: Pocket BooksRelease Date: Dec 27, 2011
Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
My Review:
Set in the tumultuous frontier days of the American West, this thrillingly authentic debut novel illuminates the passionate choices of one woman’s heart. A chance encounter . . .
Wealthy entrepreneur Rab Trudeau is seething mad. A Nevada newspaper is printing fraudulent stock prices that could force his silver mine to close. Posing as an investigator from San Francisco’s Great Western Detective Agency, which he happens to own, Rab travels to Nevada to uncover who’s behind the false claims. Soon after stepping off the train, he rescues a beautiful woman from an oncoming carriage—and in one blinding moment, both are consumed by the powerful strength and seduction of their embrace.
An uncertain destiny . . .
An aspiring writer for The Pioneer, Susanna agrees to interview the stranger whom everyone is talking about, and is shocked to discover he’s Rab Trudeau—the gentleman who saved her life. Promised in marriage to the wayward son of the couple who raised her after her parents died on a westward-bound wagon train, Susanna fights her overwhelming desire for Rab. But as the mine scandal heats up and turns violent, Susanna must make an impossible choice—one that could bind her to Rab forever or destroy any hope of their future happiness.
This was definitely a different type of historical romance, but I'm not sure it was my style. The historical details were very authentic and well-researched, and I surely learned a few things I didn't know about the time period and setting. However, the romance wasn't special to me and some of the storytelling seemed elementary.
There really weren't a lot of scenes with the hero and heroine together which always disappoints me in historical romance. A lot of the plot centered around the stock in the silver mine. It was interesting to read about, but not really what I had in mind when I picked up a romance book.
The romance felt uncomfortable to me, especially some of the scenes. Their relationship felt awkward instead of romantic. This is a debut novel so perhaps this will improve in her upcoming books.
Main Characters: 3/5
Supporting Characters: 3/5
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 2/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Bottom Line: This will probably appeal to die hard western fans, but those looking for a great romance may be disappointed.
I say..eh, giving it a miss. Sure it could be fine for a boring rainy day, but I kind of want more than that
ReplyDeleteCarrie, this book sort of fell flat for me as well,and the prolouge gave me such high hopes.
ReplyDeleteSometimes debut historical authors tend to lean towards teaching you about the time period instead of giving you a good story. That's always disappointing. Like you said, more experience will probably improve her skills.
ReplyDeleteHah hah, this may be terrible, but I'd rather have romance in my romance novels than accurate historical mining details. ;) That's too bad, though, sounds like it might've been a good read if there had been a little more tinkering before publication.
ReplyDeleteWell, this book doesn't sound promising.
ReplyDeleteIT sounds like the author tried to make it "Authentic" more than romantic.
That's said since the plot sounded interesting.