Rating:  Summary: OKAY Review: Liz Carlyle tells a good yarn and doesn't go for quick resolutions. As Historical Romances go, this isn't bad at all. Not only is the "hero" intriguing, but the heroine has some depth to her. I will keep reading, Liz...
Rating:  Summary: A fantastic debut! Review: Liz Carlyle's debut novel has it all--a gorgeous marquis whose rakish exterior hides a weary, hurting heart, a strong heroine who can more than hold her own against wicked rakes, a well-rounded and charming cast of secondary characters, and a slowly-unfolding mystery that holds a surprising twist or two. The sexual tension between Elliot and Evie was wonderful, and the characters real and compelling. Watching Elliot the rake become seduced by the simple country life and a "simple" country girl was just delightful, and as he found himself deeper and deeper into his accidental ruse, the more I could feel for him. There are many wonderful aspects to this book, but one of the best was Elliot. The author didn't just tell us he was a rake, she showed it very convincingly, which made his slow return from the darkness so much more satisfying. I truly look forward to this author's next book. Add this one to your TBR pile!
Rating:  Summary: No False Romance Review: Ms. Carlyle has successfully captured the magical peace true love brings to the redeemed. The heroine in MY FALSE HEART, embodies the strength of the truly beautiful woman: not only in outward appearance, but as a person with so much love to give her family and friends, she is their safe harbor; one hunky rogue of a hero [must read the pond scene!] who is almost so lost in debauchery, he carries faint hope of ever becoming clean again. It seems fate has brought Elliot Armstrong to the door of Evangeline van Artevalde and her loving, extended family. As head of her household, the home Evangeline has made for all under her roof is filled with the warmth of love, laughter and intellectual pursuits--all that has been missing from Armstrong's privileged, though wasted life. Although the hero's reputation has been unfairly maligned by foul gossip, he fully accepts, and flaunts, the parts of his bad name he has brought upon himself. Hurt by the betrayal of a past love, Elliot Armstrong has devoted ten years of his life to living as a wastrel, little caring how it will all turn out--until Evangeline becomes his friend. He then alternates between fantasies that she will love him and shame that he could corrupt her. Though dire obstacles threaten Evangeline and Elliot's chance at happiness, Liz Carlyle has written a lovely story about the power of love and forgiveness.
Rating:  Summary: 6 stars! Review: My False Heart is simply the best romance I have read in a very long time -- a strong and intelligent heroine, a handsome and world-weary hero (this is one gorgeous hunk!), a great story line that includes a credible murder mystery for good measure, and a delightful cast of secondary characters. This book is so good that it is hard to believe that it is a debut. Ms. Carlyle, thank you for reminding me why I started reading romances in the first place and may you have a long and prolific career!
Rating:  Summary: Intelligently written and sexy, too! Review: Not only is this book wonderfully rich and full of exquisitely realized characters, it is also a very erotic, very emotional romance. The hero's redemption is believable and the heroine is the kind of woman I could admire. All in all, a great book.
Rating:  Summary: AN ORIGINAL!! Review: Oh, my! An original plot! Hard to believe but it's true. I agree with one of the other reviewers who couldn't believe this was LC's debut novel. However, this review is a little late. I've read all of LC's books and I'm here to tell you. . .she gets better with each one. A true story teller, wordsmith, etc. Great characters in all her books. No cookie cutter characters here! Every one of them are different and you will fall in love with all of them. Even though this is probably my least favorite book by LC, it is still wonderful and worth the read.
Rating:  Summary: Romance is....... My False Heart Review: Once in while when you're reading a book, you feel along the way that the book you're reading is truly special. My False Heart, a debut from Liz Carlyle, is one of those special books. The story, as describe in the book description, is wonderfully written and filled with powerful characters that will surely steal your heart. Believable in every aspect because the story build up, the emotions of the lead characters and the motivation of Elliot to reform are all well told. I enjoyed this book because it was told from the viewpoint of Elliot. I laughed and suffered with him. Also, the way the writer described everything so splendidly I could really it feel it, touch it and see it. As for the characters Elliot and Evie, they were perfectly matched for each other! Elliot is a "to die for" hero. He shows his vulnerability to the readers but never loses his masculinity. Evie is a temperamental painter and on the outside she's so confident but deep inside a woman with doubts and insecurity. The secondary characters are delightful, giving the story something extra and let the readers long for a story of their own. My False Heart is also a book filled with favourite scenes. Like the pond scene and the balcony "vase throwing" scene. I love to re-read those scenes. Not everyone will agree with me, but I thought they were wonderful, touching and funny. Especially the pond scene! Anyway, My False Heart is a truly special book, a keeper! It will leave behind a feeling of longing, a feeling of romance and hope that soon Liz Carlyle will write a sequel. Enjoy and savour My False Heart, for this is what romance is about!
Rating:  Summary: The rake and the reformer Review: One of the main flaws in many stories about a rake's reformation is that it is really hard to see why a seasoned womanizer would fall for a ninnybrained virgin innocent. How long would the novelty last? In "My False Heart", its strongest points are the hero's convincing nobility underneath his dissolute front, and he has a worthy match in the heroine. Indeed, the woman in question may be a token innocent, but she is obviously intelligent enough to challenge the hero's jaded senses. The hero's slow bond of affection with her family is so well done that yes, I believe he will and can be a good husband to her and a guardian to her siblings. The love and sexual tension are explosive. The only flaw is the overabundance of external plots, but that's okay. This is the author's first book, and already it shows enough brilliance in terms of character and relationship building. Bring on the rest, Ms Carlyle, I can't wait for more.
Rating:  Summary: And This Was A Debut Novel? Review: Over 400 pages, this was an ambitious endeavor for a first time writer. I kept expecting it to drop off or drag somewhere, but was pleasantly surprised. You won't be disappointed. I've only given five stars to a handful of books out of hundreds read.
Rating:  Summary: Wonderful Review: Reading this book is like eating the best Belgian chocolate. Gorgeous and rich, you never want it to end. Truly great characterization, a lovely romance, a multiple layed story, and an endearing cast of secondary characters make this book a keeper. Looking forward eagerly to Ms Carlyle's next release.
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