Rating: 
Summary: Hmmmmm--
Review: Knowing that I like to read historical fiction, romance fiction and suspense fiction, my librarian plopped this book in my hand. "Look," she said. I looked. Nice cover, gorgeous step-back, (I like old houses) and then the ambiguity on the spine caught my eye. My library had catalogued the book as a 'mystery' but the publisher calls it 'romance'. That's only part of the problem I had with this book, which I did not finish--in fact, page 80 was the extent of my patience with it. I kept wanting something to happen. Almost anything would have sufficed. I freely admit to not ever having read anything by Brenda Joyce, although certainly I've heard of her. This book, however, didn't seem to know just what it wanted to be, and I really couldn't wait for it to grow up. Sorry.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read...
Review: This book is definitely one of the best I've ever read! I bought it in the airport as I was leaving on a four-hour trip home ... by the time I arrived home, I had finished it! It's a compelling mystery/romance that will keep you interested from the first page. All of the great elements of an historical romance/suspense/mystery are contained between the covers of this wonderful book!! I think Brenda Joyce has found a new fan!!
Rating:
Summary: Not a romance
Review: This book threw me off because it said romance on the spine, but be warned this is NOT a romance. I might have liked this book if I did not read it as a romance. I expect more and it did not have the romance I was looking for. I felt no sexual tension between characters at all. It was a big disappointment for me. Maybe it works as a mystery, I don't know because I am not a mystery reader.
Rating:
Summary: mystery detective scores points with readers
Review: This book was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the characters and the fact she is building a relationship between the characters that will last. I can't wait to read the sequel to deadly love as I am waiting for the unfolding of their relationship and the problems of her family.
Rating: 
Summary: Has possibilities
Review: This is the second book I've read from the author. I am a fan of mysteries and romances, and I thought the turn of the century setting would prove to be intriguing. The mystery was well-done, but I was never "on the edge of my seat" to learn the culprit. There were a few drawbacks. First, the novel had a rushed feel--there was not enough attention paid to detail. In one scene, Francesca reads a headline proclaiming the disappearance of Jonny Burton and then a couple of papagraphs later, she wonders "which twin had been kidnapped?" There were a few such instances throughout which distracted the reader. Second, Francesca suffers from an acute lack of common sense. Stupidity in a heroine is unforgivable. I would have much preferred that she worked with Bragg and gave him the information she learned rather than chase leads on her own. Or at least she showed more caution in exploring for herself. It is ludicrous to think she would confront a man in a seedy tavern who had already attacked her once. Finally, the language was a distraction. The word "espied" was overused greatly--words like that should be employed with care. Also, Fran had a great deal of trouble picking up slang words. Some cases were understandable, but only a simpleton would have to clarify what someone meant when they said "shadowing" instead of following. I think the series has promise, and the setting adds a great deal to the storyline. I just hope greater attention is paid to future installments.
Rating:
Summary: Weak yet Strong
Review: This isn't really a romance book, but hints to be one. This book is more on mystery than romance. While we know that Francesca and Rick are the heroine and hero of this series, I do not feel that Rick feels anything for Francesca, from the beginning to the last page, even after Joel's last comment, which I was like "duh... how did it seem so?"This book is weak by itself in storyline and definitely in the aspect of romance. However, let us not forget that it is the beginning of a series of romance mystery between Francesca and Rick, and the people around her. Deadly Love is like a small piece that makes up a big puzzle. While it may not be an enjoyment to read and does not live up to its expectations, Deadly Love, as the first book to the series, introduces and builds a set of characters we need to know for the future stories. Thus, I think I will appreciate this book more as the story develops when more books are released.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story!
Review: This was a thoroughly entertaining! I was quite surprised by the ending. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Story!
Review: This was a thoroughly entertaining! I was quite surprised by the ending. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Rating:
Summary: It's a MYSTERY
Review: When will publishers learn to market books honestly? This is NOT a romance novel; it is an atmospheric character study with a mystery thrown in for good measure. The descriptions are well done and accurate. The cast of characters is quite interesting - conflict building for future books, I hope. Re the main characters, Francesca is too much the feminist for my personal taste - a budding Hillary comes to mind. We are told early and often that she's quite liberal and out to change social ills. Rick, on the other hand, is totally opposite of the sappy males written by many female writers. He is masculine, intelligent, tender when necessary, and does the heavy lifting the Francesca's often avoid. In short, I hardly ever read Brenda Joyce's romance novels - too light and sappy - but decided to give this one a try. I'm glad I did.
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