Rating:  Summary: Excellent Book Review: I thought this was one of the best books ever written. I love the humor she uses, the emotions just run all through you when you are reading it.
Rating:  Summary: Great first half Review: I'm new to reading historical romances. I used to read Regencies and I also love fantasy books and fairy tale themes so I thought this book looked fun. The first half is wonderful -- funny and unusual and the characters' interplay is fascinating. I liked how Austyn came to love Holly for herself, even though she was homely. I did believe Holly could make herself ugly by doing just what was described EXCEPT for the wide bottom. She would have been found out pretty quickly on that. The second half was really different than the first. It just seemed to be one sex scene after another(one would have been plenty, especially since they are so long) and a pretty melodramatic and unbelievable subplot about the father going mad. Also, I thought it really out of character for Austyn to be quite so cruel to Holly (locking her in a tower), even if her felt betrayed and angry. I'm going to give another Medeiros book a try, though, as there were a lot of things I did enjoy about the author. I hope she will tone down the melodrama a bit, though.
Rating:  Summary: Enjoyable and entertaining. Review: I'm not an avid romance reader (yet ^_^), but I picked up this one to help me pass the time on the commute to and from work. Much to my surprise, I found myself staying up late finish it! I haven't read all that many books in this genre, so I couldn't tell you how it rates specifically as a romance. But on its own merits, I thought it was pretty enjoyable and entertaining. The plot is well-developed and draws the reader in, although I did feel that there were some weak points - especially in the earlier interactions between Holly and Austyn. The two main characters are pretty interesting, but they lacked the depth that might've made me give this book the fifth star. The romantic scenes are pretty few and far between, so if you prefer more steamy writers like Stephanie Laurens, then this probably isn't for you. Some of the physical interactions might be a bit much for the more sensitive reader, although put in perspective with the time period, I suppose Holly could have received a lot worse treatment. Although Medeiros's character development could use some work, her ability to render a gripping plot is very much exemplified with this work. I especially liked her twist on the ugly-duckling theme, and enjoyed this book more for its overall plot rather than any aspect of romance it contained.
Rating:  Summary: plain dumb and retarded Review: I'm surprised i saw this book being rated as 5 stars. If possible i would give it a negative 5, i'm surpised it was even published in the first place. Obviously the author has nothing to talk about, this story is based on two dumb idiots who hate eachother because they discovered the other was good looking, i just don't get it. Its like an adult version of the frog prince. Believe me those who think this is good work, theres better ones out there where their conflicts are about more important matters than just beauty. The title says it all for this book, from beginning to the end thats all you'll get, two vain characters who hates eachother because the other ones better looking. They definitely deserve eachother. Poor work, poor story, if there wasn't any graphic sex scences, it'll definitely be a mothergoose tale.
Rating:  Summary: Rollicking fun, warmth & adventure with sizzling sensuality! Review: In an effort to discourage ALL suitors, Holly de Chastel disguised her beauty in a completely rad makeover! For 800 yrs. the Gavenmore men have been doomed by love & beauty. So when Sir Austyn beheld the "hag" being given in marriage to the winner of the tournament, he hoped that the curse of the Fairy Queen Rhiannon would finally be lifted. But their budding relationship is shattered when Austyn discovers Holly's deception. Can true love win in the end?
Rating:  Summary: I loved the Tantalizing Tension in this Book! Review: Personally, I prefer the tension that builds between the hero and the heroine when each is desperately fighting the urge to fall head over heels in love. This was a fantastic read and I enjoyed every moment that Holly masqueraded as the ugly duckling. Her husband's rewards were even sweeter when he discovered a true beauty beneath her charade. Bravo Teresa Medeiros!
Rating:  Summary: Good, but not Medeiros' best Review: Teresa Medeiros has become one of my favorite authors, but Fairest of Them All is probably my least favorite of her books (so far). The book starts off brilliantly, but eventually the "curse" drags it down, becoming slow and tedious in places, dark and unsettling in others. Austyn begins as a wonderful hero, simply marvelous, but his belief in the curse causes him to become a tyrant, albeit to protect her from himself in some ways. Holly becomes more likable as the "curse" takes effect and she becomes less shallow. Most of their love scenes are lacking in love, but one that is only sets the stage for heartbreak (a necessary plot element). The climax of the book is very well done however, and the epilogue is one that will leave readers more than content. It's better than 3 stars when you consider all romances, but I gave it only 3 when I compared it to other Medeiros books. As long as you don't expect this to be one of her best, you'll probably enjoy it. Read it when you don't want one that will keep you reading late into the night.
Rating:  Summary: Good, but not Medeiros' best Review: Teresa Medeiros has become one of my favorite authors, but Fairest of Them All is probably my least favorite of her books (so far). The book starts off brilliantly, but eventually the "curse" drags it down, becoming slow and tedious in places, dark and unsettling in others. Austyn begins as a wonderful hero, simply marvelous, but his belief in the curse causes him to become a tyrant, albeit to protect her from himself in some ways. Holly becomes more likable as the "curse" takes effect and she becomes less shallow. Most of their love scenes are lacking in love, but one that is only sets the stage for heartbreak (a necessary plot element). The climax of the book is very well done however, and the epilogue is one that will leave readers more than content. It's better than 3 stars when you consider all romances, but I gave it only 3 when I compared it to other Medeiros books. As long as you don't expect this to be one of her best, you'll probably enjoy it. Read it when you don't want one that will keep you reading late into the night.
Rating:  Summary: Beauty is what's inside ones heart... Review: The rich and the fairest Holly De Chastel considered her beauty a curse. She wanted people to look through her heart, not at her face. She wanted a person who could love her for who she is, not what she is. She's tired of men gaping at her, tired of men singing her praises, doing her biddings...all for her beauty. Meanwhile, the handsome Austyn Gavenmore have always believed that he too is curse. Him, his ancestors and even the Gavenmore descendants are all cursed by a fairy called Rhiannon. Love will be their mortal weakness and beauty be their eternal doomed. He distance himself from beautiful Ladies and especially from LOVE. I enjoyed the first half and the ending of this book. It's emotionally tupsy-turvy. There's lots of smiling, chuckling and laughing-out-loud scenes. The characters were all portrayed wonderfully. Every single one of them contributed to the success of the story. From the H/H to the secondary characters of Carey, Winfred, Elspeth, Nate and etc... I enjoyed Holly's character more than anything in this book though. She is definitely a riot. Spoiled, carefree, clever, mischievous, determined yet charming and full of heart. Her father's love and dedication towards her was just one of my many favs in this book. I also love the heart warming part of which Austyn eventually develops an affection to his 'ugly' wife. Yes, not homely but ugly. This is where it proves that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and beauty is what's inside ones heart. Austyn character was a complex one. He is strong, handsome, patient and determined as well. However, he is also scared, confuse and always wary. The heart wrenching 'revelation' scene and its consequences was a twister... Oh, that's when you get sad and frustrated. But as usual, the ending is a grand relief. I also love the Epilogue of this book. The fun and warmth continued even then. The reason why I didn't rate this a five stars is 'cuz somewhere after the first half of the book, the "curse" thing seemed overly done and talked about too much. I know that the "curse" is the initial plot in the first place but for me, it gotten way too repetitive and some of the consequences became too overblown. I guess you can say that I also expected more resistance from Holly. She was supposedly very proud & head-strong in the beginning therefore I expected and wanted to see her fighting back or to do something other than just to wait and see... I know she was locked up and not much she can do, I guess... but still, I wanted more effort on her behalf. That's just a small niggle in my part. I've always enjoyed Teresa Medeiros' work and this isn't an exemption. Overall, I recommend this book to everyone for it was truly an entertaining read.
Rating:  Summary: Not one of her best Review: The story of Holly and Sir Austyn of Gavenmore starts off great. I found the beg. humorous and exciting. The whole time she was ugly the book was great. Yet she tarnishes herself so much its strange. Austyn who is a great guy turns evil. He bares her basically in her birthday suit in front of everyone. He also just treats her like (...)!! I really felt sorry for Holly she didn't deserve him and he shouldn't have ever gotten her. I feel that if you like a dumb hero read this one because the guys a fool and the girl isn't that much better for gettin with him.
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