Sleeping Beauty

Rating:
Summary: Exquisitely drawn and deliciously naughty
Review: Judith Ivory has done it again. I didn't see how her latest book could surpass Beast, but Sleeping Beauty equals it. Set against a scholarly English backdrop it is truly a different kind of love story. Poignant and real as anyone with doubts about themselves and their ability to find and give love would attest. Set against a revered university setting, James and Coco's clandestine affair seems all the more intense for its apparent unsuitability. Yet, who can doubt that they belong together?

Rating:
Summary: Had some good moments, but not enough to warrant purchasing
Review: The book started out good enough with a young, handsome explorer returning to his homeland and receiving lots of praises and a attractively older woman who was once a high paid 'professional'. I decided to purchase this book based on other reviewers comments. It is probably me, but I just couldn't feel for Coco in this story. Her descriptions were okay, but it did not convey sympathy for her situation. Her vagueness throughout the story got to me quite annoying after a while with her being so aloof.

James was a nice enough fellow, I suppose... but he came across young and silly at times. There were certainly scenes of nicely written sexual tension, but the story got so slow in the middle and second half, I had to skip through to flow through the plot. I again realize that for a Romance novel to capture me, there needs to be a certain amount of humor and witty dialouge is definitely a requirement. I did not find either in this story.

The ending was a pretty quick wrap up for the long drawn out relationship struggle. If you like slow moving relationship story with detailed descriptions of the characters thought process (lots of thinking in the head stuff), then this is the book for you. Although I must commend the author for pairing up a younger man with an older woman. You don't see/read that every day. It could have been more fun using Coco's charm and experience, but she came across sounding pathetic, sad, depressed, and no fun at all.

Rating:
Summary: Shades of "God Is An Englishman"
Review: The mood of this book reminded me of both Delderfield and Forrester, but a lighter version of both. The characters are multi-faceted, but always remain "in character." Ms. Ivory is stunningly talented and whether you love the story or not, she never insults your intelligence, and she has turned into an "automatic buy" for me, and is amongst the top five of my favorite romance authors (Linda Howard, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Loretta Chase and Julie Garwood are the others, so Ms. Ivory is in rather good company).

Rating:
Summary: Spectacular, gripping, sexy!
Review: The sexual tension in this book never let up. I was enthralled with the hero, a real man who knows life from the perspective of an explorer, yet who, when faced with the woman of his dreams, finds himself old-fashioned in every way -- protective, possessive, and determined. Judith Ivory has captured the essence of sexual obsession and devoted love. You must read SLEEPING BEAUTY!

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting and intriguing
Review: This book is both romantically delightful and psychologically provocative as it explores the relationship between two intelligent passionate people and the forces that conspire to keep them apart. This is the kind of book you return to again and again, just for the sheer pleasure of being immersed in Ms. Ivory's sensuous world.

Rating:
Summary: Perfectly eloquent, wonderfully graceful
Review: This is a book about fairytale endings. A book with words written so beautifully, prose so vivid and vibrant they fair take my breath away. Ms Ivory has the grace of Wharton and James, with a touch of Austen in her wit and sharp cynicism.

This story is beautifully told. No one should miss it. Bravo Ms Ivory for such an intelligent, well-crafted book. I look forward to your next book.

Rating:
Summary: Not the boring old formula
Review: This was a delightful book. James is a refreshingly charming hero who falls in love with Coco, a slightly older, experienced woman. The plot is straightforward and believable in a setting rarely used (academia). The villain is grade-A hissable. Anyone who's ever been in a position of trying to defend human kindness vs. bottom line politics will relate to James in a big way...and feel all of his anxiety and frustration, which should tell you how very well Judith Ivory writes. So why only four stars? Because I just know there was more to this book. JI is too articulate and too thorough not to have included some background about James' time in Africa with the Wakua, which would have made his stance on their behalf much more compelling and interesting. And what DID happen to the other members of the expedition anyway? We never find out. I suspect these passages fell by the wayside in someone's attempt to keep this book down to the asinine 350-page rule that is pervasive in historical romances these days. (Note to editors: stop short-changing your authors and your audience!) Someday I hope the missing material will be reinstated and that the book will be reissued. In the meantime, read this book and enjoy Judith Ivory's wonderful storytelling.

Rating:
Summary: A NEW JUDITH IVORY FAN
Review: This was a delightful book. James is a refreshingly charming hero who falls in love with Coco, a slightly older, experienced woman. The plot is straightforward and believable in a setting rarely used (academia). The villain is grade-A hissable. Anyone who's ever been in a position of trying to defend human kindness vs. bottom line politics will relate to James in a big way...and feel all of his anxiety and frustration, which should tell you how very well Judith Ivory writes. So why only four stars? Because I just know there was more to this book. JI is too articulate and too thorough not to have included some background about James' time in Africa with the Wakua, which would have made his stance on their behalf much more compelling and interesting. And what DID happen to the other members of the expedition anyway? We never find out. I suspect these passages fell by the wayside in someone's attempt to keep this book down to the asinine 350-page rule that is pervasive in historical romances these days. (Note to editors: stop short-changing your authors and your audience!) Someday I hope the missing material will be reinstated and that the book will be reissued. In the meantime, read this book and enjoy Judith Ivory's wonderful storytelling.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet
Review: This was a good romance book. James is a gentle man, so mesmerized by Coco; he is so earnest in his persistence, but not in an annoying manner. It's a sweet love story.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing sleepy about it!
Review: This was the first book i have read by Judith Ivory,and it certainly won't be my last!James was a beautiful,giving if somewhat naive a character.Coco was a beautiful intelligent,world wearied woman.The age gap between Coco and James adds a depth and richness to the story.I found it refreshing to be able to identify with a woman who had been through child birth(and the resulting body changes)for starters!I think that we as romance readers are bombarded with to many slim long honey limbs and to little realism.Judith Ivory was able to remind me that attraction is something natural and unexpected.A great read which i would highly reccomend!