Rating: 
Summary: A mish-mosh of classic plots
Review: It's certainly a cut above the rest when it comes to romance novel story lines, but I felt that the major components of the plot were "borrowed" from literature classics.For example, taking a cockney guttersnipe and turning her into a dignified lady with a new identity (Pygmalion). Or the brooding master who keeps his daughter in the house in the country (Jane Eyre). There are even some traces of the Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and Hitchcock's Vertigo what with the whole "he murdered his wife, she was pushed off the bell tower" plotline. But still, it is an engrossing novel (perhaps BECAUSE of the classic plotlines), although my favorite Karen Robards will always be Dark Torment for it's delicious characters, high level of emotion, and unique plot and setting.
Rating:
Summary: A mish-mosh of classic plots
Review: It's certainly a cut above the rest when it comes to romance novel story lines, but I felt that the major components of the plot were "borrowed" from literature classics. For example, taking a cockney guttersnipe and turning her into a dignified lady with a new identity (Pygmalion). Or the brooding master who keeps his daughter in the house in the country (Jane Eyre). There are even some traces of the Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and Hitchcock's Vertigo what with the whole "he murdered his wife, she was pushed off the bell tower" plotline. But still, it is an engrossing novel (perhaps BECAUSE of the classic plotlines), although my favorite Karen Robards will always be Dark Torment for it's delicious characters, high level of emotion, and unique plot and setting.
Rating: 
Summary: Fiery and intense
Review: Julia/Jewel had a fighting spirit, she was fiery, determined, brave, kind, smart, funny and forgiving, all the traits of an endearing heroine, she was indeed. She spiced up every scene with her presence. Sebastian was cold and cynical, but hidden behind the icy mask was a man hungry for love and afraid to be hurt by loving anyone. Despite the harsh and unforgiving condition of living on the street, Jewel cherished herself, was brave, kind and compassionate. Despite having everything he could possibly have in life, Sebastian was lonely and deprived of love. I enjoyed reading how Jewel struggled to be Julia, a lady, how she refused to be defeated, how shame and pride made her determined and brave. It provided the most funny and admirable moments and I found myself applauding her spirit and triumphs. There were sparks whenever Sebastian and Julia were together, the fiery exchanges, the battling of wits, control and passion. Sometime I found Sebastian to be too harsh and cruel to Julia, in turn being harsh to himself. The book had very good character development, but I wish for a little more insights to the anguish felt by Sebastian when he forced himself to hurt the person he loved. Sebastian was almost too cold and unfeeling at some scenes to be likeable at all. Despite all the ill treatment from Sebastian, Julia was determined to fight for her love, to break his icy control and reach behind his mask. She was touchingly forgiving and loved so completely. So I was particularly satisfied to read about Sebastian's anguish when he feared that he might lose Julia forever. That certainly brought up the depth of his feelings toward Julia, his desperate need to have someone who love him totally, and hardened his resolve to treasured her for the rest of his life. Though I think Sebastian deserved to suffer a bit for the way he treated Julia earlier, there is something very tender about a man losing control over love. Well, I won't say that the book was romantic. But it tugged your heart and carried you along with the tide of emotions of the characters. The plot held enough twists and surprisings that you would hold your breath and keep the pages turning. Quite a wonderful read.
Rating:
Summary: Fiery and intense
Review: Julia/Jewel had a fighting spirit, she was fiery, determined, brave, kind, smart, funny and forgiving, all the traits of an endearing heroine, she was indeed. She spiced up every scene with her presence. Sebastian was cold and cynical, but hidden behind the icy mask was a man hungry for love and afraid to be hurt by loving anyone. Despite the harsh and unforgiving condition of living on the street, Jewel cherished herself, was brave, kind and compassionate. Despite having everything he could possibly have in life, Sebastian was lonely and deprived of love. I enjoyed reading how Jewel struggled to be Julia, a lady, how she refused to be defeated, how shame and pride made her determined and brave. It provided the most funny and admirable moments and I found myself applauding her spirit and triumphs. There were sparks whenever Sebastian and Julia were together, the fiery exchanges, the battling of wits, control and passion. Sometime I found Sebastian to be too harsh and cruel to Julia, in turn being harsh to himself. The book had very good character development, but I wish for a little more insights to the anguish felt by Sebastian when he forced himself to hurt the person he loved. Sebastian was almost too cold and unfeeling at some scenes to be likeable at all. Despite all the ill treatment from Sebastian, Julia was determined to fight for her love, to break his icy control and reach behind his mask. She was touchingly forgiving and loved so completely. So I was particularly satisfied to read about Sebastian's anguish when he feared that he might lose Julia forever. That certainly brought up the depth of his feelings toward Julia, his desperate need to have someone who love him totally, and hardened his resolve to treasured her for the rest of his life. Though I think Sebastian deserved to suffer a bit for the way he treated Julia earlier, there is something very tender about a man losing control over love. Well, I won't say that the book was romantic. But it tugged your heart and carried you along with the tide of emotions of the characters. The plot held enough twists and surprisings that you would hold your breath and keep the pages turning. Quite a wonderful read.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: My granddaughter would say"this is a wonderful Cinderella story." There isn't enough of these in our lives. My husband agrees. A Must read.
Rating:
Summary: Passionate Love Story
Review: This is a beautiful novel. It is about a street waif named Jewel, who gets mixed up into some kind of scheme concocted by a rich dying man to make trouble for his wealthy family. She meets Sebastian, the wealthy relative, and he decides to turn her into a lady to spite his evil mother. Over the course of their relationship, in which Sebastian trys to turn Julia (her new name) into a lady (reminisant of My Fair Lady), he falls in love with the stunning beauty she becomes. There are many entertaining plots that occur throughout, just as there are heartwrenching ones. I throughly enjoyed this book. The characters and plots are extremely well written, Ms. Robards has outdone herself with this one. If you love passionate love stories that will make you laugh and cry, then this one is for you!
Rating:
Summary: One of Robards best works................
Review: This is a great book. I can't think of enough great things to say about it. If you like romance novels you will not be disappointed. I especailly like the fact that Jewel- later Julia- is able to move up the ladder and become an upstanding member of society. This is a definate keeper and one I will read and reread again.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Romantic, Surprising!
Review: This is a terrific book by Karen Robards. I've read some of her others, but I must say that this and the Dark of the Moon are the best books by her. This story is very romantic and the ending will leave you in suspense! This book will not disappoint!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful love story.
Review: This is my first Karen Robards book, but it won't be my last. Sebastian was a great hero. He was strict (not abusive) but caring. Julia was innocent yet mature, not the "smart and witty heroine because she does what she pleases and doesn't care about anyone else, so therefore she is strong." I truly loved this book. The only problem I had with this book is that it seemed to have finished too quick.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful love story.
Review: This is my first Karen Robards book, but it won't be my last. Sebastian was a great hero. He was strict (not abusive) but caring. Julia was innocent yet mature, not the "smart and witty heroine because she does what she pleases and doesn't care about anyone else, so therefore she is strong." I truly loved this book. The only problem I had with this book is that it seemed to have finished too quick.
|
