Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book was two different stories by separate authors, but I was surprised that this is actually one story written by both. I had my doubts about this technique producing a decent story, but it turned out to be so much more! In anthologies, usually one writer outshines the rest; however, both contributions from both writers were equally entertaining and engrossing. I'm frequently frustrated with switches between the past and present day, but Donovan and Bradley made it work. I was eager for both parts. Bradley wrote some pretty steamy stuff here--I loved it! And Donovan was funny and romantic. The blending of both stories at the end was well done! I highly recommend it with 4.5 stars!
Helpful Score: 2
Story: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Since this book was described as both historical and contemporary, I did not add it to my Wish List. I was afraid I would not enjoy the contemporary parts of it. Although I am a Celeste Bradley fan, I don't believe I have previously read anything by Ms. Donovan. However, this book was offered to me by a PBS Friend and I decided to give it a try.
Wow, I am SO glad I did--I truly enjoyed it. From the very beginning, the two authors did a great job of stitching the two stories together. The biggest surprise was how incredibly steamy (even graphic) Ms. Bradley's writing was--almost from the outset. Of course, the historical character was writing about her insistence on independence and exploration of her sexuality, so this made a certain amount of sense.
Sometimes romance stories start strong and falter a bit in the middle. Not this one. In fact, I would say the story just got stronger and stronger with each chapter. Toward the very end, I actually had tears in my eyes at the words and actions of our TWO heroes. Ahhhh...a very satisfying read that I hope you will enjoy also.
Romance: 5 stars
Since this book was described as both historical and contemporary, I did not add it to my Wish List. I was afraid I would not enjoy the contemporary parts of it. Although I am a Celeste Bradley fan, I don't believe I have previously read anything by Ms. Donovan. However, this book was offered to me by a PBS Friend and I decided to give it a try.
Wow, I am SO glad I did--I truly enjoyed it. From the very beginning, the two authors did a great job of stitching the two stories together. The biggest surprise was how incredibly steamy (even graphic) Ms. Bradley's writing was--almost from the outset. Of course, the historical character was writing about her insistence on independence and exploration of her sexuality, so this made a certain amount of sense.
Sometimes romance stories start strong and falter a bit in the middle. Not this one. In fact, I would say the story just got stronger and stronger with each chapter. Toward the very end, I actually had tears in my eyes at the words and actions of our TWO heroes. Ahhhh...a very satisfying read that I hope you will enjoy also.
Helpful Score: 2
I didn't know how I would like this book. A tale of two women told concurrently: One set in the Regency and the other at the present time. And I usually dont like tales such as these and I can give or take a contemporary romance. So, I began reading with a bit of trepidation. I am so glad I was proven wrong, but I will admit I did enjoy The Blackbird and Sirs story the best and if it wasnt for that, this book would have been mediocre. The chapters skip back and forth between the time periods but that does not distract from the storytelling.
Piper works for a museum as a historical curator and when she stumbles upon a set of journals and starts reading them, the words literally turn her world upside down.
An arranged marriage, a transaction, has Ophelia determined to be her own woman.
This novel is a breathtaking discovery of freedom in its many forms by two women from different centuries. It will have your emotions in a tailspin.
Piper works for a museum as a historical curator and when she stumbles upon a set of journals and starts reading them, the words literally turn her world upside down.
An arranged marriage, a transaction, has Ophelia determined to be her own woman.
This novel is a breathtaking discovery of freedom in its many forms by two women from different centuries. It will have your emotions in a tailspin.
Finished book in one day. Two stories, present day and historic, are woven together in one fantastic read! I must say the relationship between Sir and Ophelia was amazing and her training sessions were deliciously naughty. Absolutely adored this book ~ it's going straight to my keeper shelf.
