The Forbidden Rose

Another fabulous book by Joanna Bourne!

As good as Spymaster's Lady, which is saying something! A wonderful, absorbing, beautifully written book with smart, interesting characters caught up in the aftermath of the French Revolution--and caught up in a soulful, emotionally satisfying romance. Fascinating in its historical detail, superbly plotted, and often very funny, this is terrific historical fiction!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

lackluster characters and plot

In the beginning I loved the descriptive prose used by Ms. Bourne, but that didn't last very long, as I soon found it tiresome. The characters talked a lot without really saying nor accomplishing anything. I just couldn't get into the book, because the storyline seemed to ramble on. It was a real struggle for me to finish, because I was bored with most of the characters and the plot lines.

I like an intelligent, passionate heroine, they don't have to be perfect, but they must feel intense emotions for their causes. Marguerite was not such an heroine, she came across as foolish, she was supposed to be a great smuggler and treasonist. I didn't feel that she even cared for those she was helping, she seemed to hold most of them in a condescending contempt. I felt that she had NO passion for her cause. I wished that she exhibited more fervor for what she was involved in, she was very lackluster.

At least with William I knew exactly where he stood. He was a spy first, a man second, though Maggie seemed to make him forget that. But he was passionate about his job, he was well-informed, and worked at being the best. For that I respected his character.

My favorite character was Adrien Hawking. He by far had the best personality, and I could feel his emotions and expansions as a character, watching him grow into his part. If I ever do read another Joanna Bourne story, I really hope she paired him with a strong, intelligent, independent woman, because she will have to be able to stand up to his strong personality.

A Romantic Scarlet Pimpernel

Once again Ms Bourne has written a novel that you do not want to have end. Returning to the time of the French Revolution, the reader will be transported to the sights, smells, danger and horror of the Revolution.

Marguerite has been maintaining a balancing act as the head of a group who help to sumggle aristocrats out of France while keeping her own head as she is the daughter of an aristocrat herself. Doyle is the consummate British spy, confident, clever and very very dangerous. He is in France to find Marguerite's father who has created a list of people who are systematically being killed by the Republic. "Maggie" uses Doyle as a means to get to Paris after her home is burnt out. Along the way their relationship blooms, yet the future remains very uncertain.

Ms Bourne describes everything so perfectly that you smell the fear and yet understand the need for people to continue to visit cafes and shops. Maggie does not wilt under all the pressure and acknowledges what she feels for Doyle but does not let it overwhelm her. She is matter-of-fact about what needs to be done and how to accomplish it. Doyle does the same, and yet you know that the "greater good" is still first and foremost his objective.

This is actually a prequel to The Spymaster's Lady which is also a fantastic book. I certainly recommend both of these books very highly.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Beautiful romantic book Once Again!

This is such a great romance book. Everyone of Ms. Bourne's books have been marvelous and unique and this highly anticipated book is another classic. I love William Boyle, the hero in this book. He is kind, smart, gentle and a gentleman. Margarite/Maggie is another great female character created by this author. Not a wimp, and not over done. She simply knows right from wrong and is direct. In a world that was turned upside down during this time in France and England, she and William join forces and are smart enough to know what is happening between them, while they go about their missions. I hope you decide to read this book.

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