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TJSunshine
Posted March 6, 2012
OK, 4.5/5.0, but it's teetering just the same!
Explanations are not really necessary with this book, adjectives are.... Rich, luscious, heart-breaking, hear-warming, addictive, sigh-worthy, intelligent, the list could go on and on with nary a hesitation. But, since most expect an actual review and not just emotional word-praise, here goes:
When her guardian dies, Jane Despard is faced with marrying the Earl of Salt Hendon ("Salt," as he is known) or her beloved step-brother will be faced with selling everything his family has worked for. Now, that sounds like your average historical romance set up, doesn't it? Don't. Be . Fooled! Ms. Brant has tweeked this story with so many unsuspected caveats and graced it with so much emotional angst (I know, the adjectives again) that the story becomes completely unique. From Salt's despicable opinion of Jane to the past that defines and dooms her future, this story grabs you, wrenches the emotions right out and leaves you teary one moment, determined the next and always, yes always, turning those pages!
The only hiccup (and it's a small one) might be in the rather melodramatic climax. It stretched out a little long in the believability factor, ( they're STILL not getting it?!?! ) That's it. This is one of the best indie books I've read in a while and Ms. Brand is most assuredly one of the brightest stars on that ever growing horizon.
18 out of 19 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Review by Shannon: Jane Despard hates that she is dictated by her Uncle's will to marry in order to save her step-brother's inheritance. For the past four years, she lived under the strict rules of her uncle in order to have some semblance of a life after everything fell apart. What she didn't expect was a deathbed promise her father had made forcing her into a union with the last person she would ever expect. The man who tossed her aside when he promised her forever.
Magnus Sinclair, Earl of Salt Hendon (and many other titles) is not happy about this union either. Four years ago, he thought himself in love with the lovely Jane Despard, but was crushed when she broke her promise to him. Now, because of deathbed blackmail, he was going to be stuck with the last and only woman he's ever wanted.
Jane and Salt are wonderfully complex characters. Both of them have been terribly hurt by past events, but you can tell instantly how much they still feel for each other. Jane deciding to make the best out of a bad situation, but is also determined to stand her ground and speak her mind...two things that seem to shock Salt. For his part, Salt, determined to still hold that grudge against Jane, finds himself needing Jane, to talk to her, to just be with her.
The cast of secondary characters are wonderful and the villain of this story, Salt's cousin Diana St. John, is exceptional in just how evil she is.
This was a surprisingly great read, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
12 out of 15 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 6, 2012
Was one of the best free books I have read in a long time. The story was engaging, the characters well developed and kept me enthralled through the entire book. I will purchase her other stories for sure. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys historical romaces. A+
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MJB96
Posted May 25, 2012
This is the first time to review a book. It is not strictly speaking a review so much as just my impressions. I was caught up in the story line right away and it kept me held in thrall all the way to the end. Their past kept them apart. Neither could trust the other, blaming each other for the ending of their betrothal in such a scandalous way. Then,four years later, they are manipulated by family into a marriage that neither wants. You don't know me but if you will trust me just once and read this book I think you can't help but enjoy it. Did I say it is FREE!
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 26, 2012
I have not enjoyed a book as much as this one in a long while. It is over 700 pages and worth the time!
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, the writing style was very unusual and enjoyable
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 7, 2012
This book was very, very good! It didn't take long to be completely caught up in the mystery and the romance. Lots of twists and turns in this historical mystery/romance. Very well written!! And a plus at 700+ pages!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Liz66BW
Posted May 31, 2012
I love regency/historical books but had never read anything by this author so I wasn't sure whether I would like it. Am I ever glad I bought it!! This book is an excellent read and I look forward to more books from Lucinda Brant.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 27, 2012
This story was so heartbreaking. I've read many stories similar to this one. Each story was hard to read. This one I think far out weighs the other stories.
Jane on her 18th birthday falls head over heals with Magnus. Magnus sees no other but her. They find love in the summer house. Jane accepts his proposal of marriage and longs for Magnus to come back to her.
Magnus leaves with a promise of returning to Jane. He heads back to London to care for a dying friend.
During the time spent apart, Jane recieves a note that the marriege is off. Then she ends up shunned by her father and family. Jane is then taken away and forced to drink a brew that makes her abort her baby.
Meanwhile Magnus doesn't understand why Jane would break off the engagement. Rightly so because of his love for her. 4 years later Magnus and Jane marry. Magnus declares what will be and so forth in an attempt to get back at Jane. Jane agrees to Marry Magnus foe two reasons: she still loves him, and two: she has to marry anyone to see the one she calls brother's future.
During all this time, the woman that made Jane abort the baby is in love with Magnus and will do anything she can to make herself the most important in Magnus's life. Even at the expense of her children.
Finally in the end, the truth is out. Magnus feels so much guilt towards Jane. The woman who carried out the deed towards Jane is dealth with. With Jane's love and support, Magnus is the better man.
Good story and will forever live in my nook.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 16, 2012
Excelent book, kept me on my toes throughout this entire book, great ending
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 15, 2012
Every character is richly appointed and clearly defined. The story line delivers a very emotional journey with the earl and his bride.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 27, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book, although at times it became a little too descriptive and i found myself skipping entire paragraphs to get back to the actual story. The plot was intriguing although a little unbelievable that the characters could not put the seemingly simple puzzle together. It was very simply but elegantly written, and for a free historical romance i was left very impressed. I only wish her other books were free.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 17, 2012
Very enjoyable and well written. It's great to read a romance/love story where I don't have flip past pages of raw sex scenes.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 8, 2012
I read this book straight through! 9+ hours and no sleep. It was worth loosing the sleep. Only complaint- the end dragged!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 3, 2012
Great book could not put it down.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 27, 2012
Not my usual read. Enjoyed in non the less. This is a great book for all those fellow romance readers
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2012
i read this bookin one setting and what a believable story. the characters the plot the story telling are all quite believable. i thought initally it was boring but the more i read the more i got into it. this has it all romance , humor,the worst villian, and the most sensual lovers. i will invest in reading the next installment. the only thing missing was a vamp or were and this story held up without any. highly recommend to all period romance lovers
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 15, 2013
I Also Recommend:
I was not able to put this book down! Incredible writing and very gripping in the characters! I usually don't read previews and I'm sorry I did because now I cannot wait for Salr Redux toBrant. come out! Glad I discovered Lucinda
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 12, 2012
Child abuse, forced abortions: very unsetteling, i read the whole book but had to step away from it...ALOT
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 6, 2012
Great story, detailed
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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