Guarding a Notorious Lady

by Olivia Parker

[Amanda]

I was sad when Guarding a Notorious Lady ended. Not because I was so enthralled I rushed to the ending only to be crushed with disappointment when the story ended. More because I never connected with the characters enough that their story didn't feel over. I wanted more emotional connection.

A notorious (heh, I think I'm clever) piece of writing advice is to show, not tell. The dangerous part of that advice is that description can become mechanical. Insert peg A into slot B. I wanted more of a look into the characters' thought process so their actions had context and deeper meaning.

As it was, it seemed like the majority of the book was Nicholas in charge of "guarding" Rosalind, who had secretly loved Nicholas, who had secretly wanted Rosalind for years. Yeah. Every time they were alone, the two ended up kissing. Or heavy petting. Or more. Like it was impossible not to do so. But in a way that was often confusing, because Nicholas was supposed to be staying away, but then he'd kiss her, then go away. And... I kinda just wanted to shake those two.

The guardian idea seemed ridiculous until it became necessary, but it was all very convenient and resolved quickly. I just wanted... more. Deeper. Emotions!