Reviewed by Cocktails and Books on
The author was truly well-intentioned when writing this very long book. However, it felt like she was writing at least 3 different books and trying to combine all of them. I think I was confused and remained confused from the beginning to the end of the novel.
The characters were lackluster, boring, and had absolutely no chemistry. I think what frustrated me the most about the characters is that I never felt like I had a chance to get to “know” them. The hero “Thomas Hope” was billed as a staid banker and conversely also a rogue/spy. He was also a supporter to ne’er do well brothers and apparently a consummate lover. It was just never believable for me. Sophia Blaise was the heroine. Her family was destitute with their only hope being her marriage to an eligible bachelor, preferably a Lord. Sophia’s character started out being very interesting. I think the overdramatic plot and writing style of the author just killed all of her fire. By the time I made it to the end of the novel I couldn’t have cared less whether she and Thomas were together. I just wanted it to be over.
The plot was full of twists and turns. I really tried to follow all of them. However, it just made no sense. The plot surrounded a very expensive jewel that was stolen---to their surprise. It made no sense because why would someone allow the jewel to be paraded around without being guarded at all times. When the jewel is stolen the lady wearing the jewel is kidnapped at least twice and shot once. So I kept wondering how many more things are going to happen to this one character. The author alternatively used the names Thomas and Hope throughout the novel. I had to go back several times just to be sure that she was talking about the same person. His supposed sidekick that dragged him back into the adventure climbed in windows and had a pronounced limp. I kept trying to imagine someone with a weakened leg trying to climb into windows on the second floor and dropping down onto the ground to leave. That never quite clicked for me. There were just too many twists and turns that led to nowhere combined with the nonsensical actions of the characters---I just lost interest in the story.
If the author would take more time to develop the characters and plot that this could actually make a great series. She is very talented. I think she tried to do too much with one book, and it just didn’t work for me.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
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- 15 November, 2014: Reviewed