Reviewed by Kim Deister on
In reality, we have not one, but two, swoon-worthy Book Boyfriends in this book. Lucas, whom we met in the first novel, hopes to become Cat's modern-day Lorenzo and he is all that one could want in a romantic hero. And then there is Austin, the epitome of the bad boy, but one with a lot more depth than most would give him credit for. He has been hurt and it has damaged him. In a lot of ways, this novel isn't just the story of Alessandra, but Austin's and Cat's as well.
Less is thoroughly endearing and a lot more complex than we knew from the first book. She has spent her entire life behaving as she was expected to, with little thought to her own dreams. In her heart, she was a bit of a rebel in the 16th century and frustrated with that. Her journey was about letting go and being strong, recognizing her own dreams and wishes and accepting that it is okay to pursue them. That is a pretty universal journey, and one I related to as a reader. I think that is the underlying thing about this series that draws me in... the universal themes and struggles that we all experience in some form or another in our own lives. These characters are rather deep, something that I really love. Less' inner dialogue as she grows from the shy and prim Renaissance girl to the confident girl she becomes is often very wise.
I am not generally a "sweet romance" or "time travel" kind of girl, but these books are so engaging that is impossible for me not to love them. The romance is there, sure, but the story itself is so engaging and the humor is hilarious. One of my favorite book lines of all time came from the first book, and this one was no less hilarious. As for the time travelling, it is done so well. Placing a 16th century girl in contemporary Hollywood is a culture shock, to say the least, and the results are often hysterical! She sees the world through 16th century eyes and that new perspective is fabulous for the reader.
Some Quotastic Goodness
On encountering a taxi for the first time...
--Determined not to give way to feelings of desertion, I stare at the door and wait for the coachman to come around and help me in. When he merely settles deeper into his seat and a footman fails to appear, I realize he expects me to get in by myself (Loc. 401).
On trying to pay for a taxi...
--I am certain that I do not have any bucks on my person as even one such animal would hardly fit in the carriage with us, but perhaps fate has left me with something (Loc. 435).
On discovering indoor plumbing...
--Truly, out of all the modern inventions I have encountered thus far and wish I could bring back with me, the glass box shower is my favorite— even better than the marvelous toilet (Loc. 669).
On public displays of affection...
--Several couples openly engage in scandalous embraces, and exposed skin is everywhere (Loc. 694).
On discovering the "bikini"...
--I cautiously take down a pink bikini and hold it against me. Fear and an intense loathing for the man who created this form of clothing churn in my stomach (Loc. 1782).
A little bit of swoon...
My first kiss is not the slow, sweet build-up I witnessed between Cat and Lorenzo. This is aggressive. This is passionate (Loc. 2444).
Some wisdom...
--I am not without fear, but courage is taking action despite the fear. Knowing what you want, what you are meant to do, and proceeding despite any knots in your stomach or rocks stuck in your throat. It is walking boldly into the unknown with your chin held high… even if it quivers (Loc. 3725.
--True happiness is something we create ourselves with our own choices: whom we want to be with, whom we let into our worlds, and how we choose to spend what little time we are given in this world (Loc. 3916).
My Recommendation: This is a fabulous read! The deep moments will pull you in and the humor will keep you there!
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 15 April, 2014: Finished reading
- 15 April, 2014: Reviewed