by Kerrelyn Sparks
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services
Synopsis
Between searching for the missing Munro sisters and South Carolina being all but lost to the British, Captain Matthais Thomas has more important things to worry about than finding a bride. But his mother has other ideas. When Matthais finds a beautiful woman in his bed who claims to be his betrothed, he is suspicious of her identity…and determined to discover the truth.
Caroline Munro had few options. The British burned down her home, and now, traveling with her very pregnant sister, Caroline is pretending to be someone she’s not so they can have a safe place to rest. But she didn’t count on a matchmaking matron or her rogue of a son…and certainly never dreamed she would fall in love with a spy.
My Review:
So, if you read my earlier review, you'd know I loved this book. It's a fun, fast read that keeps you turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning - it's definitely a "just one more chapter!" kind of book.
This story is the second in the series - the first, The Forbidden Lady, is this review's giveaway! Be sure to enter below!
Less Than a Gentleman starts out fast, and continues that way throughout the novel. There's action - a lot of it - because the hero, Matthias, is fighting the Brits from the bogs of South Carolina. Sparks doesn't linger on the bloody scenes, but each time there is death (and there's a lot of it, much more than a typical romance novel), we're reminded how brutal a time it was. Rather than detract from the romance, these reminders actually helped me to believe these two characters could fall in love as quickly as they did - time was short and it was important.
This story is the second in the series - the first, The Forbidden Lady, is this review's giveaway! Be sure to enter below!
Less Than a Gentleman starts out fast, and continues that way throughout the novel. There's action - a lot of it - because the hero, Matthias, is fighting the Brits from the bogs of South Carolina. Sparks doesn't linger on the bloody scenes, but each time there is death (and there's a lot of it, much more than a typical romance novel), we're reminded how brutal a time it was. Rather than detract from the romance, these reminders actually helped me to believe these two characters could fall in love as quickly as they did - time was short and it was important.
Matthias is a complex hero, whose sense of honor is only trumped by the need to protect those he loves (including his mother - his relationship with her is one of the best mother-son ones I've ever come across in a novel). He's respectful, he's funny, and he's realistic.
Caroline is also one of the best heroines I've come across in historical fiction. She's someone I'd want as a friend - determined, loyal, and fiercely protective of the ones she loves. She has extreme guilt about lying to the lady of the house (Jame Thomas, Matthias's mother), and you can really feel it. But, you also understand why she's lying; Caroline is traveling with her very pregnant sister, and her niece and nephew. Protecting them comes before the truth.
This was a well thought-out book. It was intriguing, smart, and exceptionally well-written. The characters stayed true to the time period without becoming overbearing; the descriptions of the British/Colonial interactions kept pace with the plot and didn't wander into overly-historical territory. It's clear that Sparks researched the time period and the war, yet knew enough to include only those details that would add to her story instead of overwhelm it.
The best thing about this book is that Sparks expected that I, the reader, am intelligent. She doesn't lower her expectations of her reader - she expects you to know the basic history of the war. This novel is a tribute to the type of men that lived and died for their country, and the women who dared to love them. Fantastic read - I strongly suggest it, especially if you've never read a Revolutionary War romance novel before.
PURCHASE LINKS
(Paperbacks available August 6, 2013)
About the Author
Kerrelyn Sparks is the New York Times bestselling author of a series that mimics its sexy heroes by refusing to die. Now up to book thirteen, the Love at Stake series spreads laughter worldwide in thirteen different languages. In spite of a tendency to nibble on necks or howl at the moon, Kerrelyn’s vampire and shapeshifter heroes are still wonderfully romantic.
Please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com where you can read excerpts, play vampire games, or join the forum. Kerrelyn loves hearing from readers, even those who howl at the moon. Letters may be sent to P.O. Box 5512, Katy, TX 77491-5512.>
Kerrelyn Sparks - Social Media Links
Tour-Wide Giveaway:
Paperback of The Forbidden Lady by Kerrelyn Sparks (the first book in the series)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2db1a76
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