Pearl's World of Romance - Reviews with a Passion: Shana Galen

Showing posts with label Shana Galen. Show all posts

July 6, 2007

Pride and Petticoats - Shana Galen

5:41 PM |

Dear Friend,

You were right: desperation is a dangerous state of mind. It was desperation that drove me to London to salvage my family's reputation and finances in the first place. And it is desperation -- and perhaps a little desire -- that has gotten me into the situation I find myself in now.

You see, I've become ensnared in the investigation of a traitor by Lord Dewhurst -- the most insufferable, sinfully handsome man I've ever met. I know it is shocking, but in order to catch this spy and clear my name, I've no choice but to play the agent's bride. Now I'm desperate again to avoid his seductive words and searing looks. I pray that I can resist him, but I can make no promises. Oh, my dear friend, I know he and I are merely pretending to be wed, but the blush he can send all the way to my petticoats feels far too real!

Yours truly,
Charlotte

After reading about Freddie in “When Dashing met Danger” I was really wondering what twist Shana Galen was going to give his story. I sensed there was more to him than met the eye and turns out there certainly was.

Posing as a dandy with a funny sense for fashion with nothing on his mind but what to wear the next day, Freddie actually is not such a dandy but a cunning spy. And in this role he meets Charlotte, a smart and strong-willed American girl with a deep repulsion for everything English but also with the one thing Freddie has a weakness for: red hair.
They are forced into a scam marriage by circumstances and have to make the best of it.
Their interactions are sparkling and witty. They both give as good as they get and in the meanwhile grow to appreciate each other.

I really had a lot of fun reading this book. It was hilariously witty and I had several laugh-out-loud moments. The scene where Freddie and Charlotte have dinner together for the first time was incredibly funny. I kept seeing Charlotte poking at her food…But underneath all the fun I also enjoyed the growing love and feelings between Freddie and Charlotte and how they both tried to fight it but ultimately caved in.
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Alex and Lucia. They made nice secondary characters together with Freddie’s mother and Charlotte’s servant Addy.

If I compare these two connected books I must say I liked “When Dashing met Danger” better. I cannot pinpoint as to exactly why but that book had me going through more emotions than this one. But nevertheless I really enjoyed reading “Pride and Petticoats” because I love books that make me laugh.
Now I’ll be moving on to the Misadventures in Matrimony-series and I’m looking forward to it.

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Labels: Connected Series, HarperCollins Publishers, Historical Romance, okay reads, reviews, Shana Galen | 0 comments |

May 16, 2007

When Dashing Met Danger - Shana Galen

8:32 PM |

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I read this book in March 2007

Alex Scarston: Earl of Selbourne. Rake. Spy. With his efforts for England in the war against the French suspended, family obligations compel him to investigate the disappearance of Viscount Brigham's son. When the viscount's daughter becomes involved as well, Alex finds himself entangled in a venture that risks both heart and soul.

It's not that Lucia Dashing, youngest daughter of Lord Brigham, wants Alex to go away. She just wishes he weren't always so close – perhaps a few rooms, or streets, or continents between them would bank the heat of her attraction. But when her brother disappears and every clue indicates his safe recovery essential to the very sovereignty of England, she's no choice but to engage the earl in a battle risking her brother, her country, and her love.

I really liked this book. It took me a while to finish it but this had nothing to do with the book itself, it was due to lack of time to read.
After reading lots of paranormal/vampires in a row I really needed a good regency and I got that with this one.
It was original and unique.

The characters were well-developed and accessible .
Lucia is a heroin who actually touched my heart. She tries so hard to gain her family’s approval, especially her father’s and I was glad to see that she achieves in doing that without changing who she is.
She is feisty and spontaneous, to the point she sometimes gets carried away in her enthusiasm but it’s so endearing that I didn’t find it annoying.
Alex is the perfect rake who doesn’t know what hits him when he finds true and genuine love. I really loved reading how he was falling for Lucia but still was in so much denial. All the signs were there but he refused to acknowledge them and when he finally did, he did it well.

The plot is fast-paced and well written. The side characters are a great addition to the whole story, especially Freddy and Lucia’s mother with her obsession for everything Italian.
The love and sensuality between Lucia and Alex just comes of the pages en you can almost feel it developing and growing.
Again a book that stirred many emotions inside me and that’s always a good sign!

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