Customer Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Comment: If not exactly a classic bodice ripper, pretty darn close, and in this age of very PC writing that at times borders on the bland, I must confess I just loved this book. No, it is not for everyone and has its share of flaws, but it's escapist reading and for me that's what makes for an entertaining novel. Why not five stars? I agree with one reviewer's point that the author doesn't give us enough "warm-fuzzy" time with the lead characters considering all the angst that they lived through. But I'm definitely going to read more by this author.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Book Description
Comment:
From Publisher:
"Lady Brienne Morrow returns to her father's mansion only to discover that he has gambled it away. Penniless and alone, she is ready to admit defeat and face the new owner, American Avenel Slane. A pawn in Avenel's hidden plans for revenge, Brienne is now being held against her will. Unaware of what fate awaits her, Brienne is certain of only one thing--her love for the American. And as fear melts into trust, she will risk her very heart and soul for this man."
Customer Rating:
Summary: Too much angst for me. I'm crying "uncle."
Comment: This author has such talent. I just wish I could read her without wanting to slit my wrists. The cruelty of her "heros" is unrelenting. Not until the final chapter does she allow me to enjoy a budding relationship between two people who might have a future together.
I won't low-score a writer with this much talent, particularly in a genre so starved for original plotlines and vivid characterizations. But I can't help agreeing with a previous reviewer who gave this book a "one," on this point: It's pathetic when a heroine is reduced to nothing but a puddle of lust and damp pantaloons whenever she is kissed by a man who has promised her nothing but cruelty and humiliation - and won't even explain why. If only there were moments of clarity on his part that even HINTED at self-awareness, I could indulge in an above-average bodice ripper. But from what I've read so far of Ms McKinney, her heros don't just rip bodices, they put the bodices through a wood chipper and gleefully rip the heroines' souls. Not a fun thing to participate in as a reader. I find myself feeling ashamed of myself. I think I'll pass from now on. Sorry.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Should Have Read The Reviews First
Comment: There are several reasons why I hated this story, but I will only discuss my top three.First, we have the typical hero with a tragic past who thinks it is perfectly fine to inflict misery on others because of it. He will imprison the heroine, touch her body at will ignoring her protests, using her as a pawn in his plans for revenge and the hell with who he hurts in the process.
Second, we have a heroine who is described as having a strong will but we rarely see it. Anytime she tries to stand up to the hero, she melts from his scorching kisses. I just hate authors who use this whole scenerio. It's kind of insulting to our sex. If a guy has taken you prisoner in his home, stolen a family heirloom from you, and informed you that he was going to get revenge on your father by making you his concubine, would your resistance against him disappear once he kissed you?
Last of all, I just did not see what deep feelings they had for each other at the end of the story. When I read a story by Lisa Kleypas, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Monk or Jo Beverly, I have no doubt in my mind that the hero and heroine genuinely love each other. When this story ended, I mostly felt sorry for the heroine. Whatever assertiveness she has will eventually be crushed by the hero.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Disappointing.
Comment: This is the first time I am writing about a book I didn't like.I just finished reading it and I did enjoy it until the moment Brienne gave into Avenel again after she knew he only seduced her to get even with her father. What a spineless woman! Where was her self respect? That she even spoke to Cumberland and Rose after was ridiculous, since they knew of his plans all along....PLEASE! I forced myself to finish the book and then pitched it.
