From the get-go, let me state that I did enjoy this book- the characters were engaging,the action was brisk and the plot was light as a feather. That being said, if you are a historical romance/Regency purist, this book will likely set your teeth on edge as characters engage in anachronistic dialogue, wear unlikely clothes and generally break any sort of rules,societal or literary placed on the usual book of the genre. In fact, the sense of time is much more "generic nineteenth century"- skewing to the later period- than it is a Regency,despite the cover image.I am not sure if this is the author's first work or not, but some definite "rookie" errors show up in some places- errors that could have been fixed if the book had been edited properly. The main character is supposed to be unusually tall for a woman of the time, yet descriptions of her height compared to the hero have her growing larger and smaller like Alice- (the Wonderland Alice). One minute, they are "nearly eye to eye," the next she has shrunk in size beside him- and how has "little delicate hands". This not only was confusing, but led to some odd visualizations of the main character that took me out of the story.
The author also has issues with vocabulary- there were a number of point where an incorrect word was used. In one instance a person's appearance was described as "reticent" of his dead father.Now,as far as I know,someone's appearance can not be "reticent" of a deceased parent, but rather should be "reminiscent" of the dearly departed. The person may, however, certainly be reticent to speak of such a loss if the departed was not so dear. Malapropisms such as this appeared sprinkled throughout and undermined the author's attempts to establish setting and tone successfully. Again, I think this is an issue an editor would/should have caught.
Despite the issues- which in other books would have caused me to throw the offending volume at the wall very hard- I genuinely liked the characters and enjoyed the machinations of the author as she worked to bring the characters together.If you do not ask for too much sense or reality from your pleasure reading, this book may serve well to while away the time.
The author also has issues with vocabulary- there were a number of point where an incorrect word was used. In one instance a person's appearance was described as "reticent" of his dead father.Now,as far as I know,someone's appearance can not be "reticent" of a deceased parent, but rather should be "reminiscent" of the dearly departed. The person may, however, certainly be reticent to speak of such a loss if the departed was not so dear. Malapropisms such as this appeared sprinkled throughout and undermined the author's attempts to establish setting and tone successfully. Again, I think this is an issue an editor would/should have caught.
Despite the issues- which in other books would have caused me to throw the offending volume at the wall very hard- I genuinely liked the characters and enjoyed the machinations of the author as she worked to bring the characters together.If you do not ask for too much sense or reality from your pleasure reading, this book may serve well to while away the time.
I read mainly contemporary and mystery books. But I have read a few of this era in the past. The blurb on Dark Whispers intrigued me; I read it and totally enjoyed it, and immediately started looking for more books by Garver. Unfortunately I only found one other title by her..."One Night To Be Sinful".
It was just as good as the first one.
If anyone knows of any other books or names that she might use let me know please.
It was just as good as the first one.
If anyone knows of any other books or names that she might use let me know please.
An unconventional story and pair of romantic leads for a regency, but its a fun story.
