Lisa Shea

This book begins like a slow dance between the protagonist, Morgan, and a newcomer, Sean, who is a relative of her employer. There's an awful lot of sword practice, but just wait... The romantic tension builds to a tango through the first nine chapters. And then in Chapter 10, there's an explosion that resounds through the rest of the book. I also enjoyed Chapter 7 which had an interesting homey quality (a visit to parents). There's a delightful bar scene in Chapter 21 in which Morgan chats show more up some fellows to get information...and in the same chapter a real "eww!" moment that's like a final echo of the explosion back in Chapter 10, and should make you despise the villain even more than you already do.

One of the things that tickled me structurally about the book is that many (or most) chapters end in a place of repose--turning in for the night, or lying down but being unable to sleep, or similar situation of rest. I actually love this technique because it produces a comfortable rhythm for me. I can read a chapter or two or three at night, when I do most of my pleasure reading, and then when I'm tired, I can lie down with the characters safely tucked away; as I do the same, I can reflect on their day, and wonder what the new day will bring for them. This is a reflection of life.

I don't read many romances, but my hunch is this is not your typical formula romance. For starters, Morgan is well able to handle a sword--she works as a bodyguard to a wealthy patron. She's flirtatious and straight-talking and hard-drinking. Oh, and she cleans up well when required, of course. ;-) Evocation of the medieval milieu is very well done and the emotions run high throughout.

When an author makes me really cry, the book gets 5 stars. That's just the way it is. This one did that, exactly in the best possible spot, with a marvelous twist. Brava!

[Paid full price for this book, EPUB via Smashwords.] show less

This was a fun book to read, thoroughly engrossing. There is plenty of sword-play in addition to romance. Strong, smart, honorable swordswomen seem to be a staple of Ms Shea's work. But it's not a non-stop action book, either. The medieval setting feels rather pastoral, slower than modern life -- not "edge of the seat" thrills. But I'm one who enjoys and seeks out this type of reading.

The story revolves around Elizabeth, a sturdy girl with a cruel father, engaged to Corwin. These are the two show more complete assholes who pretty much control her life. She runs away on a visit to a nunnery, meets Richard along the way... And that's the beginning of a somewhat awkward triangle. She spends time mentoring an apprentice, and so forth, until Corwin shows up again. By the time I got to about Chapter 19, I was hoping she would gut Corwin with extreme prejudice, and then poison her father. Of course she's far too honorable for something like that, but you get the idea. In Chapter 21 I had a few moments of tearful pleasure at a particularly smart twist of love. And I always like that.

I highly recommend this book. It's the second of Shea's medieval romances that I've read, and the rest of them will soon find their way onto my TBR list. In fact, as soon as I finished reading this one, while writing this review, I went and bought four more of her books on Smashwords, so I can have them handy. show less

Dr. Doom emerges as the moral center of the Marvel Universe, uniting the villains from Villainville with the Squaddies to defeat jelly-obsessed aliens. The best thing about this book is my daughter now talks about "The 'Vengers," which is super adorable.

If you are looking for a sweet, comforting read with a happily ever after, this is for you, especially if you like historical fiction. Sometimes strong female characters in books lose their femininity, as if there is something impossible about being strong and a woman at the same time, but Kay is tough as well as hopeful and feminine. I really liked the relationship she had with her sister, and the fun moments as well as the more serious ones. Very entertaining and highly recommended.