This weekend, I read two romances, both set in the Regency. One I liked, one I didn't.
The book I didn't like was written by a very popular author, whose books I adore. This author creates strong heroines taking unconventional paths that, in some respects, defy society's norms.
Not in this one. The heroine was indeed strong, but the unconventional path she was forced to take, not one she chose, plays into the current trend of sex, sex, and more sex. Boring.
I also disliked the hero. A rich, powerful, handsome nobleman, at almost thirty, he's still devastated by the untimely deaths of his parents and brother when he was a child. The author expects me to feel sorry for him. While his loss is sad, he has more than his share of life's good things as compensation. Deal with it, man, and do something useful. No sympathy here.
The book I liked is Phantom, a Regency paranormal, by Lindsay Randall. I don't generall
y like Regency paranormals. Usually, there's too much paranormal and not enough Regency. Not Phantom. Regency blends seamlessly with paranormal in a gripping, fast-paced action tale of a man doomed to house a demon from midnight to dawn and the love of his life who helps set him free.The heroine, Robyn, is a woman who fights against being forced into a betrothal to an evil man. The hero, Dax, is exactly the kind of hero I like--a man who's suffered a great deal for crimes not his own, and his struggle against the injustice has made him a better man. This story, written in Ms. Randall's lyrical and highly descriptive prose is a joy to read. I'm glad I found it.
The first book is on the best-seller lists. Sadly, I see no other books by Ms. Randall listed in Borders and Barnes and Noble. I hope such a wonderful author, and one I've just discovered, doesn't fade away.
Thank you all,
Linda
