Book review : Vienna Wolfe by Mary Lancaster

Vienna Dawn
by Mary Lancaster
The Imperial Season book #4

My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

Very short story but very nice clean romance.

____ THE PLOT ___ 1814, Vienna.
Colonel Francis Wolfe, military hero and unexpectedly new Earl of Warenton after the recent death of his brother, is ready to do his duty and marry a woman, his equal, who would be the perfect Countess of Warenton to present to the world.
Too bad that the beautiful Sylvia Renleigh is also a cold and calculating girl that he would never want in his bed, in any case not after meeting the sweet, lively and spontaneous French refugee Elise.
Elise de Sancerre, like many French nobles, now finds herself in a situation of extreme poverty, tyrannized by Sylvia and her mother.
Thanks to a rescue from an injury and a masquerade ball, the flame of true love will prevail over every convention and hypocrisy of the aristocracy.
_________________

This is installment #4 in a series named "The Imperial Season".
I adored the first 3 books in the series ( all rated 5 stars by me ), all with a usual book length , all readable as standalone but all connected one to each other not only by the setting but also through the characters, so they're more enjoyable if you read them starting with book 1.

----> This is definitely a STANDALONE .

When I saw this one was only a short story, with the same setting ( 1814 Congress of Vienna ), but not linked to the others, I don't know why, but I felt so disappointed that I put it aside.
I also decided not to read it at all... until yesterday, when I needed something short to read, something not very demanding but which made me dream a little.
WELL, I LOVED IT !!
SO BAD IT'S TOO SHORT !! (That's why I consider it only 4.5 and not really 5 full stars )


____ THE HEROINE, Elise, 26 years old, is dreamy and spontaneous, just like many of us, when we imagine that the man of our dreams will finally come to take us away on his white horse.
She says what she thinks before even considering that perhaps it is not covered by the rules of etiquette and is so humble that she doesn't think for a moment that her dream could really come true.
... Do you know? It sometimes happens that the heroines of novels are too sweet, too beautiful and desired by everyone, too humble, too good, too this and too that... I LIKE ELISE, I find her pleasant in everything, and she deserves to be happy!

____ THE HERO, Francis is the soldier who never thought about marriage, he enjoyed the good life with women, he always held the military corps in high regard and less the civilian world, but he is a kind, intelligent and sometimes playful man.
Maybe now, at 38, he finally wants to settle down, but not out of calculation... he realizes that he wants a bond made of love.

___ KISSING AND ROMANTIC SCENES ___
This is a short story, so there isn't enough, but the two scenes (the central one and the final one) with kisses first stolen, then sweet, then passionate, their making love and the words he says to her, they are very beautiful and very sweet.

Dear Mrs. Lancaster, why didn't you write a book instead of a short story?
I loved it but it's too short!
Dear writer, you are one of my favourites, so I ask you:
Please, could you write a series with these two characters together, who, even if they are now married, have wonderful adventures (and perhaps investigations) in every book of the series?
A bit similar to Crime and Passion series, but without changing couples every time, focus on the love story of these two! I would be so happy !
... I know you won't read the review, I know you won't please me, but I tried anyway!

Thanks to all for reading my opinion and please forgive any errors you can find in my text, English is not my mother language.

READ ALSO "The Imperial Season" BOOK #1 - BOOK #2 - BOOK #3:
#1 Vienna Waltz
#2 Vienna Woods
#3 Vienna Dawn

Join me on FB Tizi Cozy Corner page to be always updated on new posts

Book review : Petteril's Thief by Mary Lancaster | Light Mystery for a Cozy Afternoon

Petteril's Thief
by Mary Lancaster
Lord Petteril Mysteries series book #1

GENRE: #CozyMystery #YoungAdult #HistoricalShortStory

My rating: ★★★☆☆

3 full stars, which bodes well for the next books in the series

This isn't a long length novel, it's a short story ( only 157 pages ). I knew, before I started reading, that the "novella" format is very often disappointing for me ( except those ones by Agatha Christie ), because it doesn't allow for much character development, but it's a good start for a light enjoyable series.

It took me a little while to get into the story, however in the second half of the story there has been an unexpected twist that finally took my attention.
Since this is book #1 in a series, I suppose all characters and events will get more interesting and captivating in the following short installments.

____ THE PLOT ____  
In the spring of 1812, Piers Withan is dragged from his beloved Oxford to be the new Viscount Petteril.
Burdened by responsibilities he doesn’t want and the remnants of a family who don’t want him, he is saved from an irredeemable mistake by Ape, the small thief burgling his house.

The former Viscountess Petteril, Piers' aunt and wife of the late Lord, is now looking for an important family heirloom, a gold necklace with rubies that has disappeared.
However, the necklace was not among Ape's stolen goods, so who was it?
Are the culprits other criminals or someone within the greedy and indebted family?

---->  clean language
---->  suitable for cozy mystery lovers and young adult mystery lovers

_____________________________

MY OPINION

____ ABOUT THE MYSTERY ____

the mystery is really light and not at all challenging, which is obvious in a short story, however there could have been a little suspense at least for two or three pages.
Usually this disappoints me, but the writer concentrated a pinch of suspense on another topic:
the private sphere of the characters and therefore I never thought of abandoning the book, I wanted to know the solution to "their problem"!

____ ABOUT THE CHARACTERS ____ 

I suspect Mary Lancaster was inspired by a classical mystery, none other than "These Old Shades" by Georgette Heyer, but while I didn't like that book, I've found the same topic here interesting, but I need to use a spoiler to better explain :

___ WARNING: SPOILER____

As in Heyer's book, a rich nobleman finds a boy living on the streets, takes him home and takes care of him by giving him a job on his staff.
In the course of the story the boy turns out to be a young woman, who, having lived for many years as someone of the male sex, no longer wants to go back to living with a feminine lifestyle, made up of clothes with petticoats and a bodice and behaviors more suited to the female sex (as well as different types of tasks within a staff of servants).
-----> While in Heyer's book I couldn't stand the girl, because she was in love and obsessed with her savior and I couldn't stand the fact that despite the huge age difference, they eventually became a couple, in Lancaster's book the girl feels grateful and attracted to her savior , but not in an obsessive and mean way towards the other characters.
Furthermore, the age difference here is acceptable, given that Petteril is also a young man and above all he is a lovable and kind-hearted guy.

___SPOILER END ____

As I have already said, the characters do not have much chance of being well developed in short stories, but Mrs. Lancaster, the author, managed to define each of them so well with just a few descriptive traits (of their way of being and thinking). This is what convinced me to continue with the story, also wanting to read the next books...
I have read several books by Mary Lancaster, I usually love her writing style and I know she will manage to develop the characters and their backgrounds, book by book, making them more and more interesting.

__ THE MAIN CHARACTER ____

Piers Withan, the knew LORD PETTERIL:
what I like about him is the fact that not being destined to inherit the title, he was able to follow his nature as a lover of books, dedicating himself to study and teaching.
However we discover that he is not just a bookworm, but having grown up with a brother and two older cousins, he has learned to defend himself both verbally and physically.

He is an intelligent and kind young man ( handsome too ) and relates to his new staff in a very friendly way, offering to help them with "a certain thing" in which humble people at that time were usually lacking (find out by reading the book!)

___ THE SECOND MAIN CHARACTER __ APE

, the young thief and street urchin:
despite having to look after himself from an early age, stealing under the directives of dangerous criminals, we immediately see his desire to have an honest life.
This character immediately won me over for his inner wisdom despite his young age and will be the character who will give you the most surprises in this first book and in the next one and perhaps even the ones after (yes, I have already peeked into the plots of the back covers !! )

___THE OTHER SIDE CHARACTERS __

some amiable and some unbearable, but I'll be happy to meet them all again in the next Petteril's adventures.
humor and ironic jokes !
What I usually like in cozy mysteries, where obviously the mystery is light and the suspense is minimal, is the humorous atmosphere that usually permeates the whole story: funny moments, ironic jokes every now and then... that playfulness , which makes the reader smile and laugh and keeps him glued to the book because he is having fun, even though there is no complicated puzzle and no love story.
So: no complicated mysteries, no love stories (but who knows in the future...), no humour.
This explains my miserable 3 star-rating.
I'm confident though, the series will improve.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my opinion. Please forgive my English, sionce it's not my native language.

Join me on FB Tizi Cozy Corner page

to be always updated on my latest reviews.

FOLLOW ME or SEND A FRIEND REQUEST ON GOODREADS

Book review : A Hussar's Promise by Griffin Brady | Epic Polish Hussar Romance! ⚔️💖

A Hussar's Promise
The Winged Warrior #2
by Griffin Brady

GENRE: #HistoricalAdventureRomance #EpicHistory #WingedHussars
📍 Setting: Kingdom of Poland | ⏳ Era: 1614 (17th Century)

My rating: ★★★★★

💖🏰⚔️😃 A wonderful read: 5 full stars so well deserved!

This is book 2 in The Winged Warrior series and just like the masterpiece first installment, it has been an absolutely wonderful, gripping, and breathless reading!

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT | THE FORTRESS ON THE BORDER

Kingdom of Poland, circa 1614. The story of this second book opens with Jacek Dąbrowski, now a hardened captain of the legendary Winged Hussars, who is currently guarding a remote fortress on the very edge of the Kingdom of Poland—a bleak place that seems entirely forgotten by God.

The bitter truth is that Lord Eryk, once his respected commander, mentor, and trusted friend, deeply betrayed him by forcibly marrying Oliwia—the woman of Jacek's heart—under heavy coercion, exiling Jacek to keep him as far away as possible.

Lady Oliwia is now the official lady of the castle and lives surrounded by luxury and high privileges. Yet, being separated from the only man she has ever truly loved, she feels profoundly unhappy and broken inside. However, fate—combined with the wicked machinations of some very evil people—suddenly shuffles the cards once again. Jacek and Oliwia seem to be granted a miraculous second chance... but mocking destiny and the deadly cruelty of their enemies are quick to strike back!


⚔️🏰 ** ______________________ ** 🏰⚔️

While sequels can sometimes prove deeply disappointing, I had absolute, unshakeable faith in the author's narrative abilities. I was already completely and emotionally invested in the tragic story of these two main characters (after reading "THE HEART OF A HUSSAR" — Read my full REVIEW HERE), and I honestly couldn't wait to see how it unfolded, especially since the first volume left us hanging on a massive cliffhanger!

This book could perhaps be read as a standalone novel since it is highly enjoyable on its own. BUT I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU—OR BETTER, I BEG YOU TO READ BOOK 1 FIRST! Not only will this grant you a much broader, richer vision of the whole sweeping lore and a deeper understanding of every ongoing conflict, but because you will be able to enjoy a thousand times more all the beautiful, stolen moments and the wonderful, passionate love scenes that this sequel offers.

|💘 THE ROMANTIC BLOSSOMING AND INTENSE PASSION

The first part of the book is largely and beautifully dedicated to the powerful feelings of love, raw passion, total devotion, and intimate lovemaking. The descriptions are extensive and detailed, yet they are executed with immense elegance, never falling into vulgarity, giving the reader all the deep intensity that these two soulmates experience in their privacy.

Everything is written so masterfully that we can almost feel the racing heartbeats of Jacek and Oliwia, the physical thrill of their passion, and the pure happiness exploding inside their souls. I freely admit that I never wanted to leave those beautiful chapters, and I placed many physical bookmarks in my copy just to reread those specific pages in the coming days!

Reading book 1 will also allow you to fully comprehend how unbreakable Jacek's willpower is to overcome the thousand thrilling vicissitudes and dangerous adventures that will violently involve him during the second half of this book.

When I say that the story is deeply "compelling," I am not exaggerating at all! The overall pace of the book is incredibly fast, at times almost frenetic, and it will drag you into a vortex of shattering twists and turns that will keep you in pure suspense: bloody battles, ravenous political plots on the part of greedy enemies, traitors, cold-blooded murderers, a literal psychopathic killer, daring nighttime escapes, and a long journey worthy of Ulysses' epic Odyssey!

With each passing chapter, I desperately longed for the solution to all their problems. I turned the pages, reading avidly and hungrily, and just when I finally glimpsed the warm light at the end of the tunnel, the author managed to make me jump all over again!

|🛡️ ACTION, ADVENTURE, AND VIVID CINEMATIC REALISM

I honestly don't know how, living in our modern era and without looking at film scenes, an author manages to describe complex combat scenes in such a vivid, detailed, and tactical way, complete with every single inner thought and raw emotion that the characters are enduring at that precise second!

I truly believe that in addition to an in-depth, rigorous historical knowledge, it takes an extraordinary natural talent to convey to the reader not just the visual scene, but all the sensory vibrations, positive and negative, that derive from it.
I can state with absolute certainty that the author, Mrs. Griffin Brady, possesses both qualities in abundance. Now, I don't feel as if I merely watched a historical movie at the cinema, but something much deeper: as if I myself had personally experienced every single trial alongside Jacek, savoring the crushing fatigue, the blinding fear, the anguish, the resilience, the raw strength, the anger, the hope, the burning jealousy, the agonizing uncertainty, and finally, pure happiness.

Oliwia is no exception to this rule!
She, too, will have to face and overcome unexpected, brutal tests that will bring out the fiercely strong woman hidden within her soul. Instead of sinking her, these trials will leave her increasingly combative, resolute, and unbreakable.

Even the historical backgrounds where the scenes take place are depicted in an excellent, atmospheric manner, with rich details that not only help us reconstruct the scenery in our mind's eye, but allow us to perceive the heavy smells, the metallic sounds, the direct contact with the body, the flashing lights, the deep shadows, and all the organic sensations that come from them.

I have sometimes read historical books where the overly long and detailed descriptions bored or exasperated me—well, this is most definitely not the case here!
The writer's style is fluent, gripping, and deeply engaging, to the point that now that I have closed the book, I already feel an intense, sweet nostalgia for these characters and their epic adventures.

👥 THE CHARACTERS | MATURITY, LOYALTY, AND BROTHERHOOD

Book #1 beautifully began with a 22-year-old Jacek and a 15-year-old Oliwia. This sweeping narrative takes place over a span of 4 tumultuous years, during which the main protagonists grow significantly—not only in age but through intensely difficult experiences and grand sacrifices.

In this direct sequel, we find them decidedly matured, far more aware of their deep feelings, and laser-focused on their long-term goals. Now, both finally possess the crucial chance to take full control of their destiny. However, nothing will be easy or smoothly within reach; in fact, calculated, evil people and dangerous traps continually hinder their path to happiness. Only their immense willpower and the profound love that unites them will guide them toward a hard-earned happy ending.

Of course, there are also plenty of lighthearted, cozy moments, during which I absolutely loved their witty exchanges, balancing halfway between playful jealousy and intense flirtation!

I utterly adore the two main characters, and I must confess I deeply love their circle of friends too:

• Henryk | Jacek's best friend: Charming, dashing, and a notorious lover of all women, yet possessing a genuine heart of gold.
I laughed out loud every single time he gets just a little bit too close to Oliwia and Jacek silently wants to strangle him—and yes, a couple of times I wanted to strangle him too! But in the end, Henryk always proves to be a deeply devoted, fierce, and sincere brother-in-arms.

• Jacek's Soldier-Brothers: Their intense bond allows the reader to truly breathe in the raw feelings of unwavering brotherhood, battlefield loyalty, and military camaraderie, packed with funny teasing and roaring laughter, while also beautifully sharing the deepest communal pain and mutual help during their darkest, hardest hours.

• A Wonderful Supporting Cast: I also really liked the other supporting figures, such as Oliwia's younger brother, who honestly cannot wait to grow up and become a fiero hussar soldier himself.
The fiercely faithful castle cook with her clear soft spot for Jacek, the kind-hearted priest, and Oliwia's loyal personal maid... each of them masterfully contributes to creating a warm, welcoming family atmosphere that stands in stark, dramatic contrast to the villains always lurking in the shadows, ready to strike treacherously.

🛑 AGES 16+ | A GRIPPING FICTION FOR SENSITIVE SOULS

Connecting directly to the villains I just mentioned, it must be stated that in this sequel, we are dealing with a disgusting, slimy traitor and a literal, psychopathic serial killer!

There are not only heroic deaths in battle here, but a real, cruel, premeditated murder and other perverse, dark attitudes. Although these scenes are written without ever going into exaggeratedly gruesome or bloody details, they could perhaps deeply trouble the most sensitive of readers. Therefore, I would say this novel is ideal and highly readable for ages 16 and up.

The language remains exceptionally clean throughout. The author brilliantly manages to convey the rough, contemptuous, and nasty attitudes of brutal, lawless men without ever resorting to modern, vulgar swear words. I truly, deeply appreciated this stylistic choice! It keeps the epic patina intact.

🏰 THE WINGED HUSSARS | WHERE FICTION MEETS REAL HISTORY

While the main characters and their personal love story are naturally the brilliant fruit of the author's rich imagination, the wonderful, terrifying heavy cavalry of the Winged Hussars really existed in our history!
They were all proud nobles, rigorously trained in the deadly use of multiple weapons ever since they were children.
Many historical battles mentioned by the author and several character names are entirely real.

Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Furthermore, the structural layout of Biaska Castle is directly inspired by real, majestic Polish fortresses (of which beautiful ruins still remain today), all of them structurally set along the famous, breathtaking path known as the "Trail of the Eagles' Nests" (Szlak Orlich Gniazd), including the gorgeous Bobolice Castle (take a look at the stunning historical pictures below!).

At the very end of the book, you will find a small, incredibly helpful guide dedicated to the real events, genuine historical figures, castles, and locations that breathed life into the plot.

Ogrodzieniec Castle on the fabled Eagles’ Nests Trail.
Image source from www.polandtraveltours.com. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Bobolice Castle. Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

As an extra treat, the author also includes a small, detailed dictionary explaining the specific weapons and type of traditional clothing of the time, along with a quick pronunciation guide to master the names and words in their original Polish language.

👉 BONUS TRIVIA: On the AUTHOR'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE (www.griffin-brady.com), you will discover a fascinating blog packed with many deeply interesting articles regarding the glorious history of the Kingdom of Poland in the 17th century, the geopolitical events that made it immense, and the true lore of the Hussars! It is a goldmine for history buffs.

🏺⚔️📜 ** ______________________ ** 📜⚔️🏺

Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading my passionate opinion! I sincerely hope I have still managed to express my deep thoughts effectively and have done true justice to both this beautiful novel and its immense, talented writer.

I will most definitely be reading book #3 of the series! However, I will take a strategic, short reading break of about ten days just to savor and enjoy this beautiful happy ending a little longer, before diving back into the obstacle-filled, chaotic adventures of our two favorites!

BACK TO THE BEGINNING | READ THE PREQUEL:

👉 BOOK #1

"THE HEART OF A HUSSAR" — Click here to read my full review!

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES | READ THE SEQUEL:

👉 BOOK #3

"THE HUSSAR'S DUTY" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

---

🌸 Cozy Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you book this tour, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! 🐱💼

🗺️ Looking for a special tour in real life?

🐱💼 From Krakow: Trail of the Eagles’ Nests Day Tour on GetYourGuide here!

---

And here is the beautiful Jacek of my mind! The true magic of books is being able to vividly imagine the faces of our favorite characters 😉. For me, he is none other than the handsome Henry Cavill, pictured here when he was very young on the set of The Tudors television series.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

🏺⚔️📜 ** ______________________ ** 📜⚔️🏺

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

to stay always updated on the latest reviews and bookish news! ✨

FOLLOW ME or SEND ME A FRIEND REQUEST ON GOODREADS

Book review : The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady | A Gripping Tale of Honor and Passion ⚔️💖

The Heart of a Hussar
The Winged Warrior #1
by Griffin Brady

GENRE: #HistoricalAdventureRomance #EpicHistory #WingedHussars
📍 Setting: Kingdom of Poland | ⏳ Era: 1610 (17th Century)

My rating: ★★★★★ + 1⭐ Special Golden Star
😃A wonderful read: 5 full stars so well deserved !

I am proudly adding one Special Golden Star ⭐ to my maximum rating because this novel is an absolutely amazing masterpiece of historical fiction.

The raw adventure and the slow-burn romance are incredibly compelling, and I truly believe it’s the best historical novel I have read so far this year.

I would like to start by saying that I usually prefer to choose shorter novels (around 300 pages or a little more). However, the unique historical setting, so different from the usual ones, immediately attracted my curiosity.
Even though I started reading the first sentences with the secret fear that I would get bored because the book was too long and too distant from my usual cozy comfort zones (historical mysteries and clean romances), I have to tell you that I was completely, utterly involved in the story from the very first page to the very last one!

📜 THE PLOT IN SHORT | MUSCOVY, 1610

Jacek Dąbrowski is a twenty-two-year-old Polish nobleman and a proud cavalry officer of the legendary Winged Hussars. He dreams of gaining rich land possessions and glory thanks to his pure valor and military merits.

One day, during a brutal military campaign on Muscovite soil—at the time a fierce enemy of Poland—he heroically saves fifteen-year-old Oliwia and her little brother from the cruel clutches of enemy soldiers who were looting and razing a local village to the ground.

Since the two young people are left completely without parents or relatives, Lord Eryk, Jacek's wise commander, decides to take them back to his majestic castle, where he makes them his personal proteges.

The return journey is long and grueling. Jacek and Oliwia, traveling together on the same horse, slowly begin to get to know each other. Without even knowing it, they beautifully lay the solid foundations of what will become an unbreakable lifelong bond.

Between sweeping military campaigns, luxurious life at the castle, obvious rivalries, and dangerous enemies hidden in the shadows, courtly parties, passionate stolen kisses, grand dreams, and bitter disappointments, this gripping story takes place over a span of 4 years. It builds up to the exact moment Jacek realizes that his dream has fundamentally changed—but just at that precise moment, fate decides to play a very cruel joke...

⚔️🏰 ** MY HONEST THOUGHTS ** 🏰⚔️

⚠️ WARNING | FINAL CLIFFHANGER & SEQUEL INBOUND

Before starting to read the novel, I scrolled through some online reviews. They were all incredibly enthusiastic, but as we bookworms know, this can sometimes turn out to be a dangerous trap because it creates sky-high expectations!

However, thanks to those reviews, I understood in advance that the book would end with a FINAL CLIFFHANGER—something that I usually don't like at all!
But here, I willingly wanted to take a leap into the dark, simply because the setting and the unique subjects of the story—the legendary Winged Hussars of Poland in the 17th century—intrigued me far too much!

If we add the fact that there was the tag #romance attached, my heart was already completely kidnapped.

In the author's defense, I must admit that she honestly warns the reader about this in the very first pages of the book. Furthermore, the official sequel was published only a single month after the release of the first volume, because it was originally supposed to be a tight duology. In my specific case, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have also found a third volume, which the author decided to write in 2023 to expand the universe!

🦅 THE WINGED HUSSARS | THE ELITE OF SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY CAVALRY

They were a legendary heavy cavalry formation highly active in Poland and throughout the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth from 1503 to 1702.

The absolute distinctive feature of the Husaria were their iconic "wings"—wooden supports beautifully decorated with real eagle or goose feathers, secured directly to their saddles or to the rear plates of their heavy armour. These wings were intentionally designed to produce a loud, terrifying rustling sound during a charge to demoralize and terrify the enemy forces.

The hussars ranked as the undisputed elite of the Polish cavalry. In fact, they all came strictly from noble families and were fiercely raised since early childhood to master horse riding and the deadly use of many different weapons.

It has been incredibly interesting for me to learn all these historical facts about this elite military body, and about a European territory of which I honestly knew little to nothing, except for its 20th-century post-war history. I really had no idea that the Kingdom of Poland was so immense and powerful at that time! It was a wonderful historical revelation.

Image found on the web.
All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners: @Byron Hamilton 2012.

⚔️ BATTLES, MILITARY STRATEGIES, AND AUTHENTIC WEAPONRY

What I honestly didn't expect from this novel were the incredibly vivid descriptions of roaring battles, military actions, and complex strategies, alongside detailed layouts of weapons and traditional outfits of the era (both for soldiers and civilians).
I certainly didn't expect that they would fascinate me so deeply—I found the historical accuracy stimulating and truly impressive!

Image found on the blog: oldeuropeanculture.blogspot.com.
All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

I have read several other books featuring war scenes, and previously, only the brilliant author Stella Riley managed to truly fascinate me, while other writers usually bored me to tears.
If I had known beforehand that there were so many intense military clashes described, I probably would have skipped this book entirely... But I am so glad I didn't know, BECAUSE THE AUTHOR DID AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB! Griffin Brady managed to flawlessly combine all her deep historical and technical knowledge with the pure magic of fiction.
She built up incredible suspense, raw emotions, and a sense of full participation within me, as if a time machine had teleported me exactly there, in that place, at that time, standing right beside those people!

Every weapon, specific outfit, noble rank, and military hierarchy is written with its original term and seamlessly explained within the story. BUT PLEASE, DON'T BE AFRAID OF GETTING CONFUSED! For the reader's convenience, the author has thoughtfully included a small dictionary for each Polish word cited.

You will even find a quick guide chapter that helps you pronounce the names correctly (trust me, after the first ten pages, everything becomes natural and very easy).

Image found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

👥 THE CHARACTERS | INTENSE, REAL, AND MULTI-FACETED

Both the two main protagonists and the side characters are developed excellently. We are able to vividly visualize not only the physical appearance of each individual, but also their distinct character traits, their raw emotions, their hidden thoughts, their burning aspirations, and their silent fears, alongside their fierce will to resist adversity and conquer their dreams. The author managed to make them so intense and profound that they feel absolutely real.

The dialogues are brilliant, often interspersed with short, private thoughts written in italics, which have the beautiful advantage of completing the conversations and making the exact scene that the characters are experiencing incredibly vivid.

Furthermore, the ironic, playful banter between Jacek and his best friend Henryk, among the soldiers, or between Jacek and Oliwia... provides a lovely, light touch from time to time that thoroughly entertains the reader.

💘 THE LOVE STORY | A REWARDING, SLOW-BURN PASSION

As regards the romantic part of the plot, it officially blooms just after the 50% mark of the book, while the first half beautifully builds some romantic tension and subtle premises, even if the main characters are not exactly aware of it yet.

I freely admit that during the first half of the book, I was constantly wondering when the protagonists would finally fall in love, and at one point, I even thought that the tag #romance was not entirely appropriate for this fiction. But that doubt lasted only for 5 seconds! As soon as the two protagonists began to realize that they were deeply attracted to each other, I was heavily rewarded for all my waiting. The second half of the book is beautifully and largely dedicated to the deep love feelings of these two young souls.

BUT EXPECT NO BOREDOM! You will find funny scenes, exciting moments, you will suffer right along with them, and even more, you will fiercely hope together with them.

👑 JEALOUSY, INTENSE INTRIGUES, AND CONSPIRACIES

In addition to facing ruthless enemies in battle, the protagonists find themselves heavily involved in difficult, dramatic events due to the petty jealousy, presumption, envy, desire for power, revenge, arrogance, and selfishness of certain characters.

These situations create a huge amount of tension throughout the narrative, eventually reaching an explosive climax that determines definitive (or almost definitive) turning points not only for Jacek and Oliwia, but also for other major characters.

Therefore, this historical novel is deeply compelling not only regarding the fierce action and the romantic aspect, but also thanks to all these other rich elements cleverly inserted as a gripping subplot.

• 📜 Historical fiction SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE, including young adults.
• Despite the harsh time period and the war theme, the author masterfully managed to deliver a clean novel featuring:
• Clean, elegant language (with no modern swear words).
• Sweet, deeply romantic kisses.
• Epic battles and historical sacrifices detailed without gruesome or unnecessarily bloody descriptions.

🏁 FINAL VERDICT | DO I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK?

An absolute, resounding YES! I recommend it 100% if you love rich historical fiction.

Please, don't be scared by the fact that you will have to read the sequel to feel completely satisfied. You will turn the pages one after the other, completely fascinated by everything that is told by the author and experienced by these unforgettable characters!

I've already eagerly started reading book #2, and I honestly can't wait to dive into book #3 as well!

Thank you all so much for stopping by and reading my passionate opinion! I truly hope that my English has managed to properly convey what was intended to be a grand praise for this wonderful novel, and a sincere thank you to the writer.

⚔️🇵🇱🏰 ** ______________________ ** 🏰🇵🇱⚔️

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES | READ THE SEQUEL:

👉 BOOK #2

"A HUSSAR'S PROMISE" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

👉 BOOK #3

"THE HUSSAR'S DUTY" by Griffin Brady — Click here to read my full review!

---

🌸 Cozy Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you book this tour, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! 🐱💼

🗺️ Looking for a special tour in real life?

🐱💼 From Krakow: Trail of the Eagles’ Nests Day Tour on GetYourGuide here!

---

🎭 A LITTLE OFF-TOPIC | MY VISUAL IMAGINATION

While I was reading this thrilling novel, my mind instantly gave Jacek the unmistakable, handsome features of a young Henry Cavill (specifically his look from The Tudors series)! The author's description corresponds perfectly: dark hair, sapphire blue eyes, and that captivating, slight frown in his intense gaze.

With the qualities of a fierce warrior and a man of incredibly sound principles that the writer beautifully gave him, combined with the striking appearance of Henry Cavill, tell me, friends... how could I possibly not fall completely in love with Jacek? 😉


Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.


Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

...But the two pictures below are my absolute favorites! This is exactly how I vividly imagine Jacek at the precise moment he falls hopelessly in love with Oliwia:

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Henry Cavill picture found on the web. All image rights are reserved to their rightful owners.

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

to stay always updated on the latest reviews and bookish news! ✨

FOLLOW ME or SEND ME A FRIEND REQUEST ON GOODREADS

Book review : A Revolution of Hearts by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

A Revolution of Hearts
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

My rating: ★★★★☆
This must be read as 4.5 stars

--- I loved it and after finished it I feel like I'm missing the charaters.----

It's a lovely clean adventure-romance set between France and England in the late 18th century and related to the well known "Scarlet Pimpernel" ( by Emma Ocrzy / Emmuska Orczy ).
I read and appreciated E. Orczy fiction novels, so this is one thing that made me choose to read this book.

Despite the awful cover ( too dull colors,too much grey color in the background and not at all charming people ) that is suggesting something very dramatic, this is a lively romantic novel with a hint of adventure and of course a happy ending.

__THE PLOT__ Early 1789. Paris
Mademoiselle Dacia de Prideaux and her brother Marcel, from a rich and aristocratic family, are going to the theater.
While she only thinks about love and can't wait to meet her boyfriend again, her brother is taken by the new political currents, led by Robespierre, who would like to see the monarchs deposed and would like equality between the social classes.
That same night, 2 shocking events happen: her lover will marry someone else and Marcel will be killed by someone of his own political persuasion (this is not a spoiler, we know this right away).
Witnessing the murder and accused by the murderer of being the murderer, Dacia has to flee France and thus begins her adventure in England.
An adventure that is anything but easy, made up of physical effort, disguises, false identities and dangers... But in all this another aristocrat with a heart of gold, an adventurous soul and broad views will help her in her new path: Master Richard Harris, a close associate of Sir Percy Blakeney, the famous Scarlet Pimpernel.

__________________________________________

While in the start the story looked a little bit dull to me ( the chapters at the theater, while she was looking for her loved one ) after the murder ( about 20% through the book) all became interesting.


_ THE SETTING __
This is not a challenging novel (we can compare it to the usual regency romances), but the author has managed to give the reader a precise idea of the time and background in which the story took place, making the atmosphere alive and real, thus how the feelings and emotions of all the characters are fully perceptible.

Talking about the background in which the events take place and the atmosphere that the story gives us, the book can be divided into various sections:

__ Pre-revolutionary France and the first troubles shaking the country: the leaflets circulating with the new anti-monarchist ideas, the secret meetings of those who want to change history, the police and the first skirmishes and revolts underway.

__ The escape to England, Dacia's fear and anguish of being captured, the pain of her brother's death and the flashbacks of those moments, the fear of the unknown in an unknown world, the adventure together with strange characters that others they are simply men dedicated, by choice, to saving people in danger of their lives.

__ Life at Master Harris' estate, a bit of Downton Abbey set in the late 1700s, with servants, haughty aristocrats, balls and theatrical rehearsals of a Shakespeare comedy.

__ Imminent danger and action including rescue and total reversal of current situations.

__ Finally declarations of love and the only kiss of this slow-burn (very slow, too slow) romance and happy ending.

__ THE 2 MAIN CHARACTERS _
I liked both although in my opinion there is too little interaction between the two in the book.

😀 🌷The first half of the book focuses more on DACIA:
and it can be said that she is the only protagonist.
---> I liked her because as a wealthy and privileged person she found herself forced to take on the role of a very humble person and to take on all the hardships, pains and sacrifices of that type of life.
First she worked as a waitress and then as a scullery maid, but despite the humiliation she didn't complain, on the contrary, she learned the meaning of sacrifice and understood how she too, in her previous life, without realizing it, had been haughty and very demanding with her their servants, without taking their feelings and self-love into consideration.
The author focuses several times on these considerations and between the lines invites the reader to reflect 8 and I liked it ), because if it is true that today we (or should) all have the same rights, there is still a big gap between very wealthy people and poor and humble workers who often suffer the arrogance, arrogance and boastfulness of those who have more money and more power (even in our normal daily lives).

😀 🌷 When RICHARD (Master Harris) finally enters the scene
we still have too few scenes to know him well and the interactions between the two are few and devoid of the warm emotions that should instead constitute the romantic and sweet part of the story.
So, even after meeting the character, it was initially difficult for me, the reader, to fall in love with him and if the plot on the back cover had not revealed to me the name of the male protagonist of the couple, up to 75% I would not have even known who he was, since courtship was absent.
Richard has another girlfriend, not out of love, but imposed by his father and so for a good part of the time he tries to find points in common with her.
He behaves ambiguously with Dacia, as if he had a soft spot for her, but didn't realize it... but I would have liked the author to accentuate this unconscious attraction more.
When "falling in love" finally begins, I loved it but we are quite far into the book and so for me it wasn't enough.
The author inserts glances between Dacia and Richard during the story, but they are not enough to create an expectation complete with butterflies in the stomach for the reader, it all arrives later ( so that's why it is "too" slow-burn to me )
This is the main reason why I didn't give 5 stars, but since the whole story as a whole involved me and I liked it, I sincerely think that the book deserves a full 4.5

__ A PINCE OF HISTORY____ Have you ever heard of the "Cagots" in France?
I didn't and I learned, from this book, that the Cagots are pariahs (people of the lowest social status, living in isolation from the majority), that in the Middle Ages they lived on both sides of the Pyrenees and that popular superstition saw them as object of contempt and horror, partly inspired by the visceral fear felt by populations exposed to leprosy.
I LOVE TO LEARN THINGS by reading historical fiction !!!!


---> RECOMMENDED for those who love clean romances that are sweet and adventurous at the same time.
---> NOT RECOMMENDED for those looking only for romance and hot scenes

__I WOULD LIKE __ to read a series of book with this couple as main characters about their adventures rescuing people along with Walter ( Richard's brother ), Mr. Carter ( Richard's former valet and aid in his adventures), Marguerite ( Dacia's french best friend ) e of course Sir Percy Blackney.

FREE DOWNLOAD: you can download a free ebook of a short sequel-novella of this story ( named "Sergeant Jake and his Lady "), by subscribing to the author's newsletter on her website ( https://www.rondahinrichsen.com/ ---> click on FREE BOOK ).
I did it and of course I've already read it ( nothing very amazing but nice to read, so many thanks to the author for the giveaway )

THANK YOU all for reading my opinion and please forgive my English since it's not my language 😉

Join me on FB Tizi Cozy Corner page to be always updated on new posts

Honest Book review : Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell | A Disappointing Shakespearean Mystery

Fools and Mortals
by Bernard Cornwell

GENRE : #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery

My rating: ★★☆☆☆

2.5 stars, rounded down to 2, because I would expect such a dull story from a novice author on his first book, but not from a renowned author like Bernard Cornwell (and only one with a renowned and famous name can get away with it and still be able to sell the book).

I'm sorry to say that reading this book is a waste of time and money.

If you are really curious to read it (like I was and I chose it with great enthusiasm), then don't waste your money. If you're curious, get it from the library or borrow it from a friend. (if you like it you can do it later)

The plot, reading the back cover, was interesting and the story could have been captivating and engaging, if only it had been developed with unexpected events and twists that had managed to keep the reader in suspense.

What was also needed was a main character with an incisive character and great willpower, perhaps also endowed with a big heart and great intelligence, a character that the reader could respect and become fond of.

The world of Shakespearean theater is certainly fascinating and this is what led me to choose this novel: I love theater and I appreciated both the historical notions on the birth of "playhouses" and on the life of actors during the Elizabethan era and on the difficulties and terror sown by the Puritans.

What distinguishes a good writer from a normal historical scholar, however, is precisely knowing how to enchant the public through a compelling plot, with which to surprise the reader with each chapter and push him to turn page after page with pressing curiosity.

___PLOT___ We are in London, during the reign of Elizabeth I Tudor.
William Shakespeare is not only an actor, but has his own company of actors and writes comic and tragic plays to be performed both on public stages and in the private mansions of the nobility.
The main character of the book is his young brother Richard, also an actor, who constantly lives in the shadow of his older brother, already well known and appreciated and completely devoid of affection towards Richard.
At that time female actresses were not accepted, so female characters were played by very young boys, still without beards and with voices that hadn't broken yet.
This is Richard's biggest worry, besides poverty and hunger. He wants to play male roles and of course earn more money, but William is difficult to convince and the disagreements between them are getting deeper, which leads Richard to think about leaving his brother's company.
When the manuscript on the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet disappears, William and the other actors immediately think that Richard is the culprit, but he is not the only one who is dissatisfied and angry with William. To save his honor and his job, there's only one option: he must find the real traitor.

________________

MY OPINION

________________
It doesn't matter that there are no murders or gruesome battle scenes.
Theft and betrayal + brotherly love + the birth of a love story + the enchantment of Shakespeare's works, are all elements from which a wonderful and captivating story could emerge from the first to the last page! __ But this is not the case !!!!__

1) This STORY is FLAT, devoid of emotional elements

capable of arousing in the reader surprise, hope, fright, relief and the whole range of emotion that a fiction enthusiast expects.

👉👉👉Almost three quarters of the book (yes, you read that right, THREE QUARTERS – meaning nothing interesting happens until nearly the end!) is just the daily grind of Richard and the other actors: rehearsing on stage, tossing around vulgar jokes to tease each other or take offense, Richard returning to his cold attic, or heading to the pub.
I might have chuckled at the first crude joke (not because of the swearing itself, but the situation – grown men bickering like schoolboys), but after a while it just gets tiresome.

I'm not offended by the swearing – given the historical setting, I expected that – but a skilled writer makes people laugh through genuinely funny situations.
If an author thinks they can get laughs just by throwing in vulgar jokes, they're not worth much in my book.

2) "Copy-Paste" Shakespeare:

Between one rehearsal and another, Cornwell inserts pieces of some of Shakespeare's works... Yes, of course, it's interesting, but copying out verses and inserting them into every chapter isn't exactly hard work

3) CONFUSING WRITING STYLE.

The story is told in the first person by Richard, but the author constantly interrupts the scenes with long flashbacks. By the time we return to the present, I had already forgotten what was happening! Furthermore, Cornwell inserts background chatter during key dialogues without clear distinction.
In a movie, you can hear background noise; in a book, it just feels like a muddled mess.

4) 60% into the book and I was still waiting for the plot to start!!!!

I usually DNF (Do Not Finish) books that don't engage me by the 30% mark, but because this was Cornwell, I kept hoping... and hoping. I felt mocked as a reader.
I only finished it so I could write this honest review.

5) Too little and too late.

The action finally kicks in around 65%, but it's simplistic and rushed.
Chapters 8 and 9 of the fourth part of the book are finally a little more interesting (but never really compelling, I repeat that this seems like a book written by a novice).
Don't have too many illusions though, After a tiny pinch of suspense, the author, so presumptuously taken with himself and his knowledge of Shakespeare, goes right back to tedious descriptions of rehearsals and costumes.
It felt more like a history lecture than a novel.

6) ___ MAIN CHARACTER, 👉RICHARD SHAKESPEARE: A FORGETTABLE PROTAGONIST.

I don’t dislike Richard, but I can’t say he has any charm or personality. He is a "good guy" and good-looking, but he lacks the spark needed to make a character memorable.
Most of the time, he is just under his brother’s thumb, unable to assert himself.
The only time he finally finds the strength to act, he disappointed me even more. Although he is supposed to be "good," he reacts with unnecessary violence against the traitor, leaving him a cripple.
I could have accepted the first blow, but the subsequent beating felt cruel and out of character. In that scene, I lost all sympathy for him.

7) ___ SIDE CHARACTERS___

👉👉 The character of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:A TOTAL JERK
I don't know his real biography, but if I disliked him in the movie 'All Is True', in this book he is even worse. He is portrayed as a presumptuous, arrogant, and cold-hearted brother—the only reason we even care about the protagonist is that we feel sorry for how William treats him!
He was likely a real asshole in real life too (hardly a good husband or father), and while his genius is undeniable, the portrait Cornwell paints is just that of an opportunist and a domestic tyrant. He might be a great playwright, but as a human being? Meh. Since this is fiction, I expected a more likable, or at least more interesting, version of the Great Bard.

👉👉 ABOUT THE OTHER CHARACTERS: the writer inserts so many people and so many names (many of which actually existed), that initially it is really difficult to remember who is who.
None are particularly memorable, let's say that, taken as a whole, they contribute to giving an idea of the atmosphere of the time.

8) I didn't expect a love story, but the romantic element included in the book could have been developed a little more and better.
It could have been a strong point of the plot together with the theft and recovery of the script.
Instead, neither theft, nor betrayal, nor the sentimental story manage to act as catalysts, everything revolves around Shakespeare's verses which are scattered throughout the book.
Perhaps Cornwell wanted to write a book that was both educational and interesting, but the result is that this book is neither...

I also think that the publisher was only able to publish such an insignificant novel because of the author's renowned name.

---

I finished this novel with a serious case of **bad book fatigue**. It wasn't just disappointing; it was exhausting to read. ---> I can understand that every reader has personal tastes and that each of us perceives things differently, so I understand that for some this book is worth 2.5 stars while for others 3.5 or perhaps almost 4 stars...
But the reviewers, who rated it 5 stars, also wrote that this book is superlative.... the top of the quality... SORRY, BUT I CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT.
It's still a mystery to me.

CONCLUSION: Do I recommend it?
Honestly, no. Unless you want to read a textbook on Elizabethan theater disguised as a novel, skip it. I still don't understand how some reviewers gave this 5 stars. It remains a mystery to me.

Please excuse my "angry" text, when a book disappoints me this much, I just need to vent! and be lenient with my English, it isn't my native language.

---

If you love the Elizabethan period and if you want a historical mystery that actually keeps you awake, check out my other reviews:

A MURDER BY ANY NAME by Suzanne M. Wolfe book review

---

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

to stay updated on my latest reviews and bookish news! ✨

FOLLOW ME or SEND A FRIEND REQUEST ON GOODREADS

---

Il LIBRO è disponibile anche in EDIZIONE ITALIANA, leggi la mia recensione !

Recensione : La Congiura dei fratelli Shakespeare
di Bernard Cornwell

GENERE : #FictionStorica #GialloStorico

Il mio punteggio: ★★☆☆☆

2.5 arrotondato per difetto a 2. Mi aspetterei un romanzo così piatto da un esordiente, non da un autore del calibro di Bernard Cornwell!

( ...E solo un nome famoso può permettersi di vendere un libro simile e farla franca. )

___ Comincio col dire che IL TITOLO ITALIANO è TOTALMENTE INADEGUATO, non ha nulla a che vedere con la storia raccontata nel libro. Ancora una volta è scandalosamente evidente che GLI EDITORI NON LEGGONO I LIBRI CHE PUBBLICANO __ ( TANTO CHE IMPORTA? SCRITTORE FAMOSO, VENDITA SICURA...🤬 !! ). Neppure la copertina è attinente alla storia. Copertine e titoli a caso = zero professionalità!

Mi dispiace dirlo, ma la lettura di questo libro è uno spreco di tempo e denaro.
Se proprio siete curiosi di leggerlo ( come lo ero io e lo scelsi con grande entusiasmo ), allora PRENDETELO IN PRESTITO IN BIBLIOTECA O DA UN AMICO, ma non compratelo, NON SPENDETE SOLDI INUTILMENTE ( se vi piacerà potrete farlo in un secondo momento )

La trama, leggendo la quarta di copertina, era interessante e la storia sarebbe potuta essere accattivante e coinvolgente, se solo fosse stata sviluppata con eventi e colpi di scena imprevisti che fossero riusciti a tenere il lettore in tensione.
Serviva, inoltre, un protagonista dal carattere incisivo e dalla grande forza di volontà, magari anche dotato di un grande cuore e un grande ingegno, un personaggio che il lettore potesse stimare a a cui si potesse affezionare.
Il mondo del teatro shakespeariano è sicuramente affascinante ed è questo che mi ha spinto a scegliere questo romanzo: adoro il teatro e ho apprezzato sia le nozioni storiche sulla nascita delle "playhouse" ( i teatri ), sulla vita degli attori durante l'era elisabettiana e sulle difficoltà e sul terrore seminati dai puritani.

...MA ciò che distingue un bravo scrittore da un normale studioso storico però, è proprio saper incantare il pubblico attraverso una trama avvincente, con la quale sorprendere il lettore  ad ogni capitolo e spingerlo a girare pagina dopo pagina con incalzante curiosità.

___TRAMA___ Ci troviamo a Londra, durante il regno di Elisabetta I Tudor. William Shakespeare, non solo è attore, ma ha una propria compagnia di attori e scrive opere comiche e tragiche da rappresentare sia sui palchi pubblici che nelle case private della nobiltà. Il protagonista del libro è il suo giovane fratello Richard, anche lui attore, che vive costantemente all'ombra del fratello maggiore, già ben conosciuto ed apprezzato e del tutto privo di affetto nei confronti di Richard. A quel tempo non erano accettate le attrici donne, per cui i personaggi femminili venivano interpretati da ragazzi molto giovani, ancora privi di barba e con la voce non ancora impostata da adulti. Questo è il più grande cruccio di Richard, oltre alla povertà e alla fame. Lui desidera interpretare ruoli da vero uomo e naturalmente guadagnare anche di più, ma William è difficile da convincere e gli screzi tra loro sono sempre più profondi, il che porta Richard a pensare di lasciare la compagnia del fratello. Quando il manoscritto sulla tragedia di Romeo e Giulietta sparisce, William e gli altri attori , pensano immediatamente che il colpevole sia Richard, ma egli non è l'unico ad essere scontento. Per salvare il proprio onore e il proprio lavoro Richard avrà come unica opzione quella di scovare il vero traditore.

________________

LA MIA OPINIONE

________________
Non importa che non ci siano omicidi o truculente scene di battaglia. Furto e tradimento + amore fraterno + nascita di una storia d'amore + l'incanto delle opere di Shakespeare, sono tutti elementi da cui poteva venire fuori una storia meravigliosa e accattivante dalla prima all'ultima pagina ! MA NON è COSì !!!!

1) Questa STORIA è PIATTA, priva di elementi emozionali che sappiano suscitare nel lettore  sorpresa, speranza,  spavento, sollievo e tutta la gamma di emozione che un appassionato di fiction si aspettebbe.

---> Quasi tre quarti del libro ( esatto avete capito bene, tre quarti, cioè non suiccede nulla di interessante fino quasi alla fine !  ) ci raccontano solamente della vita giornaliera di Richard e degli altri attori, quando sul palco fanno le prove, rivolgendosi di tanto in tanto, battute volgari, per scherzare o anche per offendersi ), quando Richard torna nella sua fredda soffitta o va al pub.
Se alla prima battuta volgare potevo ridere ( non perchè facesse ridere la parolaccia, ma per la situazione : uomini adulti si punzecchiano come farebbero degli scolaretti ), dopo un po' la cosa diventa stancante. Non sono offesa dalle parolacce, dato il periodo in cui si svolge la storia era un elemento che mi aspettavo, ma un bravo scrittore sa far ridere creando situazioni buffe.
Se l'unico modo in cui un autore sa far ridere è la battuta ricca di parole volgari, allora mi dispiace, ma come autore per me non è un gran che.

2) Tra una prova e l'altra, Cornwell inserisce pezzi di varie opere di Shakespeare... Si certo, è interessante, ma ricopiare pezzi di versi e inserirli in ogni capitolo non è poi così difficile.

3) TRAMA CONFUSIONARIA. La narrazione, fatta in prima persona da Richard, è frammentata: mentre racconta interrompe ogni scena con flashback così lunghi da far perdere il filo del presente. C'è una grande confusione. 
Inoltre, durante i dialoghi importanti per la storia, l'autore inserisce frasi di altre persone che non partecipano affatto alla scena, ma sono semplicemente lì nello stesso luogo, magari mentre litigano o lanciano battute sul palco, creando un caos che in un film funzionerebbe, ma in un libro, sulla carta, diventa solo caos narrativo.
4) Al 60 % del libro stavo ancora aspettando che succedesse qualcosa !!!
Non sto esagerando, è davvero così !
Solitamente abbandono i libri che non mi convincono dopo il 30%, ma trattandosi di Cornwell, un autore di fama internazionale, ho continuato a sperare. Mi sono sentita presa in giro: i libri costano e il tempo del lettore è prezioso.
Comunque ho continuato a leggerlo fino alla fine per guadagnarmi il diritto di scrivere una recensione onesta ( brutralmente onesta !😤 )

5) Troppo poco e troppo tardi : brevi cenni di supense in mezzo ad una trama insipida e noiosa:
Dal 65% in poi la storia sembra finalmente partire, ma non fatevi illusioni. È un risveglio breve, un pizzico di azione descritta in modo semplicistico e poi si torna alle solite tediose descrizioni delle prove teatrali.
👉👉👉Sembra un libro scritto da un esordiente, non da un maestro.



Dopo ciò, l'autore, così presuntuosamente preso da se stesso e dalla propria conoscenza di Shakespeare, torna per l'ennesima volta a raccontarci le prove, i costumi che indossavano, chi sapeva le battute e chi no, riporta alcune delle battute più incisive e ci ri-racconta tutta la storia di "Midsummer Night's Dream" (Sogno di una notte di mezza estate ).

6) ___ PERSONAGGIO PRINCIPALE, RICHARD SHAKESPEARE: UN PROTAGONISTA ANONIMO. Non provo antipatia per Richard, ma non posso certo dire che abbia una personalità affascinante. È un "bravo ragazzo", d'aspetto gradevole, ma gli manca quella scintilla che rende un personaggio memorabile.
Passa quasi tutto il tempo succube del fratello maggiore, incapace di farsi valere.
L'unica volta in cui trova finalmente la forza di agire, mi ha delusa ancora di più. Nonostante sia dipinto come un buono, reagisce con una violenza gratuita contro il traditore, riducendolo a uno storpio. Avrei potuto accettare il primo colpo, ma i pestaggi successivi sono stati eccessivi e fuori luogo.
In quella scena, il personaggio ha perso ogni punto ai miei occhi.

7) ___ PERSONAGGI DI CONTORNO___

👉👉👉 Il personaggio di WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: UN VERO STRONZO Non conosco la sua vera biografia, ma se già non mi era piaciuto nel film 'All Is True'( con Kenneth Branagh e Judi Dench), in questo libro è persino peggio. Viene descritto come un uomo presuntuoso, arrogante e totalmente privo di affetto verso il fratello l'unico motivo per cui proviamo simpatia per il protagonista è la pena che ci fa per come viene trattato!
Probabilmente era un vero stronzo anche nella realtà (non certo un buon marito o padre), e sebbene il suo genio resti eterno, il ritratto di Cornwell è quello di un opportunista e di un tiranno domestico.
Sarà anche un grande drammaturgo, ma come uomo? Mmm... Essendo un’opera di finzione, mi sarei aspettata una versione più apprezzabile, o almeno più affascinante, del Grande Bardo.

---> RIGUARDO AGLI ALTRI PERSONAGGI : lo scrittore inserisce talmente tanta gente che inizialmente è davvero difficile ricordarsi chi è chi.
Nessuno è particolarmente memorabile, diciamo che presi nell'insieme contribuiscono a dare un'idea dell'atmosfera del tempo. 
8) Non mi aspettavo una storia d'amore, ma anche l'elemento romantico inserito nel libro poteva essere sviluppato un po' di più e meglio. Poteva  essere punto di forza della trama insieme al furto e al recupero del copione.
Invece né il furto, né il tradimento, né la storia sentimentale riescono a fungere da catalizzatori, tutto ruota intorno ai versi di Shakespeare che sono disseminati in tutto il libro.
Forse Cornwell voleva scrivere un libro che fosse sia didattico che interessante, ma il risultato è che questo libro non è ne l'uno ne l'altro... e penso che l'editore abbia potuto pubblicare una storia così insignificante solo grazie al nome rinomato dell'autore.

---

CONCLUSIONE: Lo consiglio?
Assolutamente no !!!!!!!!!!
Posso capire che ogni lettore abbia gusti personali e che ognuno di noi percepisca le cose in maniera diversa , quindi comprendo che per qualcuno questo libro valga 2,5 stelle mentre per altri 3,5 o forse quasi 4 stelle...MA CHE LE RECENSIONI A 5 STELLE IN INGLESE SCRIVANO CHE QUESTO LIBRO è SUPERLATIVO .... SCUSATE, MA NON RIESCO A COMPRENDERLO. 
Mi chiedo se abbiano davvero letto tutto il libro per intero e mi chiedo se siano davvero stati sinceri sui propri sentimenti al riguardo...chi lo sa, per me rimane un mistero.

Forse solo un nome famoso può permettersi di pubblicare una storia così insignificante.

Scusate lo sfogo, ma quando un libro mi delude così tanto sento il bisogno di essere sincera fino in fondo. Grazie per aver letto la mia opinione!

---

---

Seguitemi su FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner,

per rimanere sempre aggiornati sugli ultimi post ✨

SEGUITEMI o CHIEDETEMI L'AMICIZIA SU GOODREADS

Book review : Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Devil in Winter
Wallflowers Book 3
by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Steamy Regency Romance 5 FULL STARS !! :-D

Gosh!   Definitely not my usual reading   ...this really took me by surprise since I didn't know what kind of romance writer Lisa Kleypas is. 

You know, I just chose something romantic having many enthusiastic reviews, without the faintest idea about the kind of romance.
It's a well written story with hot and sensual scenes, where I won't tell you what is or isn't there... because the author has been generous in all the descriptions!
... And it's definitely suitable for adults.

--------> But that's not why I gave it 5 stars: 
it's because in addition to the theme on which the book "seems" to mainly focus, i.e. the hot and sexy intimate scenes, the author was good at inserting other emotional elements and parallel plots, which are intertwined with the love story of the two main characters.

---> I am not an expert of romance and in particular not of those with explicit sex scenes, which I usually discard, but according to my tastes, a love story becomes engaging and truly pleasant to read if the reader is also involved in other events and situations.
Some that constantly keep him/her on the razor's edge, piquing his/her curiosity and leading him/her to make suppositions and conjectures, to hope for one solution or another and to keep on turning the page by the desire to know what will happen the next moment. 

---> Here the author has been completely successful in keeping alive the interest of a reader, me, who usually rejects this type of reading!

_____ THE PLOT____ London, 1843.
Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner, a 23-year-old spinster desperately trying to escape her abusive relatives, who want to rob her of her future inheritance by marrying her to their slimy and stupid son, finds the only possible solution in proposing herself in wife to London's most infamous scoundrel: Viscount Sebastian St. Vincent, a thirty-year-old womanizer whose father has squandered his entire fortune.
The advantage for her is to escape family members who mistreat her and keep her prisoner, the advantage for him is that he will be rich again and will be able to satisfy his father's creditors.
To get married immediately they must reach the village of Gretna Green, Scotland, famous for the marriages of couples who do not have their parents' permission.
She sets the condition that she will only give herself to him on her wedding night (to validate the marriage which would otherwise be considered null), then she will dedicate herself to the care of her dying father, who had left her as a child and she will be independent with her part of the money.
He happily accepts the condition posed by her, because spending more than one night with the same woman bores him to death.
So they leave that same night and together with the journey their life adventure also begins...
But is Sebastian really the rake he seems or does he, after all, have a heart too? And will Evangeline, Evie to her friends, be able to keep at a distance a man she's really falling in love with ?
_____________________

MY THOUGHTS WHILE I WAS READING :
--> Usually clean romance plots follow more or less these stages:
meeting between hero and heroine + dislike and/or adversity + overcoming problems + first kiss + other problems ( other kisses ) + definitive solution + finally sweet and intimate moment between the main characters + they lived happily ever after.

--> Well, this novel begins with the meeting of Sebastian and Evie who already know each other superficially (they met in the previous books of the series).
+ they make an agreement and a journey together follows. We do not have a classic courtship but the story of the journey is so beautiful and sweet to read, which can be equivalent to the courtship in which the protagonists begin to become familiar with each other.
+ The wedding ( so fun scene and I confess that I was also nervous for fear that one of the "villains" would stop it.)
+ Everything is ok and we have "a whole chapter" about their wonderful wedding night that WILL NOT DISAPPOINT any of the romantic readers 😉

So far we are at 25% through the book and my thought was: WHAT NOW? I HAVE ALREADY READ EVERYTHING THAT USUALLY TAKES PLACE IN THE SPACE OF AN ENTIRE BOOK...

I really feared that the book would continue with a succession of skirmishes and intimate scenes until I felt nauseated...

...BUT HERE COMES THE BOMB :
While I expected that the problems would come from asshole family members or that Sebastian was really the scoundrel bastard that he himself and his bad reputation proclaimed, she is the one who creates problems with her stubbornness and one-sided decisions.

-----> In addition to the disagreement between the two spouses, new dynamics enter the plot, altogether with painful events, new unexpected challenges, moments of action and new characters, who will have a very important role in the course of events.

----> Furthermore, every time it seems that a certain difficulty is about to be overcome by smoothing the path of the two young, a new emotional element comes into play and it revolutionizes the plans of our heroes once again.

---> In all this whirlwind of events, not only the great attraction that Sebastian and Evie feel for each other and their mutual desire are highlighted, but also the deep feeling that is being created thanks to the mutual support they give each other in overcoming critical moments ( in which sometimes their very lives are at risk).

CHARACTERS: THE COUPLE __ I liked both characters, although I must admit that for 5 minutes, I found her a bit hypocritical, too stubborn and too whiny, luckily she then redeemed herself...I'll explain better below.

___ SEBASTIAN and the subplot that makes his personality interesting:
from the story emerges his nature was not as selfish and contemptuous as it seems from the previous books... Basically the young man's nature was good, but having lost, at very young age, his mother and his loving sisters, he had grown up in a superficial way with a selfish and spendthrift father, certainly not the best of examples. The great beauty he possessed led women to throw themselves at his feet, resulting in great self-confidence, arrogance and boredom.
By reading the story WE REALIZE THAT THE CAUSE OF THIS WAY OF DOING IS THE LACK OF A PURPOSE, OF SOMETHING TO DEDICATE TO AND OF A GOAL TO REACH.

Evie's arrival ( a "wallflower" who is not only more beautiful than he had previously noticed, but also turns out to be much sharper and more intelligent than he supposed ) combined with her need for protection and the problems related to her father's work her, trigger a process that manages to bring out from Sebastian his true value and skills.

His respect and esteem for her arises immediately and this changes the balance between them.
He immediately offers her the needed help and so he discovers that in dedicating himself to someone and something he finds the satisfaction and fulfillment that he previously lacked.

If on the one hand he is gratified by all this, the change scares him very much.
He feels vulnerable for the first time, because now he feels that "his well-being depends on someone else's happiness".
---> Being selfish and self-centered is ultimately much easier.
LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING, and even though he behaves like a lovely husband, he refuses to admit that he feels himself in love.
The care that Sebastian gives Evie ( despite the fact that she no longer wants to behave like a wife ) and his unconsciously sweet gestures easily made it easy for the reader to fall in love with him.

WARNING SPOILER ___ ___ There is a moment when she takes off the wedding ring (which is a small protagonist of the story from the beginning), he continues to pretend to be the indifferent asshole who doesn't get hurt by anything, but later on, we will discover that he had hung the ring on a chain around his neck, therefore the object had an intrinsic value to him: it represented the bond with her, their adventure to and in Greta Green and all moments spent together.
So for him, keeping the ring around his neck was like keeping her (and the bond with her) close to his heart... but Evie doesn't know this, she will discover it by chance only later. SPOILER END ___ ___


_____ EVIE and what gives her value: Evie's value lies precisely in her strength of mind and her courage in throwing herself into new situations which ultimately do not give her guarantees, but could be a leap into the void, just to escape an unacceptable family life.
Shyness and a slight stammer, mainly due to the mistreatment suffered in the family by greedy relatives, do not make her popular at social events.
Instead of crying over herself, she rebels against events and reacts.
She doesn't want to be intimidated even by Sebastian's boastfulness, but she wins his respect and obtains his kindness.
The journey to Gretna Green is very long and full of discomfort and yet she never complains, pursuing her goal with clarity and great determination.
She falls in love with Sebastian not only because he is beautiful and, as we will discover, a fabulous lover, but above all because for the first time she experiences what it means to have someone who covers her with attention, takes care of her, cuddles her and makes her feel protected and safe.

During the trip, Evie has the opportunity to see a side of Sebastian that he had never shown to anyone and she will learn to appreciate him also for his desire to get involved in her father business despite having never worked before.

---> What Evie gives Sebastian is "faith" in him and his abilities, something that everyone else continues to deny him despite facts proving the opposite.

---> Obviously Evie also has her fragilities and the fear of falling in love with someone who perhaps sooner or later will betray her is what complicates things.
As I already said above, there is actually a moment in which Evie makes me angry:

WARNING SPOILER ___ ___to protect herself from a strong disappointment in love, she no longer wants to have sexual relations with Sebastian, SPOILER END___ ___ however don't think that after the first 25% of the book, there are no more hot scenes: Sebastian tries in every way to provoke her desire with kisses and touching, intense or amused and inviting looks, barely hinted mischievous smiles ...

--> There is a scene WARNING SPOILER ___ ___ which, although not a complete sexual intercourse, it is anyway sex and she is in ecstasy because of that, so I said to myself: WHAT A KIND OF HYPOCRITE!
Furthermore, she doesn't want make love with him, but when he tries to detach himself from her to overcome the constant temptation, she whines "because no one wants her and everyone has always left her in a corner".
NO GIRL! IT'S YOU WHO ARE DOING THIS TO YOURSELF, YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO WHINY! SPOILER END ___ ___
...luckily this attitude changes thanks to an unexpected dramatic event and all situations are turned upside down again.

__ I ALSO LOVED EVERY MOMENT in which Sebastian enjoyed scandalizing her with risqué topics or words that gentlemen would never say in front of a woman.
It made me laugh too much every time she pointed out: I DON'T LIKE THAT WORD, like a diligent little nun could do and then he usually smiled smugly and topped up the dose.
Then she smiled just as much, accepting the joke and accepting Sebastian's personality in its entirety.
---> These little skirmishes are not only funny to read, but they help to create an intense bond between them two.
A certain playfulness and complicity are born, this strengthens their relationship.

__SIDE CHARACTERS:

--> I adored Cam Rohan, a young half-Irish and half-gypsy man, who not only has the charm of a pirate, but is also intelligent, capable at his job and knows how to prove himself to be a loyal and affectionate friend for Evie and a great help to Sebastian.
He is a secondary character, but he was fundamental to the realization of Sebastian and Evie in a world hostile to them.
____ We have a scene of a kiss between him and the heroine's friend Daisy... don't have any illusions about this couple, but each of the two has a book dedicated to, with a related love story (see at the bottom).
I will definitely read that one telling about Cam Rohan love story : "MINE TILL MIDNIGHT" ( book #1 in The Hathaways series )

---> Lord Westcliff ( Sebastian's former best friend ): ...always serious, always loyal to duty and justice.
Main character in book #2 alongside Lillian, but that one I won't read, because I don't want to go back to an asshole Sebastian. I am happy with everything that is told in this book.
I'm more interested in "A Wallflower Christmas", to read next December. That's book #5 in the series, in which all the characters from the previous books are reunited.

---> Lillian ( Evie's friend ): when she was mentioned I didn't see her as a poor one in a difficult situation, but I disliked her.
Then later her jokes become funny and she proves to Evangelin (Evie) that she is a good friend who can be counted on.

---> the family of villains ... a little exaggerated, they seemed to have come out of the Cinderella fairy tale: a triple stepmother in the role of the 3 uncles and the 2 step sisters concentrated in the character of the slimy cousin.
I suppose it was necessary to be represented in this way in order to justify Evie's proposal to the rake in question, resulting in her escape to Gretna Green

--> the other villain: the perfect expression of a dissatisfied person who is constantly envious of others success, devoured by envy, anger and desire for revenge.

4 CURIOSITIES that the author cleverly inserted into the events: 

1) GAME OF DICE and EXPLANATIONS OF THE CALCULATION OF PROBABILITIES: logic + mathematics ... It was interesting to read how expert croupiers and gamblers make their bets not by relying on chance, but on very precise calculations.
The process is explained just enough to capture the reader's attention without becoming boring.

2) COMBAT AND LEVERS TO LAND THE OPPONENT: Cam explains to Sebastian that to defend himself and defend the place effectively, he must put aside the correct behavior of a lord. To deal with drunks and brawlers and avoid trouble in the shortest possible time, it is necessary to implement some immobilization techniques. Here too a brief explanation and demonstration together with other club employees.

3) BLEEDING TECHNIQUE TO TREAT: obviously leeches are no longer used as in the 18th century, but the doctor brings a special device and explains how the whole procedure works.
What I FOUND UNLIKELY:

WARNING SPOILER ___ ___even though Sebastian was against it thanks to his common sense, the doctor and all the other doctors proposed that solution.
Evie is brave to follow her husband's will, but it is a little absurd that the doctors proposed the wrong thing, while Evie and friends find the "right cure" on their own through the remedies of grandmothers and housekeepers.
...Oh well, after all it's a fiction, let's ignore it. SPOILER END ___ ___

4) A PARTICULAR VARIANT OF SMALLPOX. I didn't know there were various types of smallpox, much less that the disease attacked the brain and could show itself through symptoms of confusion and madness.

These little notions have somehow enriched my knowledge and given a little added value to the author's writing style and the plot of the book.

CONCLUSION: is it worth reading? If you are looking for a beautiful love story full of sensuality, a little adventure and action, feelings (including friendship, loyalty, spirit of sacrifice), irony and lightness combined with moments of drama, the answer is yes!
If you are romance-addicted, then ABSOLUTELY YES!

---> I find the whole story interesting from start to finish.

Oh my goodness, such a long review!
I suppose I needed to share my enthusiasm... well, if you've read this far, thank you for your patience and interest in my opinion.
English is not my native language, but I hope I managed to write in an understandable way and that my thoughts can be useful to you in choosing or rejecting this novel :-)

Join me on FB Tizi Cozy Corner page to be always updated on new posts

------******************-------

LIBRO disponibile anche in EDIZIONE LINGUA ITALIANA, leggi la mia recensione !

Peccati d'Inverno
di Lisa Kleypas
My rating: ★★★★★
Genere: Regency Romance
5 STELLE PIENE !! :-D

Caspita, decisamente, non il mio solito tipo di lettura... Son stata colta di sorpresa, dato che non sapevo che tipo di scrittrice di romanzi rosa fosse Lisa Kleypas, ho scelto qualcosa di romantico che avesse molte recensioni positive, senza la più pallida idea al riguardo...
E' un Romance dalle scene molto calde e sensuali, dove non sto a dirvi cosa c'è e cosa non c'è ...perchè c'è tutto ! L'autrice non si è risparmiata nelle descrizioni ed è decisamente adatto solo ad adulti.

Ma non è per questo che ho dato 5 stelle:

----> Dal mio punto di vista, infatti, il libro è ben scritto e la storia mi è piaciuta tantissimo,  perché oltre al tema su cui "sembra" focalizzarsi principalmente il libro, ovvero le scene intime calde e sexy, l'autrice è stata brava ad inserire altri elementi emozionali e trame parallele, che s'intrecciano alla storia d'amore dei due protagonisti e che mantengono il lettore coinvolto con un turbinio di emozioni che vanno dal divertimento alla suspense, dalla tristezza alla tensione per situazioni pericolose, dall'insofferenza nei confronti dei cattivi alla felicità per una nuova chance di vita...

---> Come ho già detto non un'esperta di romance e in particolare non di quelli con scene di sesso esplicite, che di solito scarto, ma non per bigotteria, semplicemente perchè "il troppo annoia" ( penserei lo stesso se il libro fosse stato sulla cioccolata che adoro o su qualsiasi altra cosa, se dall'inizio alla fine il tema si ripete in continuazione ed è sempre e solo fine a se stesso ). 
---> La storia d'amore per me diventa coinvolgente e davvero piacevole da leggere se il lettore viene coinvolto anche da altri elemnti che lo tengono continuamente in suspense stuzzicandone la curiosità e inducendolo a fare supposizioni e congetture, a sperare per una soluzione o per l'altra, girando continuamente le pagine con la brama di sapere cosa succederà l'attimo dopo.
---> Qui l'autrice ha avuto pieno successo nel mantenere vivo l'interesse di una lettrice,la sottoscritta, che solitamente scarta questo tipo di letture !

_______ LA TRAMA ___ Londra, 1843.Nel disperato tentativo di sfuggire ai suoi intriganti parenti, Evangeline Jenner , una zitella 23 enne che cerca disperatamente di sfuggire a parenti maneschi, che vogliono derubarla della  futura eredità facendola sposare al loro figlio viscido e stupido, trova l'unica soluzione possibile nel proporsi in moglie al più famigerato mascalzone di Londra: il Visconte Sebastian St. Vincent, un trentenne donnaiolo il cui padre ha sperperato tutto il patrimonio.Il vantaggio per lei è sfuggire ai familiari che la maltrattano e la tengono prigioniera, il vantaggio per lui è che sarà nuovamente ricco e potrà soddisfare i creditori del padre.
Per sposarsi immediatamente devono raggiungere il villaggio di Gretna Green, in Scozia, famoso per i matrimoni di coppie che non hanno il permesso dei genitori.
Lei pone come condizione, che si concederà  a lui solo la prima notte di nozze ( per convalidare il matrimonio che diversamente sarebbe considerato nullo ), poi si dedicherà alle cure del padre morente, che l'aveva lasciata da piccola e sarà indipendente con la sua parte di soldi.
Lui accetta la condizione posta da lei con contentezza, perchè passare più di una notte con la stessa donna lo annoia da morire.
Partono dunque la notte stessa e insieme al viaggio comincia anche la loro avventura di vita.
Ma Sebastian è davvero il bastardo mascalzone che sembra oppure in fondo anche lui ha un cuore?
...Ed Evangeline, Evie per gli amici, riuscirà a tenere a distanza un uomo di cui si sta davvero innamorando ?

----------------

I MIEI PENSIERI MENTRE LEGGEVO : -->  Comincio col dire che fin ora ero abituata a trame che, nel loro svolgimento, seguivano questo più o meno queste tappe:
incontro dei 2 protagonisti + antipatia e/o avversità + superamento dei problemi * bacio  + altri problemi + soluzione definitiva + finalmente momento dolce e intimo tra i protagonisti + vissero felici e contenti.

--> Bene, questo romanzo comincia con l'incontro dei due protagonisti che già si conoscono superficialmente  ( si sono incontrati nei libri precedenti della serie ), stringono un patto, ne segue un viaggio che non è un corteggiamento ma è talmente bello e dolce da leggere che può equivalere al corteggiamento in cui i protagonisti cominciano a prendere confidenza tra loro.

--> Il matrimonio offre spunti divertenti e confesso che ero anche in tensione per paura che qualcuno dei "villains" lo fermasse.

--> Tutto ok e abbiamo "un intero capitolo" sulla meravigliosa notte di nozze che NON DELUDERA' nessuna delle lettrici romantiche...... Fin qui siamo al 25% del libro e il mio pensiero fu : E ORA ? HO GIà LETTO TUTTO CIò CHE DI SOLITO SI SVOLGE NELL'ARCO DI UN INTERO LIBRO... temevo davvero che il libro sarebbe proseguito con un susseguirsi di qualche scaramuccia e scene intime fino ad averne la nausea... 

ECCO CHE INVECE ARRIVA LA BOMBA :
mentre i mi aspettavo che i problemi sarebbero arrivati dai familiari stronzi o che Sebastian fosse davvero il bastardo mascalzone che lui stesso e la sua brutta fama proclamavano, è proprio lei a rovinare tutto con la sua testardaggine e le sue decisioni a senso unico.

-----> Oltre allo screzio tra i due sposi entrano nelle trama nuove dinamiche, vicende dolorose, nuove sfide inattese, momenti d'azione e nuovi personaggi che avranno un ruolo molto importante nel corso degli eventi. 
----> Inoltre ogni volta che sembra che una certa difficoltà stia per essere superata appianando il cammino dei due giovani ecco che entra in gioco un nuovo elemento emozionale che rivoluzione nuovamente i piani dei nostri eroi. 
In tutto questo turbinio di eventi vengono messe in rilievo non solo l'attrazione che Sebastian ed Evie hanno l'uno per l'altra e il loro desiderio, ma anche i sentimento profondo che si sta creando grazie all'appoggio che ognuno da all'altro nel superare momenti critici in cui a volte la loro vita stessa è a rischio.

PERSONAGGI : LUI E LEI __  mi sono piaciuti entrambi anche se devo ammettere che per 5 minuti, durante la storia, l'ho trovata un po' ipocrita, troppo cocciuta e troppo frignona, per fortuna poi si è riscattata...spiego meglio sotto.

___ PERSONAGGIO: SEBASTIAN e la sottotrama che rende interessante la sua personalità: 
dalla storia emerge la sua natura non era così egoista e sprezzante come sembra dai libri precedenti, di base l'indole del ragazzo era buona, ma avendo perso, in età molto giovane, madre e sorelle che ne avevano cura con affetto, era cresciuto in maniera superficiale con un padre egoista e scialacquatore, non certo il migliore degli esempi. 
La grande bellezza di cui era dotato portava le donne a buttarglisi ai piedi, ne conseguiva grande sicurezza in se stesso, arroganza e noia. ( come dite? Certo, sono d'accordo, non è comunque da giustificare !!! Essere stronzi è una scelta, non si sono scuse che engano !)

IN REALTà, man mano che leggiamo la storia, CI RENDIAMO CONTO CHE LA CAUSA DI QUESTO MODO DI FARE è LA MANCANZA DI UNO SCOPO, DI QUALCOSA A CUI DEDICARSI E DI UN TRAGUARDO DA RAGGIUNGERE.

L'arrivo di Evie, non solo più bella di quanto lui avesse mai notato, ma anche molto più acuta ed intelligente di quanto lui supponesse, unito al bisogno di protezione di lei e ai problemi legati al lavoro del padre di lei, innescano un processo che riesce a tirare fuori da Sebastian il suo vero valore e capacità.

Il rispetto e la stima di lui nei confronti di lei cominciano da subito e questo cambia gli equilibri. Lui le offre aiuto e scopre che nel dedicarsi a qualcuno e a qualcosa trova la soddisfazione e il completamento che prima gli mancavano. 
LA SUA BATTAGLIA INTERIORE: Se da una parte è gratificato da tutto ciò, il cambiamento lo spaventa, si sente vulnerabile per la prima volta, perchè ora sente che "il suo star bene dipende dalla felicità di qualcun altro".

---> Essere egoisti ed egocentrici in fondo è molto più facile, l'amore cambia tutto e pur comportandosi da innamorato rifiuta di ammettere che prova questo sentimento.La cura che Sebastian ha per Evie, nonostante lei non voglia più comportarsi da moglie e i suoi gesti inconsapevolmente dolci, mi hanno facilmente fatta innamorare di lui.

ATTENZIONE SPOILER ___ ___ C'è un momento in cui lei toglie l'anello di matrimonio ( che fin dall'inizio è un piccolo protagonista della storia ), lui continua a fingere di essere lo stronzo indifferente che non rimane ferito da nulla, invece più avanti scopriamo che aveva appeso l'anello ad una catenina al suo collo, ergo per lui l'oggetto aveva un valore intrinseco, rappresentava  il legame con lei, la loro avventura a Greta Green e i bei momenti trascorsi insieme. Dunque per lui tenere l'anello al collo era come tenere lei (e il legame con lei) vicino al cuore...ma Evie questo non lo sa, lo scoprirà casualmente solo più avanti. FINE SPOILER ___ ___

__ PERSONAGGIO _ EVIE e ciò che le da valore: ogni libro di questa serie mostra come ognuna della 4 ragazze che per più di una stagione londinese sono state solo wallflower, riesce a riscattare la propria esistenza e a trovare il vero amore.
Il valore di Evie sta proprio nella sua forza d'animo e nel suo coraggio nel buttarsi in nuove situazione che in fondo non le danno garanzie, ma potrebbero essere un salto nel vuoto.
E' una ragazza che viene lasciata in ombra dagli altri a causa della timidezza e di una leggera balbuzie, dovuta soprattutto ai maltrattamenti subiti in famiglia dagli avidi parenti.
Invece di piangere su sé stessa, si ribella agli eventi e reagisce. Non vuole farsi intimidire nemmeno dalla sbruffoneria di Sebastian, conquistandone così la stima e ottenendone la gentilezza.
Il viaggio a Gretna Green è molto lungo e colmo di scomodità eppure lei non si lamenta mai , perseguendo il suo obiettivo con lucidità e grande decisione.

S'innamora di Sebastian non perchè è bellissimo e, come scopriremo, un favoloso amante, ma perchè per la prima volta sperimenta ciò che significa avere qualcuno che la copre di attenzioni, si prende cura di lei, la coccola  e la fa sentire protetta e al sicuro.
Evie durante il viaggio ha l'opportunità di vedere un aspetto che Sebastian che lui non aveva mai mostrato a nessuno e imparerà ad apprezzarlo anche per la sua voglia di mettersi in gioco nonostante non abbia mai lavorato prima d'allora.
---> Ciò che Evie regala a Sebastian è la "fiducia", sia come partner sia nelle sue capacità, qualcosa che tutti gli altri continuavano a negargli nonostante i fatti dimostrassero il contrario.
---> Ovviamente anche Evie ha le sua fragilità e la paura di innamorarsi di qualcuno che forse prima o poi la tradirà è ciò che complica le cose da una parte, ma che forse crea anche le basi per un impegno reciproco solido, nonostante la vita non possa mai dare certezze assolute.  Come ho già detto sopra, effettivamente c'è un momento in cui Evie mi fa arrabbiare: per proteggere sé stessa da una forte delusione amorosa, non vuole più avere rapporti sessuali con Sebastian, tuttavia non pensate che dopo il primo 25% del libro non ci sia più nulla : Sebastian cerca in tutti i modi di creare desiderio in lei, i baci non erano compresi nel patto e oltre agli sfioramenti, agli sguardi, ai sorrisi, ai baci caldi c'è una scena ATTENZIONE SPOILER ___ ___ che pur non essendo un rapporto sessuale completo, è comunque sesso e lei è praticamente in estasi per cui io mi son detta : CHE RAZZA DI IPOCRITA !  Inoltre lei non vuole concedersi a lui, ma quando lui cerca di distaccarsi da lei  per superare la tentazione continua, lei frigna " perché nessuno la vuole e tutti l'hanno sempre lasciata in un angolo " . EH NO RAGAZZA ! SEI TU CHE STAI FACENDO QUESTO A TE STESSA, NON HAI DIRITTO DI FRIGNARE ! FINE SPOILER ___ ___
...Per fortuna questo atteggiamento cambia grazie ad un evento drammatico inaspettato e tutte le situazioni vengono nuovamente mette sotto sopra.

_LUI E LEI__ HO ADORATO INOLTRE OGNI MOMENTO in cui lui si divertiva a scandalizzarla con argomenti osé o parole che i gentiluomini non direbbero mai davanti ad una donna.  Mi faceva troppo ridere ogni volta che lei puntualizzava : I DON'T LIKE THAT WORD ( non mi piace quella parola ),  come una piccola e diligente suorina e lui sorrideva compiaciuto e rincalzava la dose. A quel punto lei sorrideva altrettanto, accettando lo scherzo e accettando la personalità di Sebastian nella sua interezza. IN QUESTO LEI MI è PIACIUTA MOLTO.

---> Queste piccole schermaglie non solo sono divertenti, ma contribuiscono a creare un legame intenso tra loro.
Si creano una certa giocosità e complicità, che rafforza il loro rapporto. 
Evie mi è piaciuta anche quando mostra di rispettare a pieno la volontà del marito nel momento in cui il dottore proponeva una soluzione che andava contro ogni buon senso, ma che al tempo era una pratica molto diffusa tra i medici.
Sebastian non voleva sottoporsi a quel procedimento e Evie, combattuta tra la volontà del marito e  l'opinione professionale del medico, decide di rispettare la volontà del marito( vedi sotto al punto in cui parlo del SALASSO ).

__PERSONAGGI DI CONTORNO : 

--> Cam Rohan, impiegato nel club del gioco d'azzardo: giovane mezzo irlandese e mezzo zingaro, che non solo ha il fascino da pirata, ma è anche intelligente, capace nel suo lavoro e sa dimostrarsi un amico leale ed affettuoso per Evie che, conoscendolo sin da piccolo, lo considera un fratello.
Naturalmente ciò indispone Sebastian, ma Cam non fa mai nulla per mettersi tra marito e moglie, anzi con modi non convenzionali aiuta St. Vincent ad inserirsi i un mondo che non gli apparteneva e a farsi rispettare da coloro che lo ritenevano un intruso non abbastanza forte, emotivamente e caratterialmente, per sostenere quella situazione e quel tipo di lavoro.
E' un personaggio secondario, ma è stato fondamentale per la realizzazione di Sebastian ed Evie in un mondo a loro ostile.
DIFFICILE NON INNAMORARSI DI LUI e sarà con lui protagonista, che più avanti leggerò nuovamente Lisa Kleypas!
____ Abbiamo una scena di un bacio tra lui e l'amica dell'eroina, ma per questa coppia non fatevi illusioni: ognuno dei due ha un romanzo dedicato, con relativa storia d'amore. ( Daisy è nel libro 4 della serie Wallflowers : Scandalo in primavera; Cam è nel libro 1 della serie Hathaways, con il titolo Fino a mezzanotte ).

---> Lord Westcliff, ex amico del protagonistatenebroso, sempre serio e ligio al dovere e alla giustizia.
  Protagonista nel libro #2 insieme a Lillian. Non lo leggerò, perché non mi va di tornare ad un Sebastian stronzo. Sono contenta di tutto ciò che viene raccontato nel libro presente.

---> Lillian, amica della protagonista e neo-moglie di Lord Westcliff: quando veniva nominata per gli eventi concernenti il libro precedente, non la vedevo come una vittima, ma mi stava antipatica.
Poi successivamente le sue battute divertenti me l'hanno resa più simpatica. Lei dimostra ad Evangelin ( Evie ) di essere una buona amica, su cui si può contare.

---> La famiglia dei cattivi: un po' esagerati, sembravano usciti dalla favola di cenerentola: una tripla matrigna nei panni dei 3 zii e le 2 sorellastre concentrate nel personaggio del viscido cugino.
Suppongo fosse necessario essere rappresentati in questo modo per poter giustificare la proposta di Evie al rake di turno con conseguente fuga a Gretna Green.

--> L'altro cattivo: la perfetta espressione della persona scontenta e costantemente invidiosa del successo altrui, divorato dall'invidia, dalla rabbia e dal desiderio di vendetta.

___ LOCATION :

---> Gretna Green ___ le lettrici di romance conoscono già questa località. Per chi non lo sa dirò semplicemente che questa cittadina scozzese, vicino al confine con l'Inghilterra, divenne famosa in passato per i matrimoni delle coppie in fuga, che non avevano il consenso dei genitori.
Qui non era nemmeno necessario andare in chiesa, i matrimoni potevano essere celebrati da chiunque, anche se  per lo più i posti dove venivano celebrati i matrimoni erano i fabbri. I documenti che venivano preparati immediatamente e la presenza di 2 testimoni era sufficiente per confutare il matrimonio. Unica clausola per evitare l'annullamento era consumare il matrimonio subito alla prima notte di nozze ( per questo i fabbri non solo avevano tutto l'occorrente, ma disponevano anche di una stanza per la prima notte ).
La scena del matrimonio è molto divertente e la prima notte di nozze molto calda e sensuale.

---> Club di gioco d'azzardo ___ non mi piaceva inizialmente che l'autrice facesse prendere in mano questo lavoro a Sebastian...ma perlomeno lo ha reso più accettabile facendo togliere prostitute e mandandole in un luogo vicino dedicato a quell'attività. "In un certo qual modo" il protagonista pian piano lo trasformerà in un club rispettabile( metto tra virgolette, perchè ovviamente si tratta sempre di gioco d'azzardo che comunque non è legale e sia in passato che al giorno d'oggi è un vizio che rovina la vita delle persone, per cui per me non è accettabile ).

____ 4 CURIOSITA' che l'autrice ha inserito abilmente in mezzo agli eventi: 

1) SPIEGAZIONI DEL CALCOLO DELLE PROBABILITà: logica + matematica ...è stato interessante leggere come i croupiers e i giocatori d'azzardo esperti, facciano le loro puntato non affidandosi al caso, ma a calcoli ben precisi.
Il procedimento viene spiegato quanto basta per catturare l'attenzione del lettore senza scadere nella noia.

2) COMBATTIMENTO E LEVE PER ATTERRARE AVVERSARIO: Cam spiega a Sebastian che per difendersi e difendere il locale in maniera efficace, deve mettere da parte il comportamento corretto da lord. Per fronteggiare ubriachi e attaccabrighe ed evitare guai nel più breve tempo possibile, è necessario infatti mettere in atto alcune tecniche di immobilizzazione. Anche qui una breve spiegazione e dimostrazione insieme ad altri impiegati del club.

3) TECNICA  DEL SALASSO PER CURARE: ovviamente non sono più usate le sanguisughe come nel 700, ma il dottore porta un apparecchio apposito e spiega come funziona tutto il procedimento.
Ciò CHE HO TROVATO IMPROBABILE : nonostante Sebastian si opponesse grazie al suo buon senso, il dottore e tutti gli altri dottori proponevano quella soluzione.
Evie è coraggiosa a seguire la volontà del marito, ma è un poco assurdo che i dottori proponessero una  cosa sbagliata, mentre Evie e amici trovano da soli la "giusta cura" attraverso i rimedi di nonne e governanti ...mah !..eh vabbè, in fondo è una fiction, sorvoliamo.

4) UNA PARTICOLARE VARIANTE DI VAIOLO. Non sapevo ci fossero vari tipi di vaiolo, ne tanto meno che la malattia attaccasse il cervello e potesse mostrarsi attraverso sintomi di confusione e pazzia.
Queste piccole nozioni hanno in qualche modo arricchito la mia conoscenza e dato un piccolo valore aggiunto allo stile di scritture dell'autrice  alla trama del libro.

CONCLUSIONE : vale la pena leggerlo ? Se cercate una bella storia d'amore ricca di sensualità, un poco di avventura e azione, sentimenti ( tra cui anche amicizia, lealtà, spirito di sacrificio ), ironia e leggerezza unita a momenti di drammaticità, la risposta è si !
Se siete romance-addicted, assolutamente si !

Trovo tutta la storia interessante dall'inizio alla fine.
L'unica differenza tra i romanzi normali ( diciamo così ) è che trattandosi di un romanzo dai toni caldi, le parti in cui i protagonisti hanno dei rapporti vengono raccontate per filo e per segno. Se noi abbreviassimo quelle parti, vi assicuro che non rimarrebbe una storia vuota, bensì rimarrebbe una storia ugualmente dolce ed avvincente ed è questo ciò che apprezzo di più.

Ringrazio chiunque abbia letto la mia recensione con interesse, spero possa essere utile nella scelta o meno del romanzo.
Non sempre i libri che leggo hanno la corrispondente edizione italiana, ma se volete rimanere aggiornati potete seguirmi sulla mia PAGINA FB: Tizi Cozy Corner .