Lynne Connolly

The Making of a Marquess
3 Stars

Benedict Thorpe, the long-lost heir to the Marquessate of Belstead, returns home after seven years in the American colonies to find that his cousin has squandered his inheritance and seeks to have him declared dead. Attending a house party at the Thorpe estate, Miss Dorethea Rowland has her own reasons for helping Ben prove his identity, but when a series of accidents threaten their plans, Ben and Dorethea realize that their feelings run deeper than they thought.

Series note: While this is book #2 in the series, there is no connection to book #1 other than Dorethea's membership in the SSL. As such, this installment can be read as a standalone.

Despite the appealing characters and sexy romance, there are several problems with the writing and the plotting that undermine an otherwise promising book.

To begin with, the book description does not match the facts of the story. Ben is not American; he does not seduce Dorothea when he catches her in his room, and they do not enter into a fake betrothal ... did the person who wrote the blurb actually read the book?

Second, there are numerous language errors and descriptive inconsistencies. For example, the titles of nobility for Dorothea and Honoria are inaccurate. Dorothea is first introduced as "Lady Dorothea Rowland", but as the daughter of a viscount, she is the "Honorable Miss Rowland". Yes, this is correct in the rest of the text, but it is jarring nonetheless.

Similarly, Honoria is addressed at times as "Lady Honoria" and at other times as "Mrs. Thorpe". As the daughter of a duke, the former is correct despite her marriage to a commoner. Given Honoria's nature, it is also more appropriate as she is preoccupied with social status.

Examples of other discrepancies include a referenced meeting between two characters in a garden, which does not appear in the text (perhaps the scene was deleted?), and a scream heard from the library even though it is clearly stated that the character did not cry out.

In terms of the actual story, there are far too many glaring plot holes - why does Ben give his estranged cousin power of attorney? Why is his identity questioned so strongly when everyone clearly recognizes him? Why would the family solicitor give Louis original documents once Ben had returned? Why would Louis not destroy these documents that proved Ben's legitimacy? Once the King had determined Ben's status as the rightful Marquess, why would the Lord Chancellor gainsay it (this would never happen - no one contradicts the king!)? I could go on, but I won't ...

Suffice it to say that the book has a great deal of potential as Ben and Dorothea's romance is delightful, but the book is in desperate need of a proper editor!… (mer)

The Girl with the Pearl Pin
4 Stars

In order to protect an innocent young woman accused of theft, London's most eligible bachelor, the Duke of Leomore, announces to one and all that she is his fianćee. While shy and sweet Phoebe North acknowledges and accepts that Leo's attentions are simply a ruse until the actual culprit is apprehended, she desperately wishes that the proposal were real - especially once his flirtation turns to passion.

The idea of an investigative organization comprised of women on the fringes of society beyond the attention of the ton, i.e., wallflowers, companions, governesses, spinsters and poor relations, has tremendous potential. Unfortunately, the Society for Single Ladies plays such a minor role in the story as to be non-existent, which is very disappointing.

Nevertheless, the rest of the book, focusing on Leo and Phoebe's romance, is delightful due to their obvious emotional connection and sizzling chemistry. Leo's affection for and protection of Phoebe are evident from the start and make him a particularly appealing hero. While my preference is usually for more forceful heroines, Phoebe grows in confidence throughout the story, and her strength and resilience in coping with her disability are admirable. That said, it would have been even better if she had confronted her mother regarding her favoritism toward her obnoxious sister and put said sister more firmly in her place.

While the mystery takes a back seat to the romance, it has its exciting moments and the resolution is exceedingly satisfying as the culprit gets their just desserts.

Overall, an excellent beginning to the series and I look forward to continuing.… (mer)

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Title: Captive Hearts
Author(s): L.M. Connolly
Character(s):
― Scarlett Woodward: Gray Eyed
― Ethan Black: Black, Blue Eyed
Setting: London, England
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: ―
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: ―
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
After reading one chapter I had already knew this wasn't a keeper. The characters and their relationship was too instant for me, the storyline was dull and boring, and I felt not one ounce of remorse when I decided to drop this series. Wasn't worth the time nor energy to finish something I wasn't able to connect with.

… (mer)

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 Stars)
Title: Racing Hearts
Author(s): L.M. Connolly
Character(s):
― Georgia Trent: Red, Green Eyed
― Ronan Miller: Blue Eyed
Setting: ―
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
I'm not too sure what it was about this but it just didn't do it for me. The premise drew me in and the ideal of a strong female lead that participate in a “man's sport” was an interesting concept but overall, it was bland and the relationship between the leads escalated faster than I would have liked. Not even ¼ I into the series, I found myself skimming through a few pages to see if anything would motivate me to keep reading and unfortunately nada. Lacking the passion to finish the read, I've decided to drop the series.

… (mer)