In keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme on Plain Talk, I thought I’d review a few romance novels. I barely read romance novels because I find that the females are portrayed as helpless and too dependant on the men. It pisses me off that women have come so far yet we are still portrayed as weaklings in some novels. Keep in mind that those novels are written by women, and that the romance category has been the biggest, most popular, best selling category since the days of Mills & Boon. With that said, the words expressed are simply my views, and not all romance novels I’ve read portray women in that way.
Little Miss Independent by Julia Templeton
Synopsis
Adelaide Bruce was just a girl in braids when her brother’s best friend, Naval Captain Lord Drayton, left for war. Now, five years later, Lord Drayton has returned to London with hideous battle scars that have made him a social pariah. Adelaide doesn’t see Roan’s wounds, but rather the man she has always secretly loved. Although she has been courted by a handsome lord with marriage on his mind, it is Roan she secretly desires.
Roan is stunned when he is reacquainted with Addy Bruce. In the years that have passed, Addy has grown into a true beauty and the toast of the ton. He is not sure which surprises him more—her transformation, or the fact she is the only woman who treats him as though his scars do not exist. When Roan learns of Addy’s engagement to a rival, he must move fast…or lose her forever.
My Review
I simply loved this book. It is a short novella, and it covers everything that is needed to for the reader to care about the characters. Our lead, Adelaide is feisty and not afraid to go after what she wants. I loved that she stood up to her brother, who was all set to marry her off to the suitor of his choice. This is sort of a historical romance because back in those days, especially with aristocrats, young females were married off to secure their family’s future. Little Miss Independent had heart and romance. It made me laugh and tugged at my heartstrings. It was very well written.
Sisters In Love by Melissa Foster
Synopsis
Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.
Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best.
When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn’t the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free.
My Review
This was not my cup of tea, I couldn’t connect with the characters, and got tired of the “day in the life of”. This is not a reflection on the writing it’s just my preference. I felt the sisters were boring and they acted more like teenagers rather and successful adults. The men in the book had a whole lot more substance and confidence, which was attractive but not enough for me to enjoy the book or care about the characters.
I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for this book or I’d have to ask for my money back.
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