The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker book review

 

The Dreaming Beauty

by

Anneka R. Walker  

Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love...

Tansy White doesn't want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts' suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.

Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother's estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she makes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their past, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams. . . or their fate?

 

My Review: 5/10

 I found the setting and history interesting, and it gave a fresh spin on a fairy tale retelling. I was also pleased that it was more inspired by Sleeping Beauty and didn't follow the well worn path of that story too closely.

That said, I didn't connect much with the story or the characters. The whole premise of how Tansy and Marcus met was unbelievable to me. I am not a fan of love triangles in general, but I have a particular distaste for when they involve siblings. I appreciated that Simon showed such care and respect for his younger step brother - it was so refreshing! And then, like a page later, Marcus does not remotely show him the same love and loyalty in return. Not cool. Made it hard for me to root for them.

Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell book review

Edward and Amelia

by

Karen Thornell  

 

The last thing Amelia Kennington wants is to participate in the London Season. But the daughter of a duke is not afforded such opinions. She must put forth a subdued facade, but beneath it is a well-hidden fire that surfaces only when provoked—such as when an overly familiar gentleman startles her and she falls into the Serpentine.

Edward Drayton, the Earl of Norwich, has gained a reputation as Society’s most decorated rake. And while there are benefits to such a reputation, it no longer gives him the satisfaction it once did. This Season, he plans to find a wife—except she seems to find him instead. And she is nothing like he expected.

Scandal is inevitable following Edward and Amelia’s ill-conceived meeting, forcing them to marry. Amelia’s disdain for this man she hardly knows is more than clear, and Edward’s pride is wounded before their marriage has even truly begun. Yet, against all odds, the two slowly let their guard down, discovering the truth of who they married. But when Society gossip, a sister’s jealousy, and long-held secrets threaten their budding relationship, the unlikely couple must determine if their unconventional love is strong enough to withstand the opposition they face.

 

 

My review: 5/10

Edward and Amelia's story falls into two of the most common traps for the romance genre:  1. over the top and drawn out drama threatening to tear them apart over jealousy and 2. a giant wedge driven between them called The Big Misunderstanding (which is unveiled and unraveled, to reveal that our hero is really noble after all, naturally).

These things serve to drive the plot, keeping our two star crossed lovers apart until the time is right (read: the very end). But I'm not into the ugly drama, the angst, the emotional extremes... and what's more, I don't think they're necessary to connect with the characters - to make you root for them, to be invested in their happy ending.

I was especially frustrated because it started so well. Edward really is obnoxious in a great way. He is not easy to like, let alone love. He has a past, is unrepentant, and pretty shallow. His actions and thought processes were believably aggravating (and funny). I thought this was a fantastic set up for some great character growth and bonding.

It took a turn around the halfway point however. Out of place pining. Inappropriate questions from strangers that are met, not with a set down or at least a guarded reply, but with (IMO) unwise vulnerability. And don't even get me started on Miss Brooks. That whole situation was painful and frustrating to read.

I so wanted to like this book. I can't recommend it, but will try future books by this author.