Liz FieldingCritiques
Auteur de Un bonheur à saisir
Critiques
Wild Justice par Liz Fielding
This book has been on my interest list for a few months, though I forget how I found out about it. Surfing Amazon I suspect, but at any rate it looked interesting. Then of course it had a look a like, trading places, hiding in plain sight etc etc and it moved up my list of romances to buy. Though almost more than the romance herein, I enjoyed the counterplay between Annie and George. Even before mutual attraction enters the bargain the two of them spark off each other in a wholly wonderful way.
George doesn't come off as a guy you want to cuddle with--his first interaction with Annie is fraught with tension, anger and family issues that she stumbled into unwittingly. They both come off on entirely the wrong foot in fact--she seems like a complete dunce, with no common sense or brains to give her life and he is a brute. She doesn't back down. And this is important to note because part of the reason she was escaping her 'Lady Rose' life was because she couldn't find the voice to tell her Grandfather that she wanted her own life.
Their time together is considered a whirlwind, at best, but Annie's innate sense of righting wrongs and helping people has her unconsciously trying to 'fix' George's problems with his daughter, his father, his life. George, beyond lust, is suspicious of Annie, but wants to protect her. Learn about her. Save her from whatever she was running from.
I liked the fact that Fielding had a definite 'tone' for Annie that was distinctly different from the other characters. Even as she relaxed and became a more 'ordinary' girl, her phraseology and gestures made it abundantly clear that she was born royalty. Born learning to be diplomatic, consoling, confident. After George figures things out she even uses it to her advantage, purposely teasing him.
The secondary characters--Hetty (George's mom), Xandra (George's daughter) and George (George's dad) were given less fleshing/embellishing, but weren't just ornaments to the story. Xandra was the teenager from hell, and the relationship between her and George was tidied up a little too nicely, but its Christmas. You get to have tidy bows in Christmas stories.
The companion novel, that talks about Annie's double (Lydia)'s adventures in the desert will certainly be interesting to read. Lydia, from the brief time we saw her, was much more down to earth, so it will be interesting to see how exactly she responds to 'royal' life. Plus we'll get to see what happened when she disappeared.
I liked Abby as a main character and enjoyed the relationships she had with those in her community. Due to the circumstances of her ex-husband's death, she has had to deal with some nasty rumours and fallout, but the community has come together to show their support to her and her family. When she discovers that others are being threatened, she realizes there is a whole layer working beneath the town of which she was unaware and soon that threat affects her personally. I enjoyed learning about the other members of the community through her interactions with them as she investigated the murders and really liked the fact she didn't put herself or anyone else in danger by doing so. She just took advantage of the opportunities when they arose. There are quite a few characters in this book and there seemed to be this assumption that the reader was familiar with the first book just by the way the characters interacted, as if you were already on intimate terms with them.
The mystery itself was quite good, but then I like a story about blackmail as I always wonder how far someone will go to protect their secrets, and that is exactly what this book was about. Yes, I was able to figure out the mystery quite early, but enjoyed it for its own sake. I liked how the author intertwined Abby's family issues within the mystery as her kids were dealing with their first Christmas without their dad. I was not a fan of Abby's relationship as I felt like that was unnecessary drama, stirred up for the sake of just adding more drama and the whole thing felt forced. Not my favourite part of the book.
Verdict
Murder Under the Mistletoe is a good story about blackmail and how far you can push someone before they finally give in under the pressure. It's interesting as I was just watching a new Poirot film about this very same thing, and the result always seems to be the same, desperation. The overall flow of the book was somewhat off, but the mix of dialogue and description was good, and I definitely enjoyed all the Christmas scenes. I do feel that readers would benefit from reading the first book before reading this one however, so go, take a look, and enjoy Murder Under the Roses.
The first death was certainly an accident on both counts. The real rotter was a pompous a$$ who was also a serial blackmailer and a serial widower. Abby Finch gets involved even before the real victim turns up his toes, but her garden business and horticultural knowledge nearly put her in the frame in spite of having three school age children. Great cozy mystery with intelligent sleuthing, well drawn characters, and some really wow surprises. This is only second in series but the past is clearly defined.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Whew! So much going on, but this means the story is never dull. I will admit that I was a bit annoyed with Abby at the start of the book because she wasn't standing up to Howard, but as the story progressed, everything was explained, and by the end of the book I realized that she had really grown on me. The mystery itself had many, many twists and turns leading to the big reveal at the end, and I can honestly say that I was completely surprised!
I highly recommend this cozy mystery - 5/5 stars!
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Liz Fielding for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I liked Honey and Lucien’s chemistry, too, but I just felt like I needed something more going on here. Maybe a more tangible reason for their initial animosity? Some conflict in the village that had them on opposite sides for a while longer than they were or a project they were forced to work together on? I don’t know, really, I just craved a little more plot of some sort but I’ve felt that way about a number of books over the last year or so, so it could be more of a me thing than a true issue with this story.
Another thing aside from the handling of the PTSD that set this contemporary romance apart in a good way was the setting, full of nature and time spent in the garden and chapter headings about flowers, etc., you could totally understand why Honey and Lucien found it such a soothing place to be.
Ten years later, Chloe has broken with her parents and is living life on her terms. While saving every penny to finance her dream, Chloe works multiple jobs, including as a chambermaid at a luxury Paris hotel. She's shocked when the room's inhabitant shows up, and it's her old boyfriend, James! Panicking, she ran from the hotel, devastated that he saw how low she'd fallen. Meanwhile, James was motionless with shock, and by the time he recovered, she was gone. Not to be deterred, the next morning, he discovered where she lived and went to see her. Their reunion was even more passionate than their teenage relationship had been. The chemistry between them was explosive and undeniable.
I enjoyed watching the rekindling of Chloe and James's relationship. It was sweet, emotional, frustrating, and heartbreaking. In the years since they last saw each other, Chloe took control of her life, determined that no one would ever have the power to tell her what to do or control what she did. James walked away from school and pursued his dream of becoming a chef after a fruitless search for Chloe. He now has a Michelin-starred restaurant, an upcoming book, and a possible television show. James is determined that Chloe will return to London with him and pulls out all the stops to convince her.
Seeing him romance her with sightseeing in Paris, romantic dinners, and fun activities was sweet. Chloe soaks up the time with him, determined to enjoy every minute. But both have issues that create obstacles to their happy ever after. I very quickly wanted to grab James and shake him. He has so many grand plans for them, but he never once stops to discuss them with Chloe. When she tries to protest, he steamrolls past her objections. Chloe has spent years shoring up her confidence and ability to stand on her own two feet, and she isn't about to give up that independence, even for James.
The moment of truth came when Chloe put her foot down and refused to go along with his plans. Harsh words are exchanged when Chloe calls James on his controlling attitude and actions. I felt his shock and anger when she compared him to her father and his hurt that she felt that way. He lashed out with his own accusations, such as telling her she's still letting her father affect her life. I ached for them both as they parted in anger, without knowing if a future together was possible. Each had some self-reflection to do and truths to realize. I loved that James had some help from his sister, Sally, who had no trouble pointing out the error of his ways. I loved Chloe's epiphany and how she handled it. The scene in the lawyer's office was terrific, and I loved seeing her shake loose the final chains of her past.
I loved the ending. I especially enjoyed the changes in James. His arrival in Paris and his reunion with Chloe were emotional and eye-opening for Chloe. Rather than the usual reunion, confession of love, and proposal, James realizes he has some work to do to convince Chloe that he's changed. I loved his plans to do things the right way, and it was sweet to see him stick to them. I loved watching the blossoming of their new relationship. We also see that James and Chloe are at crossroads in their professional and personal lives, and I loved seeing their paths come together. The epilogue was fantastic, and I loved seeing what they did with that new life.
My favorite part of the book was the segment covering their weekend trip to the chateau. It was the one time that James and Chloe were on the same page, and their cooperation and teamwork were fantastic.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
In spite of having three school age children Harold was in the process of divorcing Abby even as his wealthy and politically ambitious mistress was nearing her due date and the wedding she planned. Then Abby discovered the corpse of a much loved infant buried beneath a rosebush at Harold's family home. That was strange and Abby was planning to research family records to try to find out more. But then there was a big angry blow up among members of the trio and others, and the next thing she knows Abby is flat out in the garden with Harold's dead body on top of her. And it all gets crazier from then on!
Great cozy mystery with intelligent sleuthing, well drawn characters, and some really wow surprises.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
clearly written and worded, brought out the intense feelings of chemistry. I was hooked from the start to the end.
Chloe and James were meant to be, but life (and parents!) got in the way. That was ONCE UPON A TIME though, and an unexpected run in so many years later, is not what either one could have anticipated. Fate, however, is her own mistress, and sometimes what we don't believe we want to happen, DOES...and even some of those rare times, they turn out the BEST way possible.
Quite honestly, I fell in love with these two! So much history shared, such a tragic separation, and so many unknowns to overcome, but through it all, you JUST KNEW that somehow, they'd make it through...okay, or not because I'm TOTALLY not trying to ruin the story for you, but I really need some good news and this story definitely delivered something I could smile about. So, if you're like me and love a good story with great characters, and need just the right escape for those stolen moments when you get to just be you, try this one on for size. It may not be the right reading season per se, but I don't know a time of year that goodwill to others and second chances to get first love right would not be welcomed with open arms.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
Wow! This book had lots of potential. Tara took her marriage vows very seriously and remained true to her husband even after his death. She dressed to not be noticed and kept her emotions firmly in check. Tara is trapped in an emotional ice case and Adam is the perfect one to melt it down and free her, except he is a total a--hole without signs of redemption. He is a sexist boor! He manhandles Tara; treats Tara like a toy; and is constantly calling her a tease (or worse). Instead of correctly Adam's misunderstandings about her, Tara allows them to fester believing that it will keep him at arm's length. (He even blames her when she is almost raped by one of his business associates.) Once that plan fails for the 100th time, you'd think Tara would try a different tactic but she doesn't.
Adam and Tara have great chemistry but that's it. I can't even call this a romance novel because there's no romance. There's nothing gentle or ingratiating about Adam. There's no wooing. Even their banter isn't banter but just plain angry barbs. By page 212, I should have just tossed the book back into the library's return bin but I kept reading just to see how it would end. Save yourself the misery. There's similar stories out there with more sympathetic characters for you to latch on to.
I started reading Harlequin category romances in my early teens. They’re not as long as many other books, so there isn’t as much time to get into a lot of complexity, but they’re still a comfort read for me. I like seeing what tropes they use and exploring how the author makes that trope shine.
Christmas Reunion in Paris hits on several I enjoy, especially second chances, one of my favorites. Chloe and James were boarding school sweethearts ten years earlier. We learn this much in the beginning with a blend of the past and present to bring us up to date. The early chapters even begin with news clippings and text conversations, a neat way to bring up what isn’t covered in the scene.
If this were the total of their past’s influence, my initial impression of being rushed would have held. I didn’t know how many critical details both Chloe and James had suppressed as they dealt with the shock of a chance meeting, each in their own way. Instead, we get a sense of who they were and who they are now, both because of their past and despite it. This forms the story’s grounding, while the rest is trickled in when appropriate.
Each time I thought I’d figured out the major obstacle they’d face in getting back together, another fragment, consequence, or influence of the past would add a new twist. At the final confrontation, though, everything came together and made sense. The block wasn’t easy to solve. If anything, it was harder to overcome because of all the pieces building the wall. Nothing felt pointless or drawn out. Each bit we learned either consciously or sub-consciously forms an almost impassable barrier.
I’m writing more about the plot than the characters because they are so tightly integrated that specific character notes would add up to spoilers. I enjoyed when Chloe and James relaxed and explored together, along with how the two of them sparked off each other’s creativity. As people, they had their rough spots, weaknesses they sometimes considered strengths, and so came to life on the page.
The novel develops along with the characters, offered a depth I wasn’t expecting in a quick comfort read, and addressing some weighty topics. Chloe and James are pushed to look within as well as for external sources of their problems. This creates moments of personal growth necessary for them to be ready to brace the future.
There were several open-door intimate scenes, with some level of detail, but nothing particularly graphic. The punctuation, and likely more, follows British English stands for those who care.
As a quick read, this story hit the spot, but there was more to it than a speedy love story. The theme beyond recovering lost love of loving what you do resonates, as does taking ownership of your life. I could list off the tropes used, but it’s what the author does with those that’s important, and I think Liz Fielding did quite well. It makes me curious about the rest of the series. I think I want to see more of James’ twin and their big brother, too.
P.S. I received this Advanced Readers’ Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was a short and sweet romance set in France!
First off, for such a short book, there was a lot of chemistry between the two main characters. Since this was a second chance romance, the characters already knew each other and had history. I enjoyed learning their backstory and seeing them get back together.
Also, there was quite a bit of plot which I was happy about. Given the length, I wasn’t expecting too much to happen but I was pleasantly surprised with the storyline.
The Christmas aspect was pretty minimal. The book takes place during winter/Christmastime but doesn’t have any super Christmasy scenes. So if you’re looking for a Christmas romance, this doesn’t quite hit that mark.
Overall, I really enjoyed this second chance romance! If you’re looking for something quick to read this winter, then give this book a go!
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