K. R. Richards

Sinners Take All. (Quest for the Shroud book 1) K. R. Richards. 2017. I broke one of my rules when I downloaded a book in a series, but I the subject of the Shroud interested me. I had no idea that Richards has written tons and tons of romance books, but I was suckered in with by dashing, melancholy main character, Francis Nightshade known as Shade. He is part of the Group, a secret society that works for the King and has pledged to protect the secrets of the Shroud even though he doesn’t know a lot about it. He and his cohort, Lucien Saintaur (Aren’t these name ridiculous?) are called to London the meet with the Group because several scholars who are looking for the Shroud are being murdered. While in London he meets a strange young damsel in distress, Lucy Frost, and rescues her from her evil uncle. They all head north to Scotland to discover who is killing the scholars. Lots of romance, steamy sex scenes, fighting and intrigue but not much real suspense because there is no doubt Nightshade will succeed in saving the Shroud and Miss Lucy!… (plus d'informations)

I really did enjoy this story, to a certain extent.
Lady Rowena lives the quiet life of a spinster as a companion to her beloved aunt in Glastonbury. She's interested in family history, especially in how it relates to the long since sacked Abbey on the neighboring property. Lord Henry has recently come into his inheritance, and shares Lady Rowena's interest in the mysteries of the Abbey. Soon they are racing against a mysterious, sinister force to uncover the long-buried secrets as they explore the feelings developing between them.
Overall, it should have been a cute, slightly suspenseful(although predictable)historical romance. Unfortunately, it came off as a draft in desperate need of an editor, which left it readable but frustrating. First, there are way too many characters. So many characters, it was impossible to remember who was who, and why you should even care. None of the characters, not even the main characters, had any sort of depth. Secondly, the characters all referred to each other way too familiarly. Which is only one of a multitude of historically inaccurate details that just reinforced the amateurish feel to the story. (I mean, two gentlemen with a lady, wandering around with no chaperone? frequently? A young, unattached lady with a score of gentlemen living in her home? not to mention some of the language used) There were also parts of the story that were interesting, but dragged on and on. It felt like the author didn't want to "waste" research. My last concern is how easily the characters interact. the "Here, let me spill all my long-held secrets in front of virtual strangers for little reason" attitudes were stilted and forced.

Don't get me wrong, I would probably read this book again (and others in the obviously forthcoming series) if it were just polished up.… (plus d'informations)