Stolen Charms
3.5 Stars

The Black Knight, a Robin Hood-style thief, is the talk of the ton, and Natalie Haislett, who has had her fill of boring and boorish suitors, wants nothing more than to meet the infamous scoundrel. However, the only person who could possibly arrange an introduction is Jonathan Drake, a renowned rake with whom Natalie has a painful past. Can these two reconcile their differences or will their attraction dissipate in favor of the Black Knight?

Putting aside the completely anachronistic and unrealistic premise of a young unmarried woman traveling unescorted with a man across the Channel in 1847, this is quite an entertaining read.

To begin with, the story is set in France during the later reign of Louis Phillipe I, a rare time period in historical romance but one that is very interesting and Ashworth skillfully utilizes the conflict between the Legitimists and the Orleanists within the narrative.

Moreover, Jonathan and Natalie's intense chemistry, both physical and emotional, make them a particularly engaging couple. The fact that they are constantly trying to outsmart one another leads to some very amusing conversations.

In terms of the writing, the pacing is somewhat slow in places, and it is unfortunate that much of the actual action, such as the actual theft of the emeralds and the attempted assassination of the King takes place off page. Adding these scenes would have enhanced the tension and suspense.

Overall, a charming romance but not compelling enough to continue with the series at this time. Perhaps in the future. ( )

Miss Natalie Haislett desea vivir una historia de amor y aventuras; ya está aburrida de tanto pretendiente pomposo. Suspira por el misterioso Caballero Negro, un ladrón que le ha robado el corazón a distancia con sus legendarias proezas. Para conocerlo, Natalie debe recurrir, aunque a regañadientes, a la única persona que conoce al famoso Caballero: Jonathan Drake, un donjuán redomado que la cortejó años atrás. Jonathan accede a acompañarla a Francia, donde se rumorea que se esconde el Caballero Negro. Para despejar toda sombra de duda, viajan como si fueran una pareja casada, compartiendo intimidades que desembocan en amistad, y en besos que despiertan un hambre insaciable... Cuando empiezan a producirse robos a su alrededor, Natalie ya está atrapada en la red de deseo tejida por el hombre que ha jurado conquistarla.

Stolen Charms had a decent beginning and ending, but in between it was just a hot mess. Not a keeper. ( )

STOLEN CHARMS by Adele Ashworth is an interesting Victorian Historical Romance. #1 "Winter Garden". Join Miss Natalie Haislett and Jonathan Drake,the notorious Black Knight on a journey of passion,intrigue,suspense,mystery, and romance. Well written with depth and engaging characters. The plot is not only intriguing,but suspenseful. The characters are believable,and interesting. A delightful read from the first page to the last page,you will not be disappointed in "Stolen Charms". Look out Robin Hood here comes the Black Knight. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Above The Treeline.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

Entertaining plot, emotional and thoughtful - and poignant. By the time they declare their love for one another, I was nearly in tears. Great, great!

http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2010/11/stolen-charms-by-adele-ashworth.html ( )