Compromised (The Blue Raven Series)

I keep telling myself that I am NOT going to write reviews! I mean, who is anyone to critique another person's story, thoughts, and creative work? It just doesn't seem right to me. Yet, it seems to never fail! One of two things invariably happens for me: 1- the story and characters are such a wonderful read, (and nowadays maybe a half dozen books a year, and I read a couple a week, make what I consider a "WOW! 5* 1-Nighter!") that I feel compelled to comment or 2- I read some idiots comments and go "What the $# & %?? Did they speed read this and miss like...the ENTIRE story??" Good grief!! This was written extremely well! The characters were very real and believable, and each character had plenty of background and *meat* to them! I loved the humor and quirkiness!! And it was especially nice to see a story of a *loving* step-mother instead of the "wicked witch" version that seems to be the norm! All the relationships, sister - sister, husband - wife, and the romance all around was witty, entertaining, and delicious! And yes, impoverished nobility *did* work for a living! Ever hear of genteel ladies who find themselves suddenly thrust into poverty for whatever reason becoming a governess? Or worse? And as with Sir Geoffrey, it was common for titles bestowed for specific deeds or heroic acts, particularly during the war. Sure there was still the barrier and some closed doors of the upper echelons of the ton, but as in this story and real life, kiss up to the right person, perform something meaningful to the right someone, and even those barriers could be overcome. My only complaint/suggestion: the font size is way to small! I have good eyesight but it was a strain even for me. Aside from that, "Happy Writing Ms. Noble!" =)

"Compromised" is a historical romance novel about two sisters, Gail and Evangeline, as they return to their 1829 London home with their father and new stepmother, Romilla, after years of travelling abroad. Romilla decides that both sisters will be introduced to London society with their own ball-a prospect that overjoys sweet and demure Evangeline as much as it horrifies the intelligent and oft-outspoken Gail. On the eve of the ball, Evangeline is caught in a compromising position with a handsome young bachelor named Max-the very same Max who unapologetically knocked Gail into a lake during a morning horse ride. With London society gossiping and the family facing scandal, it is decided that Evangeline and Max must marry. Max agrees, but has his own hidden motives for doing so while Gail must find a way to be civil around her soon-to-be brother-in-law who she finds to be both infuriating and more and more infatuating with each passing day. First off, let me say that this is typically not the type of novel I usually read. I have nothing against the romance genre or the subset "historical romance" genre that this book falls into. It's just not my thing. That said, I like to think of myself as open to any piece of entertainment be it film, novel, or dirty limerick, as long as it's well written. So when I was given a copy of "Compromised", a debut novel from author Kate Noble, I was wary, but willing to give it a shot. I'm happy to say Ms. Noble did not disappoint. From the very first chapter describing the arrival of the Alton family back to their London home and the gossip that surrounded the event, I knew the wit and charm of Noble's style would carry me through the rather...um...girlie? parts of the book. (Yeah, I know. It IS a romance novel after all...) But the funny thing about the story is there were few actual "girlie" parts to this book. Not too much sex, no ridiculous or unnecessary subplots to slow the story down-just a sweet story that gave itself room to breathe and gave us, the readers, time to get to know the characters and actually believe the events that happen in the course of the story. All too often, I read stories where the main character does something that seems against his/her nature. Often this is the result of the author not spending enough time on character development in a rush to get the story moving. This event draws the reader out of the world the author created, essentially undermining all the work the author had put in to draw the reader into that world in the first place. Noble avoids this trap by focusing on the characters and allowing the story develop at its own pace. It's almost as if she just lets these characters tell their own story and she was just following along with her pen writing down what they said. It's the mark of an excellent writer to create a world as transparently as Noble does-without the seams showing, so to speak-and she does it well and seemingly without effort. Noble ha

Gail Alton has return to England with her family who have lived many exotic places. She is smart , opionated, not the 'standard' English rose which is a problem for her and most of London. She has altercation with Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine whom she calls Max just to annoy him. Max ends up engaged to her sister Evangeline which add an interesting twist on this historical romance. Enjoy! If you enjoy this genre I would also suggest other debut authors; As Luck Would Have It (Leisure Historical Romance), At the Bride Hunt Ball (Avon Romance) and Good With His Hands (Zebra Debut). Looking forward to her Kate Noble next novel Revealed (due out - Mar 3, 2009.

My title says it all. The book was perfect in nearly every aspect. The female and male lead were thoughtful realistic characters who struggled with personal and family issues before coming to a satisfying happy ending. The only real "villain" of the book is dispatched quickly and the author doesn't get bogged down in some idiotic evil plot that strains credulity. The development of the romances is sweet and sure lending a wonderful innocence to the story that refreshingly differentiates this book from the slew of overwrought melodrama that the majority of the historical/regency books possess. There isn't a single character that isn't interesting and with some hidden depth that the author draws out. I read a large number of books in this genre and have become somewhat cynical at the repeated plot lines, characters (both good and bad), and styles. I get frustrated and simply consider to stop reading them. Then along comes a book like "Compromised" and I remember why I do.

I don't usually go for "romance" novels, but this book is truly fun and delightful. It wraps you into the story quickly and completely. Perhaps we should call it a romantic novel? The male lead is absorbing and sexy, while the supporting characters are refreshingly three-dimensional and quirky. Highly recommended for an afternoon tryst!