Somebody to Love

With this second book (after "Somebody wonderful"), Rothwell managed again to provide a outstanding romance book. In this love story between the stern powerful Griffin (Tamina's brother) and the proud energetic Araminta, is nothing conventual. Not the historic background (NY at end of the 19. century) and not the looks of the protagonists. Araminta is a mulatto kitchen chef and Griffin's description reminded me of a young Robert Redford (never thought I could find a moustache that nice). ;) This book has drama, romance and wit. I can't wait with what Rothwell will come up next!

This second novel by Kate Rothwell carries on with two characters she introduces in her debut "Somebody Wonderful." These protaganists face darker and more troubling issues. The novel succeeds in that we care about them, and their connection seems real. I miss the humor that enlivened the first novel, but found this story equally compelling. Highly Recommended!

Kate Rothwell's "Somebody to Love" follows the exploits of the Calverson family, this time centering on Timona Calverson's worldly and successful brother, Griffin, and her best friend - Araminta. Araminta Woodhall, the Calverson's family cook, left to work with Linder Kane, a wealthy, albeit cruel man who keeps his mistress, Olivia, captive in his house, one he repeatedly beats into submission. Araminta realizes Kane's treacherous side all too soon, yet stays for two reasons: one is to save enough money to open her own restaurant; the second is her desire to help Olivia escape Kane. If she can only convince Olivia to leave... Griffin Calverson has his reasons for being isolated. He has no mother. His father hunts dinosaur bones and has no interest in overseeing the family wealth. It was up to Griffin to keep a watchful eye over his younger sister until she married. A man of many worldly successes, Griffin learns that Linder Kane, a deceitful man, might be trying to steal his company. Since the two of them have not met, Griffin visits Kane's home, presumably to dine and gamble, but secretly to learn what he can about his ruthless business opponent. The rumor that Araminta had become Griffin's cook becomes truth when Kane insists his cook make an appearance to accept the crowd's compliments. Griffin, who can't afford to have her reveal his identity, seeks her out. When he confronts her, Araminta recalls the growing attraction she had for the handsome brother of her best friend when she worked for the Calversons. And although Griffin was also attracted to Araminta, he knows society would frown upon his marriage to a woman of color and develops his own agenda - that of wooing the sultry beauty into becoming his mistress. Araminta, a strong willed, independent woman, will do whatever it takes to help the people she loves. Her desire to aide her helpless friend, Olivia, forces Araminta to seek Griffin's help. Despite her growing attraction to Griffin over the course of several meetings, she refuses to become his mistress. She wants marriage, though she too realizes the impossibility of achieving that goal with Griffin. Deceit and danger from Griffin's competitor, Kane, quickly ensnares the young couple. When Griffin is attacked by Kane's henchmen and recovers at Araminta's home, he learns the truth of her parentage, the obstacles she has overcome, and begins to realize how much she means to him, especially when one of Griffin's friends, a police detective, proposes marriage to Araminta. Will Araminta and Olivia escape Kane's clutches? Will Kane destroy Griffin and his empire? Most important, will Araminta sacrifice her long-standing principles to remain by Griffin's side, reach her goal of owning a restaurant, or settle for marriage to a policeman? "Somebody to Love" is a well-written novel of two people who share a common enemy. The plot is swift-paced, the characters fully-developed with individual challenges and goals that slowl

Setting - New York 1883 --- Araminta knew adversity and although raised in genteel but humble circumstances it didn't take her long before the child realized that though her mother was white, her darker skin set her aside from the poor yet privileged white children. An exceptional chef, through strength, determination and hard work, Araminta was determined to realize her dream of opening her own restaurant on her own. After a series of jobs, she would only have to endure the employment of this less than reputable employer for just a short time more before it would be accomplished. However, running into the very wealthy and supercilious, Griffin Calverson, once again, was not a welcome sight as he aroused in her feelings she had long ago put away as impossible dreams. Griffin Calverson, had the Midas touch for making money and accumulating all kinds of physical properties. Yet in spite of his immense wealth, he was alone. Discovering once again Araminta Woodhall, the outspoken sultry beauty that once worked for his sister, he realized that she awoke in him a passion that set his heart on fire and he vowed to make her his. The rules of the society of that day would forbid a marriage and he arrogantly offered her carte blanche never realizing that with Araminta, the cost of passion could only be bought by the gift of his heart. This is the second novel following the debut, SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, by an amazingly fresh and original new voice in historical romance. In this she has again charmed the reader with her witty intelligent dialogs and two protagonists who are as different as night and day... Notwithstanding the difference of color, they were perfect for one another and only Araminta would have the wherewithal to read the great Griffin Calverson the riot act and tell him exactly what an unfeeling jerk he was! Naturally, after his initial anger at her impudence he realized that he admired the fact that she stood up to him. This was another outstanding novel set in New York City amongst the dirty politics (Tammany) and greed that took place during that era. The author writes with humor, passion, page-turning intensity and really digs deep into her characters flaws and eccentricities. This seems to be an author one must definitely put on their watch lists! Superb reading.... --- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ----

Somebody To Love is Kate Rothwell's second novel in the second half of this year. Her debut book, Somebody Wonderful, showed she likes to walk a different path. Her historical novel was set in late 1800's in New York, far from your typical historical setting, and between a rich, adventuresome young lady and a beat patrol policeman. Again, she eschewed the glittering ballrooms of Regency era and lords and ladies, to go for the realistic romance. She does the same in her second novel, once again, giving historical romance a breath of fresh air. In Somebody to Love, set again in the US during the gaslight era, when Tammany Hall politicians saw graft as a way of life, we meet Griffin Calverson and Araminta Woodhall. Griffin comes to the rescue of Araminta, who is employed by a ruthless social climber Linder Kane. Araminta has resigned herself that her heritage (won't spoil the plot by revealing what) makes it impossible for her to have the good marriage she yearns for, so she has turned her passion into being a great chef. Kane pays her well, but she is confined by the life at Kane's mansion, not to mention Kane's mistress is not happy to be under Kane's control either. Araminta is forced to ask Griffin for help to free Olivia. While they work to free Olivia from Kane's control, Araminta and Griffin begin an affair. While Griffin is looking for more than an affair from Araminta, he finds it next to impossible to convince her of his love and that they have a future together. Convincing Araminta will be harder than freeing Olivia, but Griffin is determined. Rothwell has a gentle, charming voice. She is strong on period details, her rich backdrops for her stories bring everything into a sharp vision, allowing the reader to see the richly textured world of the gaslight era of New York. She has strong, intelligent characters, with a good feel for dialog and she creates steamy, sensual heroes and heroines that steal the readers heart. If you read Somebody Wonderful, you will already know Griffin from that tale. I highly recommend both Somebody To Love and her debut book Somebody Wonderful for a very fresh voice in historical romance. Here's hoping Rothwell will give us more "somebodies" from the gaslight era to charm us. 2004 Reviews International Organization Award of Excellence Finalist and 2nd Place Winner