Somebody Wonderful

First, I must say that before reading "Somebody Wonderful" I was a virgin to the genre of 21st century romance novels and their authors. I have read Nin, Miller, Lawrence, De Sade and The Kama Sutra to be sure but this was my first "bodice ripper" and now I am afraid I am hooked! Kate Rothwell's "Somebody Wonderful" is an enchanting and quite enjoyable read. Most of the novel is set in New York City in the year of our Lord, 1882. The heroine of the story, Miss Timona "Timmy" Calverson has just narrowly escaped kidnapping, a house of ill repute, attempted rape and an altercation with a gang of hoodlums with her life hanging in the balance. Along comes a brawny Irish cop named Michael "Mick" McCann to her rescue! Timona is a different sort of gal - a photographer and quite a traveler of sorts and Mick is an ordinary good looking Irish cop just walking his beat. Once they meet, however, things quickly start to change for the both of them. As they grow to know each other's backgrounds their love for one another is evident and their love and caring spreads throughout Mick's New York neighborhood. However, there is always someone or something standing in the way of true love and boy do Mick and Timmy have their share! This novel has a great storyline with romance, murder, violence, lust, sex, all with plot twists and turns galore! I very nearly devoured this book. It was a great and fun read for me and it will be for you also! I can't wait to read Kate's new novel, "Somebody To Love" once it is released! Happy Reading!

Kate's book was warm, witty and wonderful. She captures the setting of 1880s New York with charm and detail, and puts wonderful, strong characters in the space. I loved the story and the people who populated it. Several times, I laughed out loud and other times, felt my heart jerked by the characters' vulnerabilities. Can't wait to see what Kate has in store in her next book!

Kate Rothwell's historical romance "Somebody Wonderful" is a delightful read from beginning to end. The heroine, Timona, a strong-willed independent type, draws you in, grabs your sympathies, and has you championing her side almost as soon as you meet her. The hero, Michael, a brawny Irishman with gentle ways is blindsided by Timona from the beginning and by the end of the story is, of course, glad of it. I started reading this book late one evening and finally forced myself around three in the morning to put it down till the next day. Timona reminds me of a couple of people I've known - they were all brilliant in their own areas, and a little naive in others. Mick, on the other hand, sounds like someone I'd love to curl up with and never let go. I REALLY wanted to reach out and smack the villains on several occasions, maybe even kick them a few times as well. I am one of those people who will laugh or cry while reading. Most of the time I was reading this book I was grinning or laughing out loud. It will definately go on my "special" bookshelf, to be brought back out regularly and reread. *grin* I will be waiting impatiently for Araminta's and Griffin's stories, whether they are together or with someone else.

Kate Rothwell's fresh and fascinating debut novel, SOMEBODY WONDERFUL, is a must read for every romance lover. The setting--late nineteenth century New York--is unusual. But it is the characters that make this book special. Mick and Timona are two of the most unforgettable characters you will ever meet in life or fiction. They are surrounded by a cast of characters that will make you laugh, cry and laugh again as Timona's uniquely optimistic world view slowly wins the day over poverty, prejudice and greed. This book is a keeper.

Now, I might be skeptical of most books where the herione decides to marry the hero in chapter one, but I was already in love with him myself by then. The pursuit of her goal takes the hero and heroine from the rougher streets of nineteenth century New York to the countryside of Minnesota, and I was pulling for them every step of the way. The heroine is the kind of woman you'd like for a best friend, and the hero will make you sigh. The passion sizzles, the adventure romps. What a great summer read!