The Masque of the Black Tulip

Read on the heels of the first book in the series, I found this book to be charming, suspenseful at times and very hard to put down. I found myself thinking about the book's characters while going about my normal routine. A bit less of spying and more of intrigue this time around, but over all, I think the author does have me hooked on this series. Great to read for those who prefer serial stories instead of having every single loose end tied up at the end of 300 pages. This story follows the romance of Hen and Miles and their own escapades into spying and ferreting out the elusive Black Tulip, who is ultimately unmasqued, but will turn up, I am sure, in the next novel! The author did take some literary license with certain instances in the book, but does so with full disclosure as to historical inaccuracies and sets them straight after the book ends. It is unfair to judge the book on regency inaccuracies, after all, the author is not writing a boring tome to be read in a college course called Regency period 101! The object of reading a fiction book is to suspend one's belief and immerse one's self in the plot. I found it delightful and it is a great read for those who like romance novels, chick lit, historical fiction or just want something different to read.

The Masque of the Black Tulip is the second in what I hope will be a long series. I know a few reviewers thought this installment was weaker than the first novel (The Secret History of the Pink Carnation), but I don't agree. The only thing the first book offered that this one doesn't is the benefit of being the first. Everything was new and exciting and interesting about the writing and the story precisely because it was new. But to my mind, The Masque of the Black Tulip is just as enjoyable a read as The Secret History. Just as with the first book, this novel is a blend of regency romance, humor, history, clever allusions to popular culture and historical events, and spy intrigue. As the order of those descriptions suggest, this is primarily a romance novel, and a wonderful one at that. I see Lauren Willig as a cross between Julia Quinn and Helen Fielding and the result is a very readable book that rises above the mediocre romance novels and chick lit that's published every year. This installment follows Miles and Henrietta, two friends who suddenly find themselves attracted to each other. There's a little less of the heavy-duty spy stuff than in the first, but that was fine with me. The plot rolls along, the romance unfolds, the Eloise/Colin interludes break up the story here and there (but in an enjoyable way, I thought) and it's all a joy to read. Lauren Willig has a distinctive, truly witty voice and knows how to deliver a satisfying read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency romances, chick lit, or fun beach reads with a historical twist.

If you like slightly silly romantic historical fiction (as I do) then you will probably be very satisfied by this book. It's not the kind of book you're going to brag about reading at a party; yet it is a quick read. I read it in a few hours; and enjoyed it just as much as the first one. The parallel story with the narrator is slightly better than in the first book; but can still be an unwanted interruption. Overall- a guilty pleasure.

I absolutely loved this second novel in the pink carnitation series. The characters are well developed and by the end of the story you feel as if you know them personally. I found the story compelling and I could not put the book down. I am already looking forward to Ms. Willig's next novel.

There really isn't a better way to describe this book except for wonderful! I loved every single part of it and it was a great follow up to the first book. Willig's use of interesting historical detail mixed with humour and wit makes this book hard to put down. The characters are charming (both the old and the new) and the plot is full of little twists that keep it from getting dull. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading a tale that warms the heart & lightens the spirit. Can't wait for the next one to come out!