Unlaced

Kristina Cook is the master of story-telling. I had the privilege of reading this story before it was published, and I loved it even then. Ms. Cook has a way with words that pulls the reader into the story and makes them fall in love with her characters. I highly recommend Henry & Lucy's story for anyone who wants a great read. I also recommend anything this talented author writes. ~Phyllis Campbell~

This was a wonderful read. I loved Henry and Lucy. I'm looking forward to reading her next book. I'm sold.

I only read Unlaced after reading and loving Unveiled--and I'm so glad I've discovered this talented new author! Lucy is one of my all-time favorite romance heroines, and Henry was a perfect match. No cardboard cut-out characters in this book! A fast, fun, sexy, and emotional read. Very highly recommended, and I simply can't wait to read this author's next book!

A previous reviewer took Ms Cook to task for historical implausibility. I would call it originality. For one thing, women wouldn't have made the progress we have if it hadn't been for our foremothers bucking the system. The fact that the secondary characters resist Lucy's dream so forcefully makes the story believable. Also, she's pretty low on the ton's totem pole, so she can afford to be different. I liked this aspect of the book--it took it beyond the same-old, same-old tea party to ballroom, idle gossip, scandal! of many Regencies. If you like Regencies but want a little something new, this book is for you!

Setting - Essex and London, England, 1817 --- Henry Ashton, the Marquess of Mandeville, is certainly in no rush to marry, although in his mind the perfect bride would be a perfectly biddable lady, wealthy and from enough of a powerful enough family to enhance his own rising political career. Handsome, wealthy, titled - he could have his pick of the crop of the season's eligible misses, so why does one very unconventional golden haired lass with brilliant green eyes, and sassy mouth confound his senses? Miss Lucy Abbington, is indeed an unconventional Miss, in spite of her outstanding success in her first season debut, Lucy has no intention of marrying. She agreed to a `season' in London only to have access to and be able to attend some lectures on veterinarian medicine. Her grand passion was to one day hang out her shingle and care for the animals she loved - at least that was what she thought her passion was, until she met and kissed the Marquess of Mandeville. I found this to be an exceptional debut regency that captured my attention from the very first pages. Between causing a fight at the opera, then almost getting ravished in a carriage, Lucy didn't lack for excitement as she got her first and lasting taste of the ton. In this I was treated to fresh writing, witty and intelligent dialogs, and believable plot lines. If I could offer any critiques it would be a lost opportunity for the author to develop a sub-plot of revenge against Henry when he publicly saved Lucy from the clutches of Lord Sinclair. It seemed as though that insult to Sinclair could have had something to do with a later attack on Henry, but that was never fully explained away. In any case, neither of these small points in any way hindered the outcome or total enjoyment of this delightful debut and this tale certainly whetted my appetite for the sequels to this proposed quartet of related novels. BOTTOM LINE - This is a great read to savor for lovers of historical romance. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---