Whisper His Name

It's not very often that a romance writer dares to have a woman and man be FRIENDS first--best of friends at that, then lovers. That alone made this book a worthwhile read. I tire of all those bickering couples. Lovers' spats now and then are expected, but, really, the constant arguing to mask quivering sensitivities does get old. A good plot needs conflict, but quarreling over the usual well-worn devices ("S/he is only using me," "S/he doesn't/can't really love ME," etc, ad nauseum) doesn't necessarily qualify for that.This book doesn't do that. The main plot revolves around finding out who has kidnapped the heroine's brother, and why. The answer really isn't a surprise to anyone who has read the spy books of John Le Carre.The romantic plot conflict is very real, and very understandable: We're all thrown for a loop, to realize that someone we THOUGHT we knew so well might have some traits, or secrets, that we hadn't expected. It takes some time to adjust, to get past the feeling of betrayal, the feeling that we weren't trusted with certain information, to trust again. As is often the case, doubt leads to doubt. It is how the lovers overcome all the havoc wreaked by so much doubting that makes a story.Hugh and Abbie are able to overcome these problems not for a reason as idiotic as being good in the sack together (although they of course are), but because they have a stronger foundation than most romance-book couples: They are friends, first. Thank you, Ms. Thornton, for writing a romance book that makes sense, romantically speaking.

I just finished Whisper His Name and loved it! Historical Romance is my favorite read, but having the intrique added was great. I like the fact that the characters didn't just fall into each others arms and stay there. Both had issues to deal with, and getting caught in the midst of murder and spies made this story very exciting.

This was my first Elizabeth Thornton novel. It took me a while to navigate through the language as I'm not an historical romance fan. I usually read contemporary novels. But Ms. Thornton is a skilled storyteller, and, soon, I was engrossed in Abbie Vayle's life, her growing love for Hugh and their adventure. I didn't know those Victorians were so recklessly passionate! Bravo, Elizabeth Thornton.

I began this book with very high expectations and Thornton delivered. The hero Hugh is one of the most complex male characters I've come across in ages. The dicotomy between his low-key scholarly persona and his dangerous masterful self made him fascinating to read about. Abbie, the heroine, was also well-characterized. Her fear in the beginning of the novel when the villian holds a knife to her throat was more realistic than the usual stalwart bravery of most romance heroines. It was interesting seeing Abbie progress from petrified to angry about the villian's terrorizing tactics.The sparks between Abbie and Hugh are considerable, even when both believe they have been betrayed by the other. I found myself re-reading many of their scenes together. All in all, Whisper His Name is a superior book.