With This Kiss

I recieved this book from my sister and thought it would prove to be just another trite formula romance. She said it was "really good", so I gave it a chance. She was right. It does have all of those necessary facets that make it a romance novel, but the writing is crisp and talented, the characters sizzle with a never flagging sexual tension, and the plot never sinks to feeling contrived or phoney. I enjoyed every page!

I could write a long review of this book, but I won't. I will sum it up in as few words as possible. This story contained two extremely likeable characters. The dialogue between them was so entertaining and well worded. I loved every encounter between them. The chemistry between the main characters was all the more exciting due to its realism. Every thing about this novel was real. I loved it, truly I can say it is one of my favorite novels.

If you've read any of the other reviews, you'd know the basic plot line, so I won't rehash it. I only wanted to let everyone know that this is a really terrific novel. The two characters actually talk to and appreciate each other. None of the ridiculous misunderstandings that are so common in romance literature occur here. Even more refreshing and unusual are the main characters who are not the typical patronizing womanizer and an immature and petulant female. Definitely get your hands on this book.

Morgan St. James was horribly burned in the fire that destroyed his home. Although he had managed to rescue a great many people from the flames, he is burdened with grief over those he couldn't save from their fate. Scarred in body and spirit, he has become accustomed to hearing himself referred to as 'The Beast." Bitterly cyncical, he doesn't even disagree with the appellation. Imagine his surprise when he is sought out by Julia Prentisse, a beautiful woman who wants his scarred hand in matrimony! And he is even more surprised when she tries to convince him that her talents as a journalist can lead him to the arsonist who has set the fires that have destroyed so many lives. The subtext of Lazarus, the mysterious arsonist, is an edgy counterpoint to the love story. With Victorian era England as a backdrop, Victoria Lynne has created a perfectly wonderful retelling of the classic 'Beauty and the Beast' tale.

A strong, intelligent, independent-minded, scandal-touched, reformist heroine needs to avoid some seriously skanky suitors being pressed upon her by her stingy, selfish uncle. Her chosen candidate for a husband: A fire-scarred hunk of a peer, a previous rake, a bit of a snob, but a man in need of a good woman, a man whose fiance dumped him for the hero's best friend after the hero nearly lost his life--and a good portion of his epidermis-- in a fatal blaze. The who-done-it is great fun and the romance certainly satisfies. I only have minor quibbles with some story details, which I won't even bother to list. Trust me: A fun read for lovers of romance, and CERTAINLY for lovers of the Beauty/Beast type story (which *I* am).This is the only book of Ms. Lynne's that I've read, but based on my enjoyment of this romance novel, I shall surely seek more.*Mir*