A novella (less than 200 pgs). The ending was way too abrupt. The story had a bit of a twist, but I saw it comming. I wanted to know more about what happened to the H & h and was disappointed not to get that.
I thought it entertaining and I really liked the H. There were times I disliked the h, and was happy to see that apparently tthe author did as well (cause she has another character slap her just at the momment I wanted to myself!) I know I just read this, but because I delayed writing the review to read another, I can't quite seem to remember much more. I suppose that should tell me that the story wasn't very memorable. I do however rate the book immediatley after finishing and I suppose I had my reasons for only 3 stars, but can't seem to recall the specific reasons. Guess it didn't make a huge impression on me.
The heat level is very steamy but not as erotic as I was expecting.
This was a short story set in the Scottish Highlands in the late thirteen hundreds, written by an American author. Therein lay the problem – lack of research.
We have two men after one girl, Airin. The one who finds the brooch that belonged to her great-grandmother will have her hand in marriage. One of the men, Jason, is her late sister's husband, the other is Deryll, the handsome, manly, dashing and infamous Scarlet Knight. It seems a simple and indisputable way to find a husband. Things get somewhat messy when murder, unscrupulous sheriffs, soppy puppy-eyed minstrels and good old-fashioned skulduggery get in the way. Who will find the brooch, who will win the virgin, Airin's, hand and ….. is it really great-grandmamma's brooch?
The story is well structured and well balanced – it's neat and tidy, no loose ends are dangling at the end. Deryll is attractive in a little-bit-of-a-naughty-chap sort of way. Airin is a spunky maiden and even in the 1300s women didn't like to be pushed around, it seems!
So, so far so good.
What I didn't like was that the author tried to add a little dashing derring-do flavour by using some Olde English words and phrases – but only a few and were therefore a little incongruous. The dialogue was neither one thing or another. There was rather an incessant and rather irritating use of 'gaze'. Not one character looked or saw – the gaze shifted or dropped or sharpened (sharpened??). This was rather tedious.
There were a number of editorial oversights and the author might like to know that 'bullocks' are young steer. If you want to use the British slang for the man's 'crown jewels' the word you need is 'bollocks'.
The story needs more than a lick and a promise – it needs a good dust and polish.
If you like Romance with hot sexy knights and castles, and a little suspense with an edge that The Pendulum is a great read.
Tara has taken us back in time to the Historical settings; we have our Knights, mistrials and lady’s. A storyline that is intriguing and will pull you into the pages. Murder - mystery and mayhem, twists and turns and ending I'm sure every reader will enjoy.
A hotty Knight - whom definitely will get your attention in more way than one. (( waggles eyebrows)) lol
Tarah Scott always sets forth a great storyline - weaving the historical aspects throughout her reads, as well as giving us a hero to pine over and strong characters with depth.
A female character once again that was hot headed - Airin was certainly a woman of her own. She's hot headed, and stands her ground but when it comes to her Knight in shining armour she goes to Jell-O.
The romance was hot, and the chemistry was well defined . Id love to have read more, but for what we got in this short read, I was certainly not dissapointed.
A great read for all those who like a bit of everything in there historical romance.
Airin was to wed the knight that found her great grandmother's brooch. The Scarlet Knight had the brooch and Airin tried to steal it away because she didn't want to marry him. She almost had it when someone knocked her out and started a fire. She felt strong hands around her carrying her back to her room at her father's castle. Could it be Deryll, the man whom she has a crush on before he went away to join the wars? No, it couldn't be. She thought the knight in question was too big to be him.
Things start to happen as her ex-brother-in-law comes to claim her, as he has the brooch as well. What will happen next?
The story was good and the scenes were hot in the right places. I just wish there was more to the story. It went by pretty fast. Nonetheless, it was a great read.
--Babs, The One Hundred Romances Project
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
if you aren’t interested in historical accuracy or even perhaps able to pretend this took place in England than the books is worth the read for the mystery and vivid details. The characters themselves are pretty good too. Despite the time in which the story took place, Airin is full of spunk and determination. I admit to having a soft spot for Deryll as well. I got emotionally attached to them as the author really put a lot of work into making them interesting and well rounded. As far as mysteries went, while not completely unpredictable it was fun and entertaining. That pretty much describes the book to a T. It’s fun and entertaining, just not very accurate.
Lady Airin promises to wed whomever can produce her great-grandmother lost brooch. Two men want her - both claimed to have the brooch - only one will win.
Airin is one tough cookie and is determined to find justice of her dead sister. Deryll is one sexy knight not to be messed with. The interactions and chemistry between them is smoldering. This quick historical romance read contains a Whodunit mystery intertwined within the story. I was caught off guard when the guilty party was finally revealed. The book didn't have a lot of sex, but what there was, was hot and intense.
I've read several books by Tarah Scott now. Although, it was not one of my favorites, it still is a good quick read. I give this book 3 spankings.
If you like knights and castles, with intrigue and romance...you will love this book! Tarah Scott does a great job weaving the story. I completely love the spunky lead character Airin. She's fiery and determined and will stop at nothing to prove her point. It was nice to see a character set in this time period that was not afraid to show that she was an independent thinker.
The Pendulum is a wonderful read! Held my attentioni from the very first word.
The heroine is hysteric most of the times, instead of diplaying her freedom of judgement and independence. I was a bit thunderstruck when the word "tsunami" described her experience of a climax. Usually, Scott complies with medieval language better than this.