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The Christies #2
Starlight
An esteemed astronomer, Alex Christie, the eldest and most steadfast of the Christie siblings, has never possessed his late father's ruthless business drive. But to protect his frail infant son from his cruel father-in-law's bid for custody, the young widower must undertake Sir William Christie's posthumous million-dollar challenge: to make a Glasgow cotton mill profitable. At sea in an industrial world of sabotage and union agitation, Alex meets Polly Gowan, daughter of a famed union leader, who hopes to seize a mysterious saboteur without involving the police.
Because a sympathetic mill master would aid her cause, Polly becomes Alex's guide to urban Scotland. From soccer games to pub brawls, Alex sees another side of life, and feels free for the first time to reveal the man—vital and strong—behind his intellectual exterior. Polly is utterly seduced. Their ambitions, however, remain at odds: Alex vows to earn the mill bonus to save his child, while Polly fights for the needs of her people. Is there strength enough in their sparkling passion to bind them together in their quests—and in a lasting love that conquers all?
Because a sympathetic mill master would aid her cause, Polly becomes Alex's guide to urban Scotland. From soccer games to pub brawls, Alex sees another side of life, and feels free for the first time to reveal the man—vital and strong—behind his intellectual exterior. Polly is utterly seduced. Their ambitions, however, remain at odds: Alex vows to earn the mill bonus to save his child, while Polly fights for the needs of her people. Is there strength enough in their sparkling passion to bind them together in their quests—and in a lasting love that conquers all?
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 26, 2012
5 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Lofty
15 books220 followersTwo time RITA-nominated and multiple RT Reviewers' Choice-winning author Carrie Lofty has over twenty-five books to her name--or four names, to be precise. Her paranormal (as
Lindsey Piper
) and historical romances from Pocket have been described as "nuanced and superbly realized" (The Chicago Tribune) and "sexy, brutal and somehow innocent" (All About Romance).
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
In college, Carrie lured an unsuspecting Englishman to the Midwest, where she's kept him a happy ex-pat for more than twenty years. With two teen daughters and a master’s degree specializing in the America West, Carrie is a movie buff, Civil War museum docent, online tutor, and Halloween haunted house actor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 5, 2020
4.5 in realtà, come il precedente storia diversa dal solito cliché e in qualche mi ha ricordato le lotte fra lavoratori e datori di lavori della Gaskell di Nord e Sud!!! Mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere anche il 3° libro dedicato ai fratelli per chiudere il cerchio.
July 3, 2012
Review originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/06/27/...
Publisher: Pocket
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
The second exciting, romantic addition to the Christie family series!
Esteemed astronomer Alex Christie, the eldest and most steadfast of the Christie siblings, has never possessed his late father’s ruthless business drive. But to protect his frail infant son from his cruel father-in-law’s bid for custody, the young widower must undertake Sir William Christie’s posthumous million-dollar challenge: to make a Glasgow cotton mill profitable. At sea in an industrial world of sabotage and union agitation, Alex meets Polly Gowan, daughter of a famed union leader, who hopes to seize a mysterious saboteur without involving the police.
Because a sympathetic mill master would aid her cause, Polly becomes Alex’s guide to urban Scotland. From soccer games to pub brawls, Alex sees another side of life, and feels free for the first time to reveal the man–vital and strong–behind his intellectual exterior. Polly is utterly seduced. Their ambitions, however, remains at odds: Alex vows to earn the mill bonus to save his child, while Polly fights for the needs of her people. Is there strength enough in their sparkling passion to bind them together in their quests–and in a lasting love that conquers all?
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
As I have mentioned before I tend to be on the look out for good historical romances. When we were offered a chance to review Starlight I didn’t bother to find the back cover blurb nor did I look to see if this was part of a series. I found that out reading Ms Lofty’s guest post. My OCD would have preferred that I started at the beginning but once I cracked open and read the first page I was too impatient to stop and start a new book.
I haven’t read very many books set in this time period. Not to mention it is hard to find historicals set in Europe that don’t involve balls, lords and ladies, or spies. With Starlight Ms Lofty provided an unusual time period, setting and very distinctive characters much to my enjoyment. I remember studying the different phases of the Industrial Revolution and hearing about the abysmal working conditions – not to mention the fact that sometimes the younger and smaller the worker is the more dangerous their jobs were. I also knew that unions had a lot to do with the work benefits people enjoy world-wide today but that was an uphill battle. Much like the struggle for any improved civil rights is.
I felt so sorry for poor Alex. He really didn’t have a clue how to interact with people, what to do as a cotton mill owner, or what to think about Polly who was about as opposite from his deceased wife as you can get. He was bound and determined to fulfill the requirements of his father’s will so that he could keep his infant son safe from his father-in-law. The father-in-law was certainly a well-drawn villain. He shaped so much in Starlight by his written threats and his actions in the past. Watching Alex grow emotionally, learn about the common man and also discover whom he could be was a treat. Yes, there were some occasions when I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into him but he was staying true to his character, and when it was do or die time Alex performed magnificently.
Polly was another complex character. She was torn between her loyalty to her community, her fears about a former suitor and her growing attraction to Alex. As the unofficial leader of the union and depended upon by many others to improve their circumstances Polly rarely had anything to herself. She was also the target of an unscrupulous overseer from a different cotton mill who had other things on his mind then getting a profit from his mill. While Polly continued to maintain her contact with Alex with the mindset of getting him on the side of the union she also enjoyed her interactions with him and did what she could to assist with his issues. One of my favorite scenes with them was the potluck after church followed by a rousing sporting match/brawl.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Polly and Alex. How they both struggled to do what was right while still enjoying their life. On different occasions each did something they knew the other would not like but if they hadn’t it would have betrayed their individual characters. I also really liked how both characters had to work through their personal issues and trust each other at the very end. I do have to say that I am very curious as to what motivated Sir William Christie to phrase his will in such a way. And that I will be reading the rest of the Christies.
I give Starlight a A
Publisher: Pocket
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher
The second exciting, romantic addition to the Christie family series!
Esteemed astronomer Alex Christie, the eldest and most steadfast of the Christie siblings, has never possessed his late father’s ruthless business drive. But to protect his frail infant son from his cruel father-in-law’s bid for custody, the young widower must undertake Sir William Christie’s posthumous million-dollar challenge: to make a Glasgow cotton mill profitable. At sea in an industrial world of sabotage and union agitation, Alex meets Polly Gowan, daughter of a famed union leader, who hopes to seize a mysterious saboteur without involving the police.
Because a sympathetic mill master would aid her cause, Polly becomes Alex’s guide to urban Scotland. From soccer games to pub brawls, Alex sees another side of life, and feels free for the first time to reveal the man–vital and strong–behind his intellectual exterior. Polly is utterly seduced. Their ambitions, however, remains at odds: Alex vows to earn the mill bonus to save his child, while Polly fights for the needs of her people. Is there strength enough in their sparkling passion to bind them together in their quests–and in a lasting love that conquers all?
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
As I have mentioned before I tend to be on the look out for good historical romances. When we were offered a chance to review Starlight I didn’t bother to find the back cover blurb nor did I look to see if this was part of a series. I found that out reading Ms Lofty’s guest post. My OCD would have preferred that I started at the beginning but once I cracked open and read the first page I was too impatient to stop and start a new book.
I haven’t read very many books set in this time period. Not to mention it is hard to find historicals set in Europe that don’t involve balls, lords and ladies, or spies. With Starlight Ms Lofty provided an unusual time period, setting and very distinctive characters much to my enjoyment. I remember studying the different phases of the Industrial Revolution and hearing about the abysmal working conditions – not to mention the fact that sometimes the younger and smaller the worker is the more dangerous their jobs were. I also knew that unions had a lot to do with the work benefits people enjoy world-wide today but that was an uphill battle. Much like the struggle for any improved civil rights is.
I felt so sorry for poor Alex. He really didn’t have a clue how to interact with people, what to do as a cotton mill owner, or what to think about Polly who was about as opposite from his deceased wife as you can get. He was bound and determined to fulfill the requirements of his father’s will so that he could keep his infant son safe from his father-in-law. The father-in-law was certainly a well-drawn villain. He shaped so much in Starlight by his written threats and his actions in the past. Watching Alex grow emotionally, learn about the common man and also discover whom he could be was a treat. Yes, there were some occasions when I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into him but he was staying true to his character, and when it was do or die time Alex performed magnificently.
Polly was another complex character. She was torn between her loyalty to her community, her fears about a former suitor and her growing attraction to Alex. As the unofficial leader of the union and depended upon by many others to improve their circumstances Polly rarely had anything to herself. She was also the target of an unscrupulous overseer from a different cotton mill who had other things on his mind then getting a profit from his mill. While Polly continued to maintain her contact with Alex with the mindset of getting him on the side of the union she also enjoyed her interactions with him and did what she could to assist with his issues. One of my favorite scenes with them was the potluck after church followed by a rousing sporting match/brawl.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Polly and Alex. How they both struggled to do what was right while still enjoying their life. On different occasions each did something they knew the other would not like but if they hadn’t it would have betrayed their individual characters. I also really liked how both characters had to work through their personal issues and trust each other at the very end. I do have to say that I am very curious as to what motivated Sir William Christie to phrase his will in such a way. And that I will be reading the rest of the Christies.
I give Starlight a A
July 12, 2012
This is my first Carrie Lofty book. And I loved it! Alex and Polly come alive the moment you meet them. Their relationship pulls no punches, and even when they’re at their worst, they’re at their best. They have a tempestuous relationship laced with lust and eventually love, and going along on the ride with them is wild, heated, at times full of fear, and oh-so-much fun.
Alex pretty much has his life set. Since the death of his wife, he’s found someone to help take care of his infant son and he’s on his way up at the university where he teaches astronomy. Then everything begins to crash around him. His father’s will stipulates that for Alex to receive his inheritance, he must make a success of Christie Textiles – in Scotland, his father’s homeland. Then his father-in-law begins to threaten to take Edmund away from him, and Alex will be damned if he’ll allow his son to be raised by that monster of a man. The beast inside Josiah Todd ruined his own daughter by the time Alex could rescue her by marrying her. So after confronting Todd, Alex decides perhaps Scotland is the best place for him and his son after all.
Having been mentored by her father, Polly is now the one in charge of running union meetings and any negotiations with the masters of local factories. But those masters would rather see the workers beaten down instead of making safe workplaces and guaranteeing decent wages. She’s determined, however, to keep the peace and make the working situation better for all of her people. Taking a chance that perhaps the new master of Christie Textiles may agree with the union’s position, Polly is willing to do anything to make sure that happens. So the dance of distrust, attraction, suspicion, and lust between Alex and Polly begins.
There’s such a connection between them, it doesn’t take long before they’re so caught up in each other, they can’t keep their hands to themselves. Every time they explore one another, there’s an explosion that blows every emotion imaginable off the page. Then they come to their senses, know nothing of the like will ever happen again – only to end up in each other’s arms once more. This is an attraction that just won’t quit. I love Polly’s optimistic attitude. It’s needed to offset the seriousness of Alex. And it’s such fun when they tease one another. Especially when Polly can coax a smile out of Alex.
In and around all of this, however, is the mystery of the saboteur who has been busy with explosions and fire at the factories, including Christie Textiles. Alex knows his board of directors could call a halt to business at any time if repairs are too expensive or too slow, but he’s determined to prove he’s where he should be and does all necessary to get the factory running once again – all the while trying to find the culprit himself. Trying to keep Polly away from investigating is a whole other matter, so they do some digging together, another chance for them to find more out about the other, even when being chased by constables.
There are some very memorable scenes in this book. Alex agrees to a game of football with the locals workers. He once thrived on competition, and it feels good to throw some weight around – literally -and some punches to relieve a little stress. The star-gazing scene with Alex and Polly is wonderfully done -the start of Polly being given the opportunity to see and do things that a girl like her would otherwise never have. Alex demanding Polly’s release from jail after being wrongly accused – again – by the local constables, with a little help from a factory supervisor who has it in for her. This man is a piece of work, and I want to kick him in the bollocks as much as Polly does. And the scene at Todd’s ship near the end of the book is full of tension and love and fear and death.
Ms. Lofty has done her research well. I feel the strife of these people when life decides to be hard on them, but then I feel their happiness when playing a friendly game of football or their children are running and laughing among them. Money and intimidation, along with a few well-placed punches or kicks, are the signs of the times, and they’re each used quite effectively to try to keep the union members in line. Even when everything is out of control and the workers are close to turning violent, it’s Polly who keeps the clam, as much as possible anyway. Tempers are rampant, never a good thing when it comes to a man’s ability to care for his family. All of these things, and more, are portrayed so well that you feel every last emotion of these characters squeeze your heart.
I’m going to try to pick up the first book in the series. I’ve fallen for the Christies, one and all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Alex pretty much has his life set. Since the death of his wife, he’s found someone to help take care of his infant son and he’s on his way up at the university where he teaches astronomy. Then everything begins to crash around him. His father’s will stipulates that for Alex to receive his inheritance, he must make a success of Christie Textiles – in Scotland, his father’s homeland. Then his father-in-law begins to threaten to take Edmund away from him, and Alex will be damned if he’ll allow his son to be raised by that monster of a man. The beast inside Josiah Todd ruined his own daughter by the time Alex could rescue her by marrying her. So after confronting Todd, Alex decides perhaps Scotland is the best place for him and his son after all.
Having been mentored by her father, Polly is now the one in charge of running union meetings and any negotiations with the masters of local factories. But those masters would rather see the workers beaten down instead of making safe workplaces and guaranteeing decent wages. She’s determined, however, to keep the peace and make the working situation better for all of her people. Taking a chance that perhaps the new master of Christie Textiles may agree with the union’s position, Polly is willing to do anything to make sure that happens. So the dance of distrust, attraction, suspicion, and lust between Alex and Polly begins.
There’s such a connection between them, it doesn’t take long before they’re so caught up in each other, they can’t keep their hands to themselves. Every time they explore one another, there’s an explosion that blows every emotion imaginable off the page. Then they come to their senses, know nothing of the like will ever happen again – only to end up in each other’s arms once more. This is an attraction that just won’t quit. I love Polly’s optimistic attitude. It’s needed to offset the seriousness of Alex. And it’s such fun when they tease one another. Especially when Polly can coax a smile out of Alex.
In and around all of this, however, is the mystery of the saboteur who has been busy with explosions and fire at the factories, including Christie Textiles. Alex knows his board of directors could call a halt to business at any time if repairs are too expensive or too slow, but he’s determined to prove he’s where he should be and does all necessary to get the factory running once again – all the while trying to find the culprit himself. Trying to keep Polly away from investigating is a whole other matter, so they do some digging together, another chance for them to find more out about the other, even when being chased by constables.
There are some very memorable scenes in this book. Alex agrees to a game of football with the locals workers. He once thrived on competition, and it feels good to throw some weight around – literally -and some punches to relieve a little stress. The star-gazing scene with Alex and Polly is wonderfully done -the start of Polly being given the opportunity to see and do things that a girl like her would otherwise never have. Alex demanding Polly’s release from jail after being wrongly accused – again – by the local constables, with a little help from a factory supervisor who has it in for her. This man is a piece of work, and I want to kick him in the bollocks as much as Polly does. And the scene at Todd’s ship near the end of the book is full of tension and love and fear and death.
Ms. Lofty has done her research well. I feel the strife of these people when life decides to be hard on them, but then I feel their happiness when playing a friendly game of football or their children are running and laughing among them. Money and intimidation, along with a few well-placed punches or kicks, are the signs of the times, and they’re each used quite effectively to try to keep the union members in line. Even when everything is out of control and the workers are close to turning violent, it’s Polly who keeps the clam, as much as possible anyway. Tempers are rampant, never a good thing when it comes to a man’s ability to care for his family. All of these things, and more, are portrayed so well that you feel every last emotion of these characters squeeze your heart.
I’m going to try to pick up the first book in the series. I’ve fallen for the Christies, one and all.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
August 9, 2012
Published at Scorching Book Reviews
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
When Alex Christie’s Father leaves him a Mill instead of an inheritance, it comes as neither a shock nor a sadness. It isn’t until the abusive father of his deceased wife threatens to take custody of their child that Alex realises that he may have benefitted some from cash. The only way to get his hands on any money, therefore having the funds available to pay to fight for custody, is to travel to Scotland and make a success of the mill. Upon his arrival, he realises that making this work could be quite a task.
Polly has taken over the voice of the Union ever since her Dad became too ill to do the role. She is loved by the workers and hated by the owners; it is not surprising that the first person they arrest after a fire at the mill is her! Dragged in-front of the new Master, she finds herself at the Mercy of one of the handsomest men she’s ever laid eyes on. But he is a Master and she is a penniless working girl, there is no way he would look at her as anything other than a piece of equipment to be utilized.
As much as the attraction flares between them, it is clear that each of them can be pumped for information by the other. Alex wants to find the culprit who burned down his mill and threatened the safety of his son, Polly wants to find out what measures are being put in place by the Masters that could affect the members of her union. As they spend their time together for the good of their families, their relationship becomes more than just flirty exchanges. Their fledgling relationship would scandalise and ruin her reputation, but neither of them can find it in them to particularly care. When their interests collide as they fight for what they cherish the most, can the bonds between them withstand the storm?
Long time readers of this blog will know that I am not an avid Historical reader. I liked the sound of this one because I enjoy stories with a spunky heroine...and boy was she spunky J I will be reading the rest of the series... it was an interesting setting and I’d like to read more J
When we first meet Alex, I was immediately smitten as he gave up all that he knows to give his son the life he deserves. I’m always a sucker for a man who loves his kids...he was on a winner with me :D When he heads to Scotland to the Mill, I liked his attitude towards being the new master. He wanted to know his staff, wanted to deal with the problems internally and was more than willing to try to make his staff happy. He is devastated that the mill may have destroyed his chances at keeping his son, but he tries to remain professional. Although I respected the way he did immediately allow the other Masters to blame Polly for the fire without evidence (they really didn’t like the Union!) I have to say that he gave into the pressure by the other mill masters regarding the changes to the pay conditions surprisingly easy for his earlier stances. I understood his acquiescence, but it happened far too easily for me. His relationship with Polly was lovely. He allowed himself to enjoy his time with her. He had no real previous pleasant experience with sex before Polly and he gives into his desires and doesn’t allow himself to care how improper it all is....I loved him J
Polly was a woman put into a difficult position. As the unofficial leader of the Union, her attraction, and later dalliance, with the Master was unseemly. She was either a traitor to the cause or using her womanly wiles to get information; neither was a particularly appealing scenario. I respected that she really didn’t give a shit. It was naive, but ultimately she followed her heart rather than her head. When she had choices to make about her Union, she did them without consideration to her relationship. In fact they both did; I felt that was true to their characters but potentially disastrous for their relationship. I always love a heroine who is unafraid of sexuality that is willing to do what feels good and Polly definitely does this! It was one of her more redeeming qualities. I was more than a little shocked to hear her use the word “pussy”....I’m too green with Historical obviously.
Overall this was a steamy romance set in a time where lust was considered a sin. With both hero and heroine on opposite sides of a business battle, it is clear that this road to true love will never run smooth. With lots of smutty sex and an ever present set of bad-guys, the tale has plenty of meat to grab your attention and keep you guessing.
http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot....
When Alex Christie’s Father leaves him a Mill instead of an inheritance, it comes as neither a shock nor a sadness. It isn’t until the abusive father of his deceased wife threatens to take custody of their child that Alex realises that he may have benefitted some from cash. The only way to get his hands on any money, therefore having the funds available to pay to fight for custody, is to travel to Scotland and make a success of the mill. Upon his arrival, he realises that making this work could be quite a task.
Polly has taken over the voice of the Union ever since her Dad became too ill to do the role. She is loved by the workers and hated by the owners; it is not surprising that the first person they arrest after a fire at the mill is her! Dragged in-front of the new Master, she finds herself at the Mercy of one of the handsomest men she’s ever laid eyes on. But he is a Master and she is a penniless working girl, there is no way he would look at her as anything other than a piece of equipment to be utilized.
As much as the attraction flares between them, it is clear that each of them can be pumped for information by the other. Alex wants to find the culprit who burned down his mill and threatened the safety of his son, Polly wants to find out what measures are being put in place by the Masters that could affect the members of her union. As they spend their time together for the good of their families, their relationship becomes more than just flirty exchanges. Their fledgling relationship would scandalise and ruin her reputation, but neither of them can find it in them to particularly care. When their interests collide as they fight for what they cherish the most, can the bonds between them withstand the storm?
Long time readers of this blog will know that I am not an avid Historical reader. I liked the sound of this one because I enjoy stories with a spunky heroine...and boy was she spunky J I will be reading the rest of the series... it was an interesting setting and I’d like to read more J
When we first meet Alex, I was immediately smitten as he gave up all that he knows to give his son the life he deserves. I’m always a sucker for a man who loves his kids...he was on a winner with me :D When he heads to Scotland to the Mill, I liked his attitude towards being the new master. He wanted to know his staff, wanted to deal with the problems internally and was more than willing to try to make his staff happy. He is devastated that the mill may have destroyed his chances at keeping his son, but he tries to remain professional. Although I respected the way he did immediately allow the other Masters to blame Polly for the fire without evidence (they really didn’t like the Union!) I have to say that he gave into the pressure by the other mill masters regarding the changes to the pay conditions surprisingly easy for his earlier stances. I understood his acquiescence, but it happened far too easily for me. His relationship with Polly was lovely. He allowed himself to enjoy his time with her. He had no real previous pleasant experience with sex before Polly and he gives into his desires and doesn’t allow himself to care how improper it all is....I loved him J
Polly was a woman put into a difficult position. As the unofficial leader of the Union, her attraction, and later dalliance, with the Master was unseemly. She was either a traitor to the cause or using her womanly wiles to get information; neither was a particularly appealing scenario. I respected that she really didn’t give a shit. It was naive, but ultimately she followed her heart rather than her head. When she had choices to make about her Union, she did them without consideration to her relationship. In fact they both did; I felt that was true to their characters but potentially disastrous for their relationship. I always love a heroine who is unafraid of sexuality that is willing to do what feels good and Polly definitely does this! It was one of her more redeeming qualities. I was more than a little shocked to hear her use the word “pussy”....I’m too green with Historical obviously.
Overall this was a steamy romance set in a time where lust was considered a sin. With both hero and heroine on opposite sides of a business battle, it is clear that this road to true love will never run smooth. With lots of smutty sex and an ever present set of bad-guys, the tale has plenty of meat to grab your attention and keep you guessing.
July 18, 2012
I’m usually pretty OCD about reading a series out of order, but the cover for this one seduced me - it’s just so luscious & decadent!
In this story of discovery, exploration, & love, I found myself on an adventure with the eldest of the Christie siblings, Alexander, as he searched for a way to protect his feeble infant son, Edmund. The only means of keeping him away from the evil father-in-law looking to steal custody was to complete a challenge set upon him by his own recently departed father in his will. His task was to manage one of his father’s holdings, Christie Textiles in Glasgow, Scotland & if after two years of doing so, he turned a profit then he would be rewarded with *in my Dr. Evil voice* one million dollars. Just the right price to convince a crooked judge that Edmund would be better off with his father.
What he didn’t count on, however, was the spirited Polly Gowan – daughter of a famous labor union rebel, Graham Gowan. Polly earnestly follows in her father’s footsteps & feels passionately loyal to her fellow mill workers, or “her people” as she calls them. Alex sees her as his key to understanding the union, and she views him as her key to keeping anyone from her union in trouble for an explosive fire at the mill as well as a way to find out who did it (hopefully before he does).
Polly & Alex had a passionate fire between them from the moment they first kissed, however as sizzling as the love scenes were, the vocab was a little awkward which didn’t make them flow as well as they should’ve. In the end, it didn’t matter too much because the build up was well worth the wait, especially for the studly Alex Christie (who never lacked in provocative descriptions)
“Energy shimmered off of him, all around him. Or maybe that was just the steam of hot skin meeting cold air. He looked like a pagan god of war descended to earth for a contest among mere mortals. He scrubbed one hand almost lazily through the swath of hair spread over his sculpted chest, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to stroke such primal masculinity. Polly flexed her own fingers. She wanted another opportunity to touch and explore, this time finding her way to that virile torso. What would his body feel like beneath her palms? Against her cheek? Beneath her tongue?”
As the hero, Alex was more than just a sexy lay, he had some real growing to do in this story - I loved how the mill became more than just a means to keep his father in law from his son; it became something that he can take pride in, something he could make his. I enjoyed watching him learn about Glasgow & his employees at the mill, seeing them as real people the more he got to know them. He grew into something his father would be proud of, making he letter at the end that much more poignant.
This tale of loyalty, perseverance, & love not only had an intriguing twist but left me with a smile on my face. I look forward to going back & reading Viv’s story, Alex’s sister, to get to know this compelling family even better.
*ARC provided by the author
This review & others also found on Red Hot Books
In this story of discovery, exploration, & love, I found myself on an adventure with the eldest of the Christie siblings, Alexander, as he searched for a way to protect his feeble infant son, Edmund. The only means of keeping him away from the evil father-in-law looking to steal custody was to complete a challenge set upon him by his own recently departed father in his will. His task was to manage one of his father’s holdings, Christie Textiles in Glasgow, Scotland & if after two years of doing so, he turned a profit then he would be rewarded with *in my Dr. Evil voice* one million dollars. Just the right price to convince a crooked judge that Edmund would be better off with his father.
What he didn’t count on, however, was the spirited Polly Gowan – daughter of a famous labor union rebel, Graham Gowan. Polly earnestly follows in her father’s footsteps & feels passionately loyal to her fellow mill workers, or “her people” as she calls them. Alex sees her as his key to understanding the union, and she views him as her key to keeping anyone from her union in trouble for an explosive fire at the mill as well as a way to find out who did it (hopefully before he does).
Polly & Alex had a passionate fire between them from the moment they first kissed, however as sizzling as the love scenes were, the vocab was a little awkward which didn’t make them flow as well as they should’ve. In the end, it didn’t matter too much because the build up was well worth the wait, especially for the studly Alex Christie (who never lacked in provocative descriptions)
“Energy shimmered off of him, all around him. Or maybe that was just the steam of hot skin meeting cold air. He looked like a pagan god of war descended to earth for a contest among mere mortals. He scrubbed one hand almost lazily through the swath of hair spread over his sculpted chest, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to stroke such primal masculinity. Polly flexed her own fingers. She wanted another opportunity to touch and explore, this time finding her way to that virile torso. What would his body feel like beneath her palms? Against her cheek? Beneath her tongue?”
As the hero, Alex was more than just a sexy lay, he had some real growing to do in this story - I loved how the mill became more than just a means to keep his father in law from his son; it became something that he can take pride in, something he could make his. I enjoyed watching him learn about Glasgow & his employees at the mill, seeing them as real people the more he got to know them. He grew into something his father would be proud of, making he letter at the end that much more poignant.
This tale of loyalty, perseverance, & love not only had an intriguing twist but left me with a smile on my face. I look forward to going back & reading Viv’s story, Alex’s sister, to get to know this compelling family even better.
*ARC provided by the author
This review & others also found on Red Hot Books
February 13, 2017
3.9 stars, it was ALMOST 4 full stars but not quite.
When Alex Christie, the newly minted master of a Glasgow cotton mill, meets Polly Gowan, the firecracker daughter of the millworkers' union head, sparks fly...literally because there's an explosion that puts the already teetering business in jeopardy. So now these two very different people who presumably should be enemies somehow manage to find common ground and band together to sniff out the saboteur. Along the way however, Alex and Polly's mutual attraction only deepens until lines of class are blurred, loyalties are questioned and choices of what's truly worth risking everything for are put to the ultimate test.
Alex was a mess of a hero. Noble and chivalrous to a ridiculous degree, he was very hard to like sometimes. But then there were moments when I understood the reasoning behind his motivations even if I didn't agree with them or, like Polly, wanted to slap some sense into the dunce. Alex wasn't perfect, he made mistakes but he was, at heart, a good man trying his damnedest to ensure the safety of his son. His controlling nature was the biggest stumbling block for me when it came to his characterization, but thank goodness Polly had the patience of a saint and the stubbornness of a mule, otherwise this romance never would have worked. Speaking of Polly...
Oh Polly. She was just incredible. Hands down one of the greatest heroines ever created, and I don't make that statement lightly. She was smart, caring, full of wry and wit. She never gave up or gave in, always spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed in. Polly was a fighter from beginning to end and she certainly didn't make it easy for Alex, bless her. I really liked how just as Alex was able to open himself up after meeting Polly, that Polly, in turn, learned how to count on someone other than herself for once. They were better together than apart and that's what I'm always looking for in really great fictional couples. Yes their's was an insta-lust, but at least Carrie Lofty was smart enough to not have me believing they'd fallen in love until it felt right.
Despite minor bumps in the road, Starlight ended up being something really special indeed. OH, and an honorable mention MUST be given to Polly's bedroom dirty talking skills, as well as Alex's educational lovemaking how-to's. Hey, he was a scientist after all. It was all in the name of science!
When Alex Christie, the newly minted master of a Glasgow cotton mill, meets Polly Gowan, the firecracker daughter of the millworkers' union head, sparks fly...literally because there's an explosion that puts the already teetering business in jeopardy. So now these two very different people who presumably should be enemies somehow manage to find common ground and band together to sniff out the saboteur. Along the way however, Alex and Polly's mutual attraction only deepens until lines of class are blurred, loyalties are questioned and choices of what's truly worth risking everything for are put to the ultimate test.
Alex was a mess of a hero. Noble and chivalrous to a ridiculous degree, he was very hard to like sometimes. But then there were moments when I understood the reasoning behind his motivations even if I didn't agree with them or, like Polly, wanted to slap some sense into the dunce. Alex wasn't perfect, he made mistakes but he was, at heart, a good man trying his damnedest to ensure the safety of his son. His controlling nature was the biggest stumbling block for me when it came to his characterization, but thank goodness Polly had the patience of a saint and the stubbornness of a mule, otherwise this romance never would have worked. Speaking of Polly...
Oh Polly. She was just incredible. Hands down one of the greatest heroines ever created, and I don't make that statement lightly. She was smart, caring, full of wry and wit. She never gave up or gave in, always spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed in. Polly was a fighter from beginning to end and she certainly didn't make it easy for Alex, bless her. I really liked how just as Alex was able to open himself up after meeting Polly, that Polly, in turn, learned how to count on someone other than herself for once. They were better together than apart and that's what I'm always looking for in really great fictional couples. Yes their's was an insta-lust, but at least Carrie Lofty was smart enough to not have me believing they'd fallen in love until it felt right.
Despite minor bumps in the road, Starlight ended up being something really special indeed. OH, and an honorable mention MUST be given to Polly's bedroom dirty talking skills, as well as Alex's educational lovemaking how-to's. Hey, he was a scientist after all. It was all in the name of science!
July 24, 2012
Many people are guilty of it, disregarding and even mocking certain genres of books, movies, or TV shows, sometimes without ever having read or watched them. My goal for this year was to open my mind, read and watch matter I had discounted or disparaged.
I cannot begin with this book however as I have always read romance novels, historical romances, bodice rippers, or whatever you may wish to call them scornfully with a derisive I would never read those sniff or smirk; you may not know what you’re missing. Gone are the plodding, missish romances, these novels are full of historical facts, social and economic details as well as, yes, romance. So more like social novels with a bit more steamy and dreamy. Despite being not terribly romantic by nature, I find most romance novels a gentle, but interesting read.
I won Starlight from the Goodreads First Reads Program and enjoyed it. It takes place in urban Scotland, 1880’s and like Elizabeth Gaskell’s 'North and South' focuses on cotton mills and unions. The romance almost takes a back seat to the drama of the working class and the hardships they had to endure with deplorable and dangerous working conditions, low pay, illness, abuse, and death. It also highlights the strength of the working classes, the depth and the pragmatism that kept them going and hoping for more. The main characters are ill-fated, class-conflicted, but a Victorian-era match written in the stars. The story while slow at times is worth the wait.
I cannot begin with this book however as I have always read romance novels, historical romances, bodice rippers, or whatever you may wish to call them scornfully with a derisive I would never read those sniff or smirk; you may not know what you’re missing. Gone are the plodding, missish romances, these novels are full of historical facts, social and economic details as well as, yes, romance. So more like social novels with a bit more steamy and dreamy. Despite being not terribly romantic by nature, I find most romance novels a gentle, but interesting read.
I won Starlight from the Goodreads First Reads Program and enjoyed it. It takes place in urban Scotland, 1880’s and like Elizabeth Gaskell’s 'North and South' focuses on cotton mills and unions. The romance almost takes a back seat to the drama of the working class and the hardships they had to endure with deplorable and dangerous working conditions, low pay, illness, abuse, and death. It also highlights the strength of the working classes, the depth and the pragmatism that kept them going and hoping for more. The main characters are ill-fated, class-conflicted, but a Victorian-era match written in the stars. The story while slow at times is worth the wait.
October 15, 2012
Just a note that I read an ARC of this book, so my impressions might have been different had I read the published version.
I am of two minds about this book. I loved the setting. It was wonderful to read a book set around and about a mill (I'm one of those North and South lovers). I enjoyed the natural opposition between the two characters and the way they had to struggle to overcome their distrust of one another to help both each other and the mill. I thought both characters were interesting, though I felt Polly's characters deeper than Alex's character.
The other "mind" I have about the book is twofold. One, I felt like the sex was rushed. I can see that Lofty needed (wanted?)Polly to maybe be pregnant, but I really felt like the alley scene was rushed. Two, I never could understand why Alex didn't tell Polly that his father-in-law was threatening his child. Maybe he did share that information and I missed it, but I never understood why he kept that information to himself.
Lofty is a deep, intricate writing, which I appreciate. I also appreciate the willingness of Pocket to publish historical romances set outside the norm.
I am of two minds about this book. I loved the setting. It was wonderful to read a book set around and about a mill (I'm one of those North and South lovers). I enjoyed the natural opposition between the two characters and the way they had to struggle to overcome their distrust of one another to help both each other and the mill. I thought both characters were interesting, though I felt Polly's characters deeper than Alex's character.
The other "mind" I have about the book is twofold. One, I felt like the sex was rushed. I can see that Lofty needed (wanted?)Polly to maybe be pregnant, but I really felt like the alley scene was rushed. Two, I never could understand why Alex didn't tell Polly that his father-in-law was threatening his child. Maybe he did share that information and I missed it, but I never understood why he kept that information to himself.
Lofty is a deep, intricate writing, which I appreciate. I also appreciate the willingness of Pocket to publish historical romances set outside the norm.
July 24, 2012
Fans of North and South should enjoy this, for that's what this reminded me of. Union supporter heroine meets master of the mill..sparks fly, passions are roused, hijinx ensue...
This isn't a carbon copy of that story, but it's close enough. My one issue with North and South is Margaret, the heroine. She's stubborn and intractable, but she's also somewhat cold and reserved. I never warmed up to her. That wasn't the case with Polly McGowan. She's full of fire. She had an indomitable spirit, but also a great deal of compassion and no small amount of cheek.
Alex was such a contrast. Loving father, activist, savior, astronomer and angry, aggressive male. Like Polly, just when I thought I had a handle on him he'd show another side, and I'd be adrift.
Lofty is a master at writing strong, multifaceted characters that straddle the line. Polly was no one's victim, and Alex wasn't easily pigeon-holed.
Though they're flawed, I was drawn to both characters and sucked into their battle of wills.
This isn't a carbon copy of that story, but it's close enough. My one issue with North and South is Margaret, the heroine. She's stubborn and intractable, but she's also somewhat cold and reserved. I never warmed up to her. That wasn't the case with Polly McGowan. She's full of fire. She had an indomitable spirit, but also a great deal of compassion and no small amount of cheek.
Alex was such a contrast. Loving father, activist, savior, astronomer and angry, aggressive male. Like Polly, just when I thought I had a handle on him he'd show another side, and I'd be adrift.
Lofty is a master at writing strong, multifaceted characters that straddle the line. Polly was no one's victim, and Alex wasn't easily pigeon-holed.
Though they're flawed, I was drawn to both characters and sucked into their battle of wills.
June 20, 2012
A unique legacy left them from beyond the grave in their father’s will sends Sir William Christie's four adult children to the far reaches of the world to accomplish four separate tasks successfully in the time allotted before they can receive their inheritance. Each story in the series are Victorian age adventure romances in a way.
Alex is the oldest Christie child and a recent widower with a young baby son. For him, the challenge to become manager of his father's cotton mill in Glasgow, Scotland in order to receive his one million dollar inheritance holds no appeal. He'd rather work quietly toward his goal for tenure and the professorship in astronomy at the university. But circumstances in the form of the horrid man who is his dead wife's father change all that. Todd had bullied his daughter liking that she was under his thumb and never forgave Alex for rescuing her through marriage. Now he seeks to avenge himself on Alex by taking away his son. Todd is a wealthy man and able to bribe a judge to threaten court-ordered guardianship on the feeble grounds that Alex is not financially able to care for his son.
So off Alex moves with his son to Glasgow to take up Sir William's challenge to make the mill turn a profit by the end of two years. When he arrives and is just settling in, he is confronted by the news that someone attempted to blow up his mill. The police and an overseer from another mill haul before him several union leaders who work at his mill as suspects. Alex only has eyes for one from the start for the beautiful, fiery Polly Gowan who refuses to tell him a thing while privately inflaming him with need.
Polly suspects her friend Tommy made good on his threat to resort to violence against the mill owners in retaliation for the way that the greedy owners have handled things in the past. She, like her father before her, advocates peaceful means of working for the betterment of their people. She knows that until the saboteur is brought forward that suspicion will fall on her and the other union leaders and the owners will use it as an excuse to break the union. She is hauled before the new mill owner the son of William Christie who had his humble beginnings amongst them. The man is formidable and determined while dangerous because of the visceral attraction she feels the instant she claps eyes on him. He is dressed like a gentleman, but his demeanor is hard and powerful- a man who will get what he wants.
Alex tries to persuade Polly that it is in their best interests to work together and discover who is behind trying to destroy the mill. For much of the time, they range between keeping each other at cross purposes and reluctantly working together at other times. The attraction they feel blooms to more, but it too is at cross purposes because their motives are opposing with him needing a profit to win the demands of the will and keep his son and she to work to better the conditions for her people and possibly protect an innocent man from becoming a scapegoat.
The situation escalates and intrigue abounds. Alex and Polly are like fire and oil brought together even while circumstances work to tear them apart.
The plot was full of drama and intrigue along with a pair of lovers with strong passionate cravings that they weren't afraid to satisfy. The story had some really heart thumping moments and intense scenes. As the reader, I was privy to both characters thoughts and secrets and the story kept me on edge waiting for the inevitable moment when their secrets would come out and bite them.
I have to admit that I really didn't buy into the guardianship issue being a real threat because, corrupt judge or not, the fact that Alex is a teacher at a university with a proper home and childcare staff makes it hard for me to believe that he would have lost his child as an unfit parent due to not being able to care for his child. Although, without that ploy, the story would have been lacking a truly hateful villain and this one I just loved to hate.
I was kind of on the fence whether I liked Polly during the beginning of her relationship with Alex. She seemed to torment him on purpose just to rile him. And considering that she's a union leader who claims to be working toward a better working environment and wages for her people, I just found baiting the new mill owner for kicks a little counter productive. And then she found out quick that she was poking at a wounded bear and Alex retaliated which in her mind gave her more strikes against him.
Once she got passed this phase, I did enjoy how she helped Alex transform to a better man. It was hard to see their different agendas tearing them apart, but that was realistic in that Industrial age time period when workers and masters clashed.
Alex was an interesting multi-layered guy. He was so many things. He was the astronomy scholar, the gentle father, the lusty lover, the hard mill master, the warrior and also a tender in his loving. He needed a strong woman to push him and get him to pursue what really mattered.
This was definitely another good strong installment in the Christies Series and I look forward to more. So if you like your historical romances light on the history and smoking on the romance between strong characters then give these a try.
This is book two, but can definitely be read as a stand alone. It is preceded by Flawless and a prequel novella, A Little More Scandal.
November 16, 2017
what a fucking disappointment. stupid, trite, over-the-top melodrama, a really gross attitude toward assault victims that simultaneously blames and fetishizes emotional reactions to trauma, ahistorical language and concepts, little internal emotional logic, a loathsomely aggressive "hero," a strangely dragging plot despite the melodrama, AND VERY VERY FAR FROM ENOUGH UNION POLITICS. the author may think this book is radical, but really it's anemic.
June 26, 2012
Grade: A-
In Starlight, Carrie Lofty successfully combines all of the ingredients that I love about her romances. The atmosphere created by the gritty setting in this novel serves as an excellent backdrop, giving this romance the perfect historical touch. The characters that populate the story, both central and secondary, also make it happen, beginning with Polly who definitely belongs in the setting, and ending with Alex whose character grows by leaps and bounds right before our eyes.
Alexander Christie is the late William Christie's eldest son. In his controversial will, the industrial mogul leaves Alex the Christie Textile Mills in Glasgow, Scotland with the proviso that he must manage the cotton mills and make a profit within two years in order to receive a $1M bonus, however if he fails, his inheritance will be reduced to $500. Alex is not a businessman, but an astronomy teacher at a Philadelphia university and a widower with a sickly infant son. He resents the situation and doesn't care about the money until his powerful and unbalanced father-in-law threatens to take his beloved son Edmund away, giving Alex the resolve to fight for a future and make a success of his endeavors in Glasgow, Scotland.
Glasgow 1881 is a hotbed of trouble. The cotton mills masters are all powerful, uncompromising and always looking to make the biggest profit, as a result, masters don't care about poor workers' conditions. Mill masters certainly don't negotiate with workers' unions, and when crossed their wrath is often violent and deadly. Polly Gowan is a mill worker and has taken her father's place as the respected leader of the peaceful workers' union. She works at Christie's Textiles where after a suspicious explosion, workers are blamed, the usual suspects rounded up by constables and goons alike, and she meets the new master Alex Christie under difficult circumstances.
Reluctantly, Polly becomes Alex's guide through the troubled political situation with an eye on bringing him over to the union's side. But pretty quickly these two people from different worlds, who stand at opposite ends of this explosive situation, become passionately attracted to each other. Alex and Polly act on that attraction and begin a torrid and passionate affair that has all the hallmarks of a disaster in the making, where each keeps information from the other and trust is gained and broken on both sides.
I loved Polly's character, flaws and all. The first thing you notice about Polly is that she understands her people and selflessly cares about them. She is giving, passionate and tough as nails. Initially, Polly falls in lust with Alex and is willing to take a chance on taking just a few moments for herself (having a little fun), until her feelings for him begin to complicate matters and loyalties are questioned. Her feelings reflect Alex's who also becomes torn between what he feels for Polly and what he has to do to keep his son safe from his father-in-law.
Alex, I adored. Alex almost has a split personality. In Flawless, he is described as an astronomy teacher and that led me to visualize his appearance as that of a rather refined and sophisticated young man. Reading A Little More Scandal prior to reading Starlight, helped me visualize the differences in Alex's physical attributes and physicality. Lofty beautifully captures the duality to his personality and even to his physical appearance in this novel -- both Alex's rough side, the one that comes from William Christie, and the astronomy teacher or New York society gentleman.
Alex is basically sexually starved after what was practically a platonic marriage to a woman he knew since childhood. He is such a beautiful man in so many ways -- passionate, tender, rough, tough, protective and even sexually naive. Alex's attraction to Polly is instant and his passion is boundless. It's interesting because Polly loves Alex's protectiveness, but simultaneously resents his propensity for playing the 'knight' who rescues ladies in distress. I understood Polly!
Together, Alex and Polly are explosive, heartbreakingly tender, frustrating, and loving. Polly is really the aggressor in their sexual relationship. He is passionate but whenever he tries to be a gentleman, she is the one who repeatedly drives and pushes him to the next level in their sexual adventure. Polly is no coy miss! Alex and Polly do resolve their immediate differences as master and textile mill worker in a big climactic scene, although unfortunately there are no scenes showing how the changes affect Calton.
I loved Starlight. The setting, atmosphere, characters, conflict and passionate romance all drew me and kept me reading. There's no way I will miss reading the next installment in The Christies' series. Highly recommended.
In Starlight, Carrie Lofty successfully combines all of the ingredients that I love about her romances. The atmosphere created by the gritty setting in this novel serves as an excellent backdrop, giving this romance the perfect historical touch. The characters that populate the story, both central and secondary, also make it happen, beginning with Polly who definitely belongs in the setting, and ending with Alex whose character grows by leaps and bounds right before our eyes.
Alexander Christie is the late William Christie's eldest son. In his controversial will, the industrial mogul leaves Alex the Christie Textile Mills in Glasgow, Scotland with the proviso that he must manage the cotton mills and make a profit within two years in order to receive a $1M bonus, however if he fails, his inheritance will be reduced to $500. Alex is not a businessman, but an astronomy teacher at a Philadelphia university and a widower with a sickly infant son. He resents the situation and doesn't care about the money until his powerful and unbalanced father-in-law threatens to take his beloved son Edmund away, giving Alex the resolve to fight for a future and make a success of his endeavors in Glasgow, Scotland.
Glasgow 1881 is a hotbed of trouble. The cotton mills masters are all powerful, uncompromising and always looking to make the biggest profit, as a result, masters don't care about poor workers' conditions. Mill masters certainly don't negotiate with workers' unions, and when crossed their wrath is often violent and deadly. Polly Gowan is a mill worker and has taken her father's place as the respected leader of the peaceful workers' union. She works at Christie's Textiles where after a suspicious explosion, workers are blamed, the usual suspects rounded up by constables and goons alike, and she meets the new master Alex Christie under difficult circumstances.
Reluctantly, Polly becomes Alex's guide through the troubled political situation with an eye on bringing him over to the union's side. But pretty quickly these two people from different worlds, who stand at opposite ends of this explosive situation, become passionately attracted to each other. Alex and Polly act on that attraction and begin a torrid and passionate affair that has all the hallmarks of a disaster in the making, where each keeps information from the other and trust is gained and broken on both sides.
I loved Polly's character, flaws and all. The first thing you notice about Polly is that she understands her people and selflessly cares about them. She is giving, passionate and tough as nails. Initially, Polly falls in lust with Alex and is willing to take a chance on taking just a few moments for herself (having a little fun), until her feelings for him begin to complicate matters and loyalties are questioned. Her feelings reflect Alex's who also becomes torn between what he feels for Polly and what he has to do to keep his son safe from his father-in-law.
Alex, I adored. Alex almost has a split personality. In Flawless, he is described as an astronomy teacher and that led me to visualize his appearance as that of a rather refined and sophisticated young man. Reading A Little More Scandal prior to reading Starlight, helped me visualize the differences in Alex's physical attributes and physicality. Lofty beautifully captures the duality to his personality and even to his physical appearance in this novel -- both Alex's rough side, the one that comes from William Christie, and the astronomy teacher or New York society gentleman.
Alex is basically sexually starved after what was practically a platonic marriage to a woman he knew since childhood. He is such a beautiful man in so many ways -- passionate, tender, rough, tough, protective and even sexually naive. Alex's attraction to Polly is instant and his passion is boundless. It's interesting because Polly loves Alex's protectiveness, but simultaneously resents his propensity for playing the 'knight' who rescues ladies in distress. I understood Polly!
Together, Alex and Polly are explosive, heartbreakingly tender, frustrating, and loving. Polly is really the aggressor in their sexual relationship. He is passionate but whenever he tries to be a gentleman, she is the one who repeatedly drives and pushes him to the next level in their sexual adventure. Polly is no coy miss! Alex and Polly do resolve their immediate differences as master and textile mill worker in a big climactic scene, although unfortunately there are no scenes showing how the changes affect Calton.
I loved Starlight. The setting, atmosphere, characters, conflict and passionate romance all drew me and kept me reading. There's no way I will miss reading the next installment in The Christies' series. Highly recommended.
October 15, 2012
2/5 (D)
Why this book? I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Flawless. Also, the author is Ms Lofty :) She has a reputation for writing different historical romances and that's why I've been wanting to read more of her books.
What did I like? Okay, so this book really didn't work out for me and you'll find out why in a few seconds. However, two thumbs up to Ms Lofty for the risk she took, the solid writing, the research done and the complex characters.
What didn't work? It's very ironic because above, I mentioned I wanted to read more of Ms Lofty's books because her historical romances are different, mainly thanks to the settings and time periods Ms Lofty chooses. However, in the case of Starlight, those elements really didn't work out for me ^_^; I like my historical romances more on the light and fun, fluffy side and Starlight was too dark and gritty for my taste. I really didn't like the whole union aspect of the book, how those workers are suppressed and taken advantage of and how union leaders like Polly are framed, etc. It's just not something I enjoyed reading and unfortunately for me, it was a huge part of the book ^_^;
As for the romance, it also didn't work for me. Basically, it's the same complaint that I've had for many other romance books recently: the H/H got together too fast. It's another case of instant attraction and lust as soon as they meet and quickly leads to marriage. Given Alex and Polly's respective positions, I actually expected a lot more obstacles to their relationship. In addition, given Alex' situation, I expected his character to be a lot more reserved. I admire how he wanted to learn the business and how he wanted to be fair and hear both sides of the story, but I admit, I was surprised at how easily he mingled with the workers. So that's why I just didn't believe in this instant connection between Alex and Polly. Perhaps if there's been a slower development to their relationship or less of the union politics aspect, it would have felt more believable... But as it is, the romance felt off to me. The chemistry was there, but from their interactions, they needed more time. I also thought that Alex' marriage to Mamie was a sappy story and served as an convenient excuse for readers and perhaps even Alex to accept he has fallen in love so soon after the death of his wife. Like how Alex loved and cared for Mamie... but more as a friend than as a lover. Then he meets Polly and discovers passion. And finally, I didn't really like the circumstances under which Polly and Alex married ^_^;
My Grade? 2/5. I did not enjoy Starlight, but the reasons have more to do with personal tastes than execution. As such, I will definitively give the next book in this series a try.
Why this book? I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Flawless. Also, the author is Ms Lofty :) She has a reputation for writing different historical romances and that's why I've been wanting to read more of her books.
What did I like? Okay, so this book really didn't work out for me and you'll find out why in a few seconds. However, two thumbs up to Ms Lofty for the risk she took, the solid writing, the research done and the complex characters.
What didn't work? It's very ironic because above, I mentioned I wanted to read more of Ms Lofty's books because her historical romances are different, mainly thanks to the settings and time periods Ms Lofty chooses. However, in the case of Starlight, those elements really didn't work out for me ^_^; I like my historical romances more on the light and fun, fluffy side and Starlight was too dark and gritty for my taste. I really didn't like the whole union aspect of the book, how those workers are suppressed and taken advantage of and how union leaders like Polly are framed, etc. It's just not something I enjoyed reading and unfortunately for me, it was a huge part of the book ^_^;
As for the romance, it also didn't work for me. Basically, it's the same complaint that I've had for many other romance books recently: the H/H got together too fast. It's another case of instant attraction and lust as soon as they meet and quickly leads to marriage. Given Alex and Polly's respective positions, I actually expected a lot more obstacles to their relationship. In addition, given Alex' situation, I expected his character to be a lot more reserved. I admire how he wanted to learn the business and how he wanted to be fair and hear both sides of the story, but I admit, I was surprised at how easily he mingled with the workers. So that's why I just didn't believe in this instant connection between Alex and Polly. Perhaps if there's been a slower development to their relationship or less of the union politics aspect, it would have felt more believable... But as it is, the romance felt off to me. The chemistry was there, but from their interactions, they needed more time. I also thought that Alex' marriage to Mamie was a sappy story and served as an convenient excuse for readers and perhaps even Alex to accept he has fallen in love so soon after the death of his wife. Like how Alex loved and cared for Mamie... but more as a friend than as a lover. Then he meets Polly and discovers passion. And finally, I didn't really like the circumstances under which Polly and Alex married ^_^;
My Grade? 2/5. I did not enjoy Starlight, but the reasons have more to do with personal tastes than execution. As such, I will definitively give the next book in this series a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2012
Review posted at Books to Brighten your Mood
Carrie Lofty's newest release, Starlight, is just further proof of how talented an author she really is. I have no better way to express myself when I review one of her books. Carrie Lofty is simply one of the most talented voices I have ever read.
Starlight, is the second story in her newest series, The Christies, and it's the story of Alex and Polly. Lofty, after Cape Town, travels her readers at Glasgow this time and tells us the story of a father who would do anything to protect his only child and a woman who fights with everything in her for what she believes just.
Alex and Polly are just perfect for each other and as far as memorable heroines go, Polly surely stands out. She isn't standing out just for her character qualities or because she's a really well-written character - which she is! - but because she's a true fighter, a woman who isn't waiting for her knight in shining armor to run to her rescue, but does anything within her power to make a better future for her and the people she cares for. Yeah, she may be a bit stubborn or use her femininity whenever it suits her but she is loyal and caring and she's not afraid to love and be loved.
Alex on the other hand is so much more than the acclaimed scientist everyone regards him to be. He's a sensual man, possessive and he could be as much a businessman as your typical next door guy. The scene where he plays football with his workers at the mill was just pure delight to read. That one and the one both Alex and Polly go to a bar to investigate some leads. By far the two most enjoying and memorable scenes of Starlight for me.
As I said in the beginning, Carrie Lofty is truly a talented author. The way she writes, the way she sets her stories under unique circumstances just make her novels stand out. I may not have cared in the least for her main couples, but I would still remember her stories for the way she presents them. My only problem was once more that it took me an awful lot of time to finish this book. Like in Flawless, somewhere after the first 2/3 of the book I felt that the story dragged a bit and it tired me. Maybe it's something personal or maybe the story did indeed drag a bit but the thing is that I wanted it a bit shorter to give this book a 5 star rating or maybe I wanted more things to happen in order to sustain my interest.
All in all, Starlight is an incredibly well written book, one definitely worth your time reading. Alex and Polly's story is just too good to miss :)
September 12, 2015
This review was posted at Under the Covers
Historical romance does not get much better than this! STARLIGHT was beautiful from beginning to end. With a hero you just can't help but falling in love with, a feisty heroine full of passion and courage and a story of two opposites that perfectly compliment each other. This book had it all.
Alex Christie, the eldest of the siblings, thought he wouldn't have to get involved in the scheme his late father had created to have each kid take over a struggling business. But he is forced by his father in law to do in order to keep his son with him. His son is the only thing he has left after his wife died and he will do anything to protect him. Even going to Scotland and taking over the textile business his late father owned there and making it profitable again so he can collect on his inheritance.
Not very business savvy and in need of some guidance, who better than the union's spokeswoman, Polly Gowman. She's smart, outspoken, sassy, daring and a lot of fun. She is also loyal to her people and their interests and will protect them with everything she's got.
Alex is definitely my type of hero. He's hard, rough and even brooding but he allows those walls to come down and is playful with Polly. He's intense and had me tingling on more than one occasion. Polly on the other hand is no wilting flower and can stand up to him as well as match him in his desires. Whether that's in the bedroom or in an alley while they're running away from the bad guys.
The element of mystery in this book was also perfectly woven in with the romance. It does not take away from them as a couple but it adds another dimension to what they're going through. And if I have to be honest I did not expect the ending and resolution to turn out the way it did, even though maybe I should've.
Job very well done Ms. Lofty. I cannot wait to read more about the Christies and what adventures await next, but Polly and Alex will be a pretty hard to beat couple in my heart.
*Review copy provided by author
Historical romance does not get much better than this! STARLIGHT was beautiful from beginning to end. With a hero you just can't help but falling in love with, a feisty heroine full of passion and courage and a story of two opposites that perfectly compliment each other. This book had it all.
Alex Christie, the eldest of the siblings, thought he wouldn't have to get involved in the scheme his late father had created to have each kid take over a struggling business. But he is forced by his father in law to do in order to keep his son with him. His son is the only thing he has left after his wife died and he will do anything to protect him. Even going to Scotland and taking over the textile business his late father owned there and making it profitable again so he can collect on his inheritance.
Not very business savvy and in need of some guidance, who better than the union's spokeswoman, Polly Gowman. She's smart, outspoken, sassy, daring and a lot of fun. She is also loyal to her people and their interests and will protect them with everything she's got.
Alex is definitely my type of hero. He's hard, rough and even brooding but he allows those walls to come down and is playful with Polly. He's intense and had me tingling on more than one occasion. Polly on the other hand is no wilting flower and can stand up to him as well as match him in his desires. Whether that's in the bedroom or in an alley while they're running away from the bad guys.
The element of mystery in this book was also perfectly woven in with the romance. It does not take away from them as a couple but it adds another dimension to what they're going through. And if I have to be honest I did not expect the ending and resolution to turn out the way it did, even though maybe I should've.
Job very well done Ms. Lofty. I cannot wait to read more about the Christies and what adventures await next, but Polly and Alex will be a pretty hard to beat couple in my heart.
*Review copy provided by author
June 27, 2012
I didn't mean to read this so quickly, but as it turns out, I needed a distraction from reality and this was a pretty good one.
One of the things I loved about the first book in this series was how unique it was in terms of period and setting, and this one was definitely different as well. (The mill setting and the mill owner/girl working for laborers' rights did remind me at times of North and South, which was kind of fun, even though that's more or less where the similarities end.) Anyway, I enjoyed the setting a lot, even more so because Alex had a history of supporting workers' rights in the US with Mamie.
Speaking of Mamie, I thought everything about his first wife was handled pretty well. Realistic given the times, but well done, mostly because of Alex's attitude and understanding. I thought that was pretty refreshing. I think my only concern on that front was
The romance didn't play out exactly how I was expecting it to, but I think in the end, I liked it better than what I'd anticipated.
The supporting characters were excellent, and the brief extra look at Viv and Miles in the epilogue was fun (it extends just a little past what we get in the epilogue for Book 1). A really enjoyable different take on historical romance. Even though I feel like I know far less about the twins than I did about Alex, I am very much looking forward to both of their books.
One of the things I loved about the first book in this series was how unique it was in terms of period and setting, and this one was definitely different as well. (The mill setting and the mill owner/girl working for laborers' rights did remind me at times of North and South, which was kind of fun, even though that's more or less where the similarities end.) Anyway, I enjoyed the setting a lot, even more so because Alex had a history of supporting workers' rights in the US with Mamie.
Speaking of Mamie, I thought everything about his first wife was handled pretty well. Realistic given the times, but well done, mostly because of Alex's attitude and understanding. I thought that was pretty refreshing. I think my only concern on that front was
The romance didn't play out exactly how I was expecting it to, but I think in the end, I liked it better than what I'd anticipated.
The supporting characters were excellent, and the brief extra look at Viv and Miles in the epilogue was fun (it extends just a little past what we get in the epilogue for Book 1). A really enjoyable different take on historical romance. Even though I feel like I know far less about the twins than I did about Alex, I am very much looking forward to both of their books.
July 20, 2012
3.5 stars. When I first read the blurb for this book, I thought that Carrie Lofty was going to do a disservice to Scotland and the time period. Writing historical romance novels is no easy feat, let alone writing one that takes place during such an unusual time period (the late 1880s, during the Industrial Revolution). But Lofty did a commendable job, mainly because she didn’t dwell to deep in the history rather she stuck to the romance which I liked.
One of the best things about this book is Alex Christie. There was something pure and simple about him; an uncomplicated man with a simple goal- to provide for his son. What made me fall in love with him though, was that while making a choice that was going to suck no matter what, he felt awful about it. His perseverance to do right by Polly, her family, the union, and his deceased father was touching.
While this book had the makings of a five star book, two big things stood in the way of me truly enjoying it. The first being Polly; she was supposed to be bold and “cheeky” but sometimes she just crossed the line into ridiculous and cheap. Also, I found it hard to believe that a young unmarried woman would be allowed to wander the streets in a bad part of town with a man she barely knows. A little too farfetched for me. The second problem I had with this book was that it was just too long. A big chunk of the book could have been cut out and story would have been stronger; the pace was too slow. I’ve noticed that romance novels over 350+ pages usually don’t have any need to be so long.
Overall, this book had a handful of touching moments and I highly recommend it for people who love Regency romance novels or Victorian romance novels because the feel is similar.
One of the best things about this book is Alex Christie. There was something pure and simple about him; an uncomplicated man with a simple goal- to provide for his son. What made me fall in love with him though, was that while making a choice that was going to suck no matter what, he felt awful about it. His perseverance to do right by Polly, her family, the union, and his deceased father was touching.
While this book had the makings of a five star book, two big things stood in the way of me truly enjoying it. The first being Polly; she was supposed to be bold and “cheeky” but sometimes she just crossed the line into ridiculous and cheap. Also, I found it hard to believe that a young unmarried woman would be allowed to wander the streets in a bad part of town with a man she barely knows. A little too farfetched for me. The second problem I had with this book was that it was just too long. A big chunk of the book could have been cut out and story would have been stronger; the pace was too slow. I’ve noticed that romance novels over 350+ pages usually don’t have any need to be so long.
Overall, this book had a handful of touching moments and I highly recommend it for people who love Regency romance novels or Victorian romance novels because the feel is similar.
June 20, 2012
The Christies, one of those families that on the surface may have appeared to have it all put together. The tough father, loving mother to all (even those not biologically her children), the siblings all legitimate one way or another, and wealth. As with every family there are stories hidden and feelings kept in the dark.
Starlight brings revelations and love to Alex Christie. Alex sets out to make the mill that his father has left in his hands profitable, a mill that is struggling nearly as much as the young woman Polly who works there. Alex meets Polly and despite the circumstances is thrown by her beauty and confidence. For the first time in his life he experiences strong attraction, nearly strong enough for him to forget his young son and what he has set out to accomplish.
Lofty’s writing brings the places and characters to life immediately. You feel Alex’s concern over his son and his desperate need to protect him from his late wife’s father. Polly’s strong convictions on working conditions and fairness are enough to make you want to stand and cheer, and cry in outrage at the actions of Alex and the other mill masters. The other colorful characters help round out the story mostly by adding more fuel to the fire.
Despite the many obstacles in their path Alex and Polly give into each other, beautiful and fiery. As the saying goes, love is never easy. That certainly fits with these two. They might be exactly what the other needs but with their strong personalities getting in the way you fear they will never discover it.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
Starlight brings revelations and love to Alex Christie. Alex sets out to make the mill that his father has left in his hands profitable, a mill that is struggling nearly as much as the young woman Polly who works there. Alex meets Polly and despite the circumstances is thrown by her beauty and confidence. For the first time in his life he experiences strong attraction, nearly strong enough for him to forget his young son and what he has set out to accomplish.
Lofty’s writing brings the places and characters to life immediately. You feel Alex’s concern over his son and his desperate need to protect him from his late wife’s father. Polly’s strong convictions on working conditions and fairness are enough to make you want to stand and cheer, and cry in outrage at the actions of Alex and the other mill masters. The other colorful characters help round out the story mostly by adding more fuel to the fire.
Despite the many obstacles in their path Alex and Polly give into each other, beautiful and fiery. As the saying goes, love is never easy. That certainly fits with these two. They might be exactly what the other needs but with their strong personalities getting in the way you fear they will never discover it.
Review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
August 25, 2014
At a time where industry was all about profits at the expense of the workers, Polly is a Glasgow cotton mill worker who is heavily involved in the union. Alexander is a widower with a frail young son, who accepts his late father’s challenge to make the mill profitable in order to protect his son from a cruel and mentally unstable father-in-law. He has a lot to lose if he can’t make a go of the business, but he didn’t count on feisty Polly, the other mill owners, or a saboteur who is attacking the mills. Despite their differences, Polly and Alexander are drawn to each other and realize it is to their advantage to work together to find the culprits and keep the mill running. I found the time period and setting very interesting, and it added a lot to the story to see how the workers had little recourse against cruel owners who put profits ahead of their workers, besides banding together in a union. I loved Polly’s indomitable spirit, as she tried to follow her heart, while staying true to her union duties. Alexander was a man thrown into a situation he wanted no part of, he’d rather be back at the university working at his profession as an astronomer, but he would do anything to protect his young son, which I found admirable. I loved seeing the interaction between these two strong willed people, and was happy to see the resolution of the story where problems were solved to everyone’s satisfaction, including mine.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 14, 2012
Here's another refreshing addition to the Christies series. As with Flawless (Book 1), Starlight's setting was equally original. This time Alex found himself in industrial Glasgow fraught with union challenges and self-serving mill masters. I can't help but wonder where in the world are the two remaining Christie siblings going to end up? What type of business must each one make profitable in order to claim their inheritances?
I enjoyed watching the intellectual Alex try to deal with his overwhelming physical attraction for Polly, especially considering how he lived a monk-like existence during his first marriage. And Polly was gritty and sometimes crude--but always genuine. Both were seemingly on opposite sides of the fence in both character and ambition; the appeal was in watching them match wits and staying true to their goals while desperate to find common ground.
The brutal mill overseer who was the unofficial law wasn't the only villain here; Alex's disgusting and abusive father-in-law threatened to sue for sole custody of his infant grandson and ultimately took extreme measures to make it happen. The climax was a thrilling way for our hero to save the day!
I recommend Starlight to anyone who is looking for an informative yet exciting view into a romance that bloomed in the midst of the seedy and oftentimes oppressive industrial-age Glasgow. It's definitely a four-star read.
I enjoyed watching the intellectual Alex try to deal with his overwhelming physical attraction for Polly, especially considering how he lived a monk-like existence during his first marriage. And Polly was gritty and sometimes crude--but always genuine. Both were seemingly on opposite sides of the fence in both character and ambition; the appeal was in watching them match wits and staying true to their goals while desperate to find common ground.
The brutal mill overseer who was the unofficial law wasn't the only villain here; Alex's disgusting and abusive father-in-law threatened to sue for sole custody of his infant grandson and ultimately took extreme measures to make it happen. The climax was a thrilling way for our hero to save the day!
I recommend Starlight to anyone who is looking for an informative yet exciting view into a romance that bloomed in the midst of the seedy and oftentimes oppressive industrial-age Glasgow. It's definitely a four-star read.
July 31, 2012
3.5 stars
Okay, so truthfully, I finished this several weeks ago. But as I usually do, I read it fairly quickly, and since I got this as a First Reads books, I wanted to take the time to do a "proper" review. In order to do that, I wanted to reread it again, more slowly, but that hasn't happened yet and it's sitting in my sidebar taunting me, so I'm going to just do it off my recollection and possibly come back to amend the review later.
I liked this. Not as much as I wanted to, but a pretty decent amount. I found the premise of a union leader and the owner of the business very engaging, but there was something about the speed at which the romance took place that I wasn't as much a fan of. I get lust at first sight. That part of the book was great. But then the relationship development itself seemed to happen too quickly, which was ultimately frustrating to read since the terms of the will that put Alex in Scotland necessitated him staying for an entire year. Taking advantage of that longer than normal time period would have been really nice. I think I would have enjoyed it more.
Still, I did like it and am very much looking forward to book three in the Christie series.
*COPY OBTAINED THROUGH A GOODREADS FIRST READS CONTEST.
Okay, so truthfully, I finished this several weeks ago. But as I usually do, I read it fairly quickly, and since I got this as a First Reads books, I wanted to take the time to do a "proper" review. In order to do that, I wanted to reread it again, more slowly, but that hasn't happened yet and it's sitting in my sidebar taunting me, so I'm going to just do it off my recollection and possibly come back to amend the review later.
I liked this. Not as much as I wanted to, but a pretty decent amount. I found the premise of a union leader and the owner of the business very engaging, but there was something about the speed at which the romance took place that I wasn't as much a fan of. I get lust at first sight. That part of the book was great. But then the relationship development itself seemed to happen too quickly, which was ultimately frustrating to read since the terms of the will that put Alex in Scotland necessitated him staying for an entire year. Taking advantage of that longer than normal time period would have been really nice. I think I would have enjoyed it more.
Still, I did like it and am very much looking forward to book three in the Christie series.
*COPY OBTAINED THROUGH A GOODREADS FIRST READS CONTEST.
December 7, 2012
Characters
With Lofty’s debut novel “Flawless” still fresh in my mind from a year ago, I had high expectations for her follow-up novel “Starlight”. For the most part, I was not disappointed. The characters were as colorful and believable and multifaceted as those in Lofty’s first novel, and I delighted in learning about the complicated mess of Alex’s family and how Polly’s stubbornness and spirit helped lead them to love.
Story and Writing Style
And while the writing was fantastic and I was in absolute love with the characters, I confess to being confused by the story at some parts. The plot of dealing with textile factories and union workers is very unique, something you don’t read about in romance novels very often, but I was sort of…bored. Bored enough that it took me several months to finish the tome when it took me less than a week to finish “Flawless”.
Sex
Brief, scattered and hot. That first time in the darkened closet while being chased by the cops was hot. I just felt that Polly’s distrust and hatred in Alex as her master was too strong compared to that of Alex as her lover.
January 7, 2015
The second in The Christies series by Carrie Lofty. I had not read the first in the series but with only some minor confusion I was able to pick up the woven story line. Alex Christie only wanted one worry in his life, his infant son. After the death of his father he has more worries than he ever wanted to deal with. To earn his inheritance he must run the family textile mill profitably for two years. In a new land, taking on new responsibilities is almost too much for this astrology professor. Polly Gowen has grown up working in the Glasgow mills and has been fighting to create a union. With the new master in town she’s sure this is the turning point to provide fair treatment to the workers. What she isn’t ready for is the attraction that sparks between them. With someone sabotaging the mills Polly and Alex must find the culprits before everything falls down around them. I really enjoyed the sparks between Polly and Alex, I loved how outspoken she was. Can’t wait to try the other books in the series!
March 16, 2013
I really liked the second installment in the Christie series. This one tells the story of one of the brothers, Alex Christie. Alex has two years to turn a profit on his father's cotton mill in Scotland in order to earn his million dollar inheritance. He wants the money so he can finally be free of his evil father-in-law who is trying to take his son from him. The inheritance will guarantee this doesn't happen. Then, there is an arson at the mill and he and the other mill masters are determined to find out who did it. In addition, the other masters are determined to break the unions. Just so happens that Alex is attracted to the union leader's daughter, Polly. She is primed to take the position of Union leader and the number one suspect of the arson is her ex-boyfriend, Tommy. All of these factors converge to create a great plot that moves quickly. This book has it all for a historical romance: adventure, intrigue, passionate fighting, family problems, and a great love story.
October 26, 2013
Based on the description, I probably would not have bought this book on my own, but I won it in a Goodreads giveaway, so I figured what the heck, I would try it. I am very glad I did. The leads, Polly and Alex, feel real. The background of the story is tense and gritty and believable. The flirty dialogue between the main characters is fun and sexy, and you can practically feel the tension when they are arguing. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending surprised me, yet was completely plausible. I am going to read Flawless, the first Christies family book, and then probably the short about the father that started it all. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because it is not my own personal choice of time and place for a love story -- but overall I thought it was a good story filled with very big highs, and very low lows, and a believable happy ending.
August 8, 2012
Dunno what it was, but I just couldn't get into this one... maybe I'll try it again later when I'm in more of a gritty historical mood. There wasn't much wrong with the book itself, it just never hooked me. I picked it up several times to read a few chapters, only to put it down for awhile and buzz through something else.
I liked Alex well enough (tho' his stepfather is a rather stereotypical villain), but Polly and her world didn't really come to life for me, and she didn't completely gel as a character in my head. I *wanted* to like her, and at first she seemed ready to come at the new mill Master with an open mind, but then she'd fall back into stereotyped Paranoid (yet Plucky!) Union Leader.
Ah, well.
I liked Alex well enough (tho' his stepfather is a rather stereotypical villain), but Polly and her world didn't really come to life for me, and she didn't completely gel as a character in my head. I *wanted* to like her, and at first she seemed ready to come at the new mill Master with an open mind, but then she'd fall back into stereotyped Paranoid (yet Plucky!) Union Leader.
Ah, well.
November 4, 2014
An usual setting in a mill town in Scotland and an usual love affair between the new mill owner and a weaver who is also a union organizer. Passion flares between Polly and Alex from the start, but the difference in their status and Alex's need to make a success of the mill in order to keep custody of his son stand in their way. Still, they manage to have vivid sex in some pretty unusual places. When Polly's followers learn of their affair and lose faith in her, Alex feels compelled to marry her for her own safety. Violence erupts and they must track down the person sabotaging the mills and making it look like the work of the unions. They succeed in both finding the culprit and in their shaky marriage.
June 29, 2012
I am a sucker for a good historical romance. I recently watched North and South and found some similarities to this novel and I enjoyed both of the stories. I had not read anything by Lofty before but I will be reading more in the future, especially from this series.
I received a copy of this book from GoodReads and Carrie Lofty. Thank you.
I received a copy of this book from GoodReads and Carrie Lofty. Thank you.
September 26, 2013
This was just an okay read for me. I liked both of the main characters but I didn't understand how Alex's father in law would have had the power to take little Edward. I just didn't see him as a real threat and it threw my belief in that aspect of the plot. Towards the end I became a bit bored but saw it through to a very nice ending and epilogue.
December 5, 2012
A love story, a mystery, and a look into life years ago! Lofty details a torrid love story between two people who shouldn't be together but can't resist each other. Together they try to solve a mystery and...the rest you have to read yourself. Thanks to Goodreads for my copy!
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