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Scotland Yard Exchange #1
The Throwbacks
She’s a vivacious, light-hearted young beauty from Beacon Hill
He’s a world-weary not-so-young exile from Scotland Yard.
She’s an orphaned decorator who longs for a family of her own.
He’s a rogue detective with a superhero complex.
She’s smitten with this superhero who is the last man she sees in the picket-fence picture of her future.
He’s smitten with this fluffy young romantic who he sees as kryptonite to his career and well being.
But if you saw Grace and David in a room full of people, and you had to pick one man and one woman who belonged together, you would pick them. They would be The Throwbacks.
Vivacious young decorator Grace Rogers sets her sights for that picket-fence life she longs for with the unlikely world-weary British exile, the not-so-young David Young. The ex-Scotland Yard detective joins the Boston Police Department to salvage his career. He hires Grace to decorate his Beacon Hill townhouse to salvage his life.
But this rogue detective’s plans for a new beginning are threatened when he can’t resist the seemingly unseemly romance with his too-young bombshell decorator. Grace turns out to be a key witness in his high-stakes kidnapping case--and like Kryptonite to his career and his well-being with her romantic notions of family life.
David put his life on the line to save her from the kidnappers, but now is Grace willing to put her dreams on the line to save her real-life superhero from himself?
He’s a world-weary not-so-young exile from Scotland Yard.
She’s an orphaned decorator who longs for a family of her own.
He’s a rogue detective with a superhero complex.
She’s smitten with this superhero who is the last man she sees in the picket-fence picture of her future.
He’s smitten with this fluffy young romantic who he sees as kryptonite to his career and well being.
But if you saw Grace and David in a room full of people, and you had to pick one man and one woman who belonged together, you would pick them. They would be The Throwbacks.
Vivacious young decorator Grace Rogers sets her sights for that picket-fence life she longs for with the unlikely world-weary British exile, the not-so-young David Young. The ex-Scotland Yard detective joins the Boston Police Department to salvage his career. He hires Grace to decorate his Beacon Hill townhouse to salvage his life.
But this rogue detective’s plans for a new beginning are threatened when he can’t resist the seemingly unseemly romance with his too-young bombshell decorator. Grace turns out to be a key witness in his high-stakes kidnapping case--and like Kryptonite to his career and his well-being with her romantic notions of family life.
David put his life on the line to save her from the kidnappers, but now is Grace willing to put her dreams on the line to save her real-life superhero from himself?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2011
7 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 6, 2012
Full review here: http://yourneedtoread.blogspot.com/20...
First, the positives: I liked David. There is some sickness in me that enjoys a more sullen, slightly burnt-out-on-life character. It helps if he looks like George Clooney of course!
I enjoyed the fact that he was on “suspension” from Scotland Yard. I won’t spoil why, but it was an intriguing tale.
The age difference was a positive and negative for me. I am assuming there was a good 20 years between Grace and David. David was introduced to women his age, but he was attracted to Grace.
The positive of this was not based on age; he just liked her.
The negative of this was that Grace seemed to act like she was 40 years younger than David, which became slightly irritating. There was one scene where the main characters started , uh, becoming …friendly? At one point Grace senses David is breathing too hard and panics that he is having a heart attack. It was almost as if the man had one foot in the bedroom and the other in a hospice facility.
My main problem, and it was mine and mine alone, was Grace. Reading other reviews, folks LOVE her…LOVE her. I wanted to strangle her, at least in the beginning.
She reminded me of Marilyn Monroe, or at least the idea of what Marilyn Monroe personified--sweet, kind, naive and utterly stupid.
She got on my nerves. Yes, she was hot, young and all of the above. My number one irritation? She thought David was a GOD. She bragged about him to anyone who would listen, like a child brags about her dad.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this is all for a reason and later in the book it all comes together.
This is a fun mystery, definitely light. It is well written, dialogue is snappy , characters are interesting.
Chances are you’re a nicer person than me ,so you will probably find Grace enduring and sweet.
For you bodice ripping, swashbuckling, smoochy lovers, there is a little, not a lot. I’m sure you can use your imaginations to fill in the blanks if needed.
Read the book. I would love to hear what you think.
First, the positives: I liked David. There is some sickness in me that enjoys a more sullen, slightly burnt-out-on-life character. It helps if he looks like George Clooney of course!
I enjoyed the fact that he was on “suspension” from Scotland Yard. I won’t spoil why, but it was an intriguing tale.
The age difference was a positive and negative for me. I am assuming there was a good 20 years between Grace and David. David was introduced to women his age, but he was attracted to Grace.
The positive of this was not based on age; he just liked her.
The negative of this was that Grace seemed to act like she was 40 years younger than David, which became slightly irritating. There was one scene where the main characters started , uh, becoming …friendly? At one point Grace senses David is breathing too hard and panics that he is having a heart attack. It was almost as if the man had one foot in the bedroom and the other in a hospice facility.
My main problem, and it was mine and mine alone, was Grace. Reading other reviews, folks LOVE her…LOVE her. I wanted to strangle her, at least in the beginning.
She reminded me of Marilyn Monroe, or at least the idea of what Marilyn Monroe personified--sweet, kind, naive and utterly stupid.
She got on my nerves. Yes, she was hot, young and all of the above. My number one irritation? She thought David was a GOD. She bragged about him to anyone who would listen, like a child brags about her dad.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this is all for a reason and later in the book it all comes together.
This is a fun mystery, definitely light. It is well written, dialogue is snappy , characters are interesting.
Chances are you’re a nicer person than me ,so you will probably find Grace enduring and sweet.
For you bodice ripping, swashbuckling, smoochy lovers, there is a little, not a lot. I’m sure you can use your imaginations to fill in the blanks if needed.
Read the book. I would love to hear what you think.
September 1, 2013
Even more enjoyable than the story itself are the two main characters - both throwbacks to a more elegant era when men were men and women were soft and fluffy and needed to be protected by them. If that doesn't appeal to you, wait! This is truly a fun, refreshing murder mystery, thick with conflict and steamy sexual tension. Officially, David is on loan from Scotland Yard to the Boston Police Department. The truth is, he has been accused of murdering the man who killed his wife and everyone thought it best if he hang out in Boston for a while. He's an interesting character in many ways: a perfect gentleman, something of a dandy, often the only one in the room wearing a suit - but he wouldn't have it any other way. I did find Grace a bit too girlie, with her Marilyn Monroe looks, her pouty smiles and breathy sighs. While David is trying to solve a murder and salvage his career, Grace, an air-headed interior decorator, tricks him into hiring her to decorate his townhouse. She ends up traipsing after him in her stilettos, falling all over him, getting in his way, and putting herself in danger as well. David, a Scotland Yard detective, wasn't able to protect his wife. He doesn't want to put another woman at risk because of his chosen career. But Grace sees herself as the Robin to his Batman, the Watson to his Sherlock. That's a problem. David is around 50, and Grace around 25, as far as I could gather. He knows he can't be the man of her dreams, can't give her the house in the suburbs and kids she's always wanted. He isn't even sure he can keep her from being killed. He'll never get over the guilt of not protecting his wife.But soon, he can't deny he loves Grace just as much as she loves him. Through the entire book I was on edge, hoping they'd throw aside all the reasonable objections to their relationship and get together. There are no overt sex scenes in this book, but the author did a great job of keeping the sexual tension on a high flame.
While the author clearly has plenty of talent, the number of mistakes was disturbing. It wasn't so bad on the early pages, but the editing got shoddier as the book went on. Grace refers to her own dog sometimes as "she" and sometimes "he". The dog seems to simply disappear for a good part of the book, even though he/she is living in a hotel room and a dog like that should be front and center, especially with all the people who come and go.
Still, all in all a fun read that held my attention to the end. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a lighter type of mystery with some fun romance thrown in.
While the author clearly has plenty of talent, the number of mistakes was disturbing. It wasn't so bad on the early pages, but the editing got shoddier as the book went on. Grace refers to her own dog sometimes as "she" and sometimes "he". The dog seems to simply disappear for a good part of the book, even though he/she is living in a hotel room and a dog like that should be front and center, especially with all the people who come and go.
Still, all in all a fun read that held my attention to the end. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a lighter type of mystery with some fun romance thrown in.
February 22, 2014
What a wonderful read. So the title really calls it. Grace truly is a Throwback. She is what her name is as well, graceful. She is falling for David and he is falling for her as well, but he wants to keep going the other way. He knows she wants the family, picket fence, etc. He feels too old for any of that. And then the story that starts them together in the first place is great as well. It truly is amazing and a refreshing read. I look forward to reading more.
February 7, 2019
I read this as part of the Mirth, Murder & Mystery book series.
In Chapter 3 Grace said she was working (decorating) Nick and Teresa’s loft. In Chapter 5 Dan and David pull up to the loft which had been on the market but was taken off due to the ‘sudden death of Rick’s brother.’ The couple had been packing, boxes were stacked around. Grace is unpacking china, as well as decorative items, and placing them on shelves. So, are they coming or going?
Oh my gosh, I get so tired of the ‘he said’ ‘she said’ stuff. (i.e. We’ll have David set it up through the local gallery manager,” Dan said. “I know the drill,” Nick said. “This is exciting!” Grace said. “This is going to be boring,” Theresa said.) There are so many ways of doing conversation without resorting to the boring repetitive spiel.
There were several continuity issues. Grace and Sophie are talking as Grace pulls up to the curb of their building. They do quite a bit more talking as the car (finally) came to a stop at their building.
In Chapter 5 we learn that Theresa spilled the beans to Sophia about Nick still being alive. Chapter 6 David states that Grace, Sophia, and Theresa have to remember to keep secret that there was no murder. In Chapter 13 Grace almost askes Sophia to go with her to Theresa and Rick’s then remembers that Nick is there, and it’s supposed to be a secret so she can’t take Sophia.
Grace, who is wearing black lace nothing for bed and threw a short robe over it when she ran out looking for her dog, Noodles, packs to move into a hotel due to someone trying to break into her apartment, and the manager throwing her out because she isn’t supposed to have a dog. Once packed she goes out the door. No mention on her changing her clothes, or rather, into clothes.
End of Chapter 15 the time is announced as being 4 a.m. A bit of conversation, Grace packing in record time, checking into the hotel, more conversation, told they were leaving for the sting operation in 3 hours where they arrive at 6 p.m. I find it hard to believe it took 14 hours for that amount of action.
I’m confused about the sting operation. If it’s supposed to be a celebration of David’s position with the police department and solving the case, why bring the fake vase as a lure. But then again, they were planting a fake vase at Rick’s place? Totally confused on this.
Need a good editor to catch the continuity problems. They left the building and got in a cab. David called and gave a location he felt was were the kidnappers were. Then they caught a cab and drove back to the hotel.
Sigh, David and Grace were told to be at police headquarters in one hour for their statements. So, what do they do, go make love and never make it to the police station.
Grace is a Marilyn Monroe look alike who typifies the term ditzy blonde. For the most part you can forgive her actions and enjoy the ride, until David goes on a bust and she sneaks along after him because she can’t bear the thought of him being in danger and her not being there with him; never thinking for a minute that her presence might put not only herself, but him in danger. And then, afterwards every official is absolutely ok with what she did, even giving her part credit for the rescue (which she really didn’t deserve).
I really wanted to give this story 4 stars, but between the continuity issues, words left out or added words, and Grace’s hairbrained efforts during the raid, I couldn’t justify it.
In Chapter 3 Grace said she was working (decorating) Nick and Teresa’s loft. In Chapter 5 Dan and David pull up to the loft which had been on the market but was taken off due to the ‘sudden death of Rick’s brother.’ The couple had been packing, boxes were stacked around. Grace is unpacking china, as well as decorative items, and placing them on shelves. So, are they coming or going?
Oh my gosh, I get so tired of the ‘he said’ ‘she said’ stuff. (i.e. We’ll have David set it up through the local gallery manager,” Dan said. “I know the drill,” Nick said. “This is exciting!” Grace said. “This is going to be boring,” Theresa said.) There are so many ways of doing conversation without resorting to the boring repetitive spiel.
There were several continuity issues. Grace and Sophie are talking as Grace pulls up to the curb of their building. They do quite a bit more talking as the car (finally) came to a stop at their building.
In Chapter 5 we learn that Theresa spilled the beans to Sophia about Nick still being alive. Chapter 6 David states that Grace, Sophia, and Theresa have to remember to keep secret that there was no murder. In Chapter 13 Grace almost askes Sophia to go with her to Theresa and Rick’s then remembers that Nick is there, and it’s supposed to be a secret so she can’t take Sophia.
Grace, who is wearing black lace nothing for bed and threw a short robe over it when she ran out looking for her dog, Noodles, packs to move into a hotel due to someone trying to break into her apartment, and the manager throwing her out because she isn’t supposed to have a dog. Once packed she goes out the door. No mention on her changing her clothes, or rather, into clothes.
End of Chapter 15 the time is announced as being 4 a.m. A bit of conversation, Grace packing in record time, checking into the hotel, more conversation, told they were leaving for the sting operation in 3 hours where they arrive at 6 p.m. I find it hard to believe it took 14 hours for that amount of action.
I’m confused about the sting operation. If it’s supposed to be a celebration of David’s position with the police department and solving the case, why bring the fake vase as a lure. But then again, they were planting a fake vase at Rick’s place? Totally confused on this.
Need a good editor to catch the continuity problems. They left the building and got in a cab. David called and gave a location he felt was were the kidnappers were. Then they caught a cab and drove back to the hotel.
Sigh, David and Grace were told to be at police headquarters in one hour for their statements. So, what do they do, go make love and never make it to the police station.
Grace is a Marilyn Monroe look alike who typifies the term ditzy blonde. For the most part you can forgive her actions and enjoy the ride, until David goes on a bust and she sneaks along after him because she can’t bear the thought of him being in danger and her not being there with him; never thinking for a minute that her presence might put not only herself, but him in danger. And then, afterwards every official is absolutely ok with what she did, even giving her part credit for the rescue (which she really didn’t deserve).
I really wanted to give this story 4 stars, but between the continuity issues, words left out or added words, and Grace’s hairbrained efforts during the raid, I couldn’t justify it.
May 9, 2018
The Throwbacks has just the right amount of old fashioned romance and mystery. It is a fast paced story that is quirky and definitely not your normal romance story. Along the way there is crime and murders and stubborn woman who can’t stay behind the scenes when the one you love is put in the face of danger. Grace may be young but she is an old soul. David is a love ‘em and leave ‘em type of guy, but somehow they work. Now if Grace can just show him that that is true.
August 27, 2018
The mystery/crime part of this book, which was good, could have been covered in 1/2 of this book. The romantic story between David and Grace was way too sappy for me.
October 29, 2016
This book was much more a love story than a mystery.
June 27, 2013
Grace Rogers is a 30-year-old decorator. Grace is an orphan who longs for a husband, home and children. Meeting nearly 50-year-old David Young currently exiled from Scotland Yard while he’s being investigated, Grace immediately falls for him even though he’s not what she had in mind to fulfill her dreams. When she gets involved in his current case and he hires her to decorate his townhouse the two are thrown together more often than not. Can these two make a relationship work? Or does age really make a difference.
This story won’t be for everyone. It’s quirky and fun with some silliness that makes it a light-hearted read. And it was quite an enjoyable read until near the end when Grace does something so incredibly stupid that I could only sit back and stare. No longer fun and quirky she morphed into Lucy Ricardo, too stupid to live. I loathe Lucy Ricardo. Not only does Grace do this thing that is so moronic as to blow the mind, but she isn’t even reprimanded. She’s patted on the head and told, yes it was dangerous, but since she was so darn cute doing it it’ll be overlooked. No, no it won’t. Not by me. Others may find what she did cute also, but for me it ruined a book that was, up until that point, amusing. I lost all respect for the characters after that and I’m disappointed.
*Books source ~ Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
This story won’t be for everyone. It’s quirky and fun with some silliness that makes it a light-hearted read. And it was quite an enjoyable read until near the end when Grace does something so incredibly stupid that I could only sit back and stare. No longer fun and quirky she morphed into Lucy Ricardo, too stupid to live. I loathe Lucy Ricardo. Not only does Grace do this thing that is so moronic as to blow the mind, but she isn’t even reprimanded. She’s patted on the head and told, yes it was dangerous, but since she was so darn cute doing it it’ll be overlooked. No, no it won’t. Not by me. Others may find what she did cute also, but for me it ruined a book that was, up until that point, amusing. I lost all respect for the characters after that and I’m disappointed.
*Books source ~ Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
May 5, 2012
My Review:
I'll admit right up front that the style of this book was not something I necessarily enjoyed. This is a quirky book done in the style of a 50's movie. Tons of flirty banter. An upstanding British detective who always is serious and looks the part...impeccably tailored at all times. A flighty heroine who is always happy despite her circumstances. He's the police detective. She's the interior decorator. They have instant magic despite their 20 year age difference (he's 50, she's 30.) It completely reminded me of the old Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies...and ironically even talked about my favorite one, Pillow Talk, in the book.
Honestly, if this had been a movie, I think I would have loved it. But to read it as a book, the pace just didn't translate as well as it would across the screen. And that makes me sad because I love those old movies. I wanted to enjoy this book that way. I think if I read more of these style of books, I could have enjoyed it more, because there was absolutely nothing wrong with this book. It was light and fluffy and could have been a lot of fun. It just wasn't for me.
I'll admit right up front that the style of this book was not something I necessarily enjoyed. This is a quirky book done in the style of a 50's movie. Tons of flirty banter. An upstanding British detective who always is serious and looks the part...impeccably tailored at all times. A flighty heroine who is always happy despite her circumstances. He's the police detective. She's the interior decorator. They have instant magic despite their 20 year age difference (he's 50, she's 30.) It completely reminded me of the old Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies...and ironically even talked about my favorite one, Pillow Talk, in the book.
Honestly, if this had been a movie, I think I would have loved it. But to read it as a book, the pace just didn't translate as well as it would across the screen. And that makes me sad because I love those old movies. I wanted to enjoy this book that way. I think if I read more of these style of books, I could have enjoyed it more, because there was absolutely nothing wrong with this book. It was light and fluffy and could have been a lot of fun. It just wasn't for me.
September 11, 2013
This book was not for me. The book is based on the idea of intrigue at first sight. I can get behind the premise that this can quickly turn into love but this "love" story was handled like a middle-school romance. The way the romantic relationship was handled between the characters were unrealistic and immature, not to mention the female character had little to no sense of self-preservation. Since this book is also supposed to be a mystery novel, I had hoped that the backstory would be enough to make the romantic aspect tolerable. It was not. In the end, I was wishing for the relationship to fail and end as quickly as possible just so I could put the damn book away. This is one of the books that I wish I could go against my principles and just not finish.
November 4, 2013
This book was quite well written with just the right amount of both crime-fighting and romance. Not by any means a traditional romance story, this will they-won't they tale is one of Grace and David and their twenty-something age gap. The story is really fast paced, lots of exciting crime fighting happening along the way, murders and the small matter of the two main characters trying to fight and deny their feelings for each other. I found it hard to put down, especially once the crime elements went up a notch and the romance started on it's on/off journey. Good stuff, I'll be looking out for more stuff by Stephanie Queen.
June 18, 2013
It is a cute book with a good mystery to solve. Even though the mystery seemed to be on the back burner to the love story. I liked David's character. He is a skillful detective and a well rounded character. Grace got on my nerves - to sacroney sweet for my taste. I did love the age difference between them. I felt the author handled to well. Except for the time she had Grace act stupid and think he might be having a heart attact.
July 13, 2012
What a fantastic story! It reminded me a little of one of the Pink Panther movies--the one where the love interest is the maid at a millionaire's mansion and she is caught in the middle of a murder. The heroine is like Elke Sommer in A Shot In The Dark. Stephanie Queen is a great weaver of stories and this is one you won't want to miss!
August 14, 2012
I'd love to know what my reading friends think of this book.
Is Romantic Comedy Mystery a good category description for it?
Merged review:
Romantic Times Book Review
4 1/2 Stars "Resplendent in rich detail, laugh-out-loud moments, a fast-paced plot and spellbinding characters, The Throwbacks is a stellar not-to-be-missed standout!" Diane Morasco
Is Romantic Comedy Mystery a good category description for it?
Merged review:
Romantic Times Book Review
4 1/2 Stars "Resplendent in rich detail, laugh-out-loud moments, a fast-paced plot and spellbinding characters, The Throwbacks is a stellar not-to-be-missed standout!" Diane Morasco
April 11, 2013
I really wanted to like this book because the synopsis sounded great. However, I really struggled to stay with it & finish it. I enjoy a good mystery & was disappointed that this wasn't one for me. Confusing (like all the nicknames) & a little too quirky. Also, felt like too much bantering & not enough substance. Unfortunately, not my style.
July 24, 2013
This was the first book I have read by this author and it will certainly not be my last! I fell in love with the quirky, effervescent Grace and and charming, sexy older Scotland Yard Inspector David! Their whirlwind romance was deeply moving and sweetly sensual without being explicit! I could hardly put it down! I highly recommend this as a MUST READ for romance lovers!!
April 18, 2014
I wanted to like this book, but I thought it was pretty awful.
Grace was a ditzy lady who I didn't care about or even want to care about. I liked David a bit, but still really didn't care all that much about him.
I finished the book because I have a hard time not finishing when I've started, but I was relieved it was over.
Grace was a ditzy lady who I didn't care about or even want to care about. I liked David a bit, but still really didn't care all that much about him.
I finished the book because I have a hard time not finishing when I've started, but I was relieved it was over.
Read
January 30, 2012This one isn't working for me. I think some might find it quirky, but the quirky part isn't doing it for me.
May 11, 2012
This is my favorite Stephanie Queen book! the characters have such a great chemistry- you rarely find that in a book. This was a lot of fun to read. Great book!
April 16, 2013
This was book was too annoying for me to finish.
July 13, 2013
Quirky characters. A little too silly for my taste. Drug on too much
July 31, 2013
Terrible. I'm not sure why I bothered finishing.
September 8, 2013
This book was fun and engaging. A great treadmill read :)
December 23, 2013
loved this light hearted romance/suspense story. It was light and fun and I loved the main characters.
April 6, 2014
It took a while for me to adjust to this writing style, & to get sucked into the story, but I did eventually, & it was worth it. I definitely enjoyed it.
May 17, 2014
What a pink novel. I found it predictable and boring. I finished it only because I wanted to complete the book combo, no more.
June 29, 2014
This is a fast read with quirky fun characters. It drug on a bit, but all in all enjoyable.
March 1, 2017
almost made 3 stars. Ending just too too.
September 26, 2014
A fun mystery with a nice twist but I didn't find the main romantic duo very believable.
June 12, 2015
Loved this mystery/romantic suspense. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews