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Vanza #2
Titkok Könyve
Szép, okos, önfejű, ami a szívén, az a száján. Az ilyen társalkodónőt senki nem tűri maga mellett sokáig. Nem csoda hát, hogy Emma Greysonnak ajánlólevelet kell hamisítania , ha új álláshoz akar jutni. Ám hiába biggyeszt pápaszemet az orrára, a vidéki kastélyban vendégeskedő urak felfigyelnek szépségére. Tolakodó udvarlásuk elől egy szekrénybe rejtőzik, ahol váratlan társaságra akad…
Edison Stokes erős kézzel igazgatja vállalatbirodalát, de akkor sem hátrál meg, amikor barátja nyomozómunkára kér: egy régi becses könyvnek lába kélt, és gyanúja szerint a vendégek közt keresendő a tolvaj. Aki most áldozatára, a megfelelő nőre les, hogy Emma mindenkinél alkalmasabb alany a kísérlethez.Csak úgy tudja szemmel tartani és megvédelmezni, ha maga mellé fogadja segítőtársul. Nem is sejti még, hogy Emma hajlíthatatlan konoksága nemcsak a nyomozás sikerét, de mindkettejük életét is veszélybe sodorhatja.
Edison Stokes erős kézzel igazgatja vállalatbirodalát, de akkor sem hátrál meg, amikor barátja nyomozómunkára kér: egy régi becses könyvnek lába kélt, és gyanúja szerint a vendégek közt keresendő a tolvaj. Aki most áldozatára, a megfelelő nőre les, hogy Emma mindenkinél alkalmasabb alany a kísérlethez.Csak úgy tudja szemmel tartani és megvédelmezni, ha maga mellé fogadja segítőtársul. Nem is sejti még, hogy Emma hajlíthatatlan konoksága nemcsak a nyomozás sikerét, de mindkettejük életét is veszélybe sodorhatja.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 1999
556 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
93 books5,494 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
June 28, 2021
4 stars. I listened to the audiobook of this one (available on Hoopla) the narration is good but has some unpleasant background noises that sound like the narrator is constantly sloshing the spit around in her mouth.
It has been a while since I’ve read anything by Amanda Quick, so I’m not totally sure how this one compares to her other books, but I did really enjoy it. As always, her heroine is smart and strong-willed, and has a bit of a lack of common sense. It brought to mind several of her other heroines, but I think it still worked out well in this book. The storyline of this book moved along nicely, it made me want to keep listening until the end. I do wish there was more of a HEA, but that’s typical of this author’s work.
Safe; heroine virgin, hero wasn’t a manwhore
TW: attempted rape
It has been a while since I’ve read anything by Amanda Quick, so I’m not totally sure how this one compares to her other books, but I did really enjoy it. As always, her heroine is smart and strong-willed, and has a bit of a lack of common sense. It brought to mind several of her other heroines, but I think it still worked out well in this book. The storyline of this book moved along nicely, it made me want to keep listening until the end. I do wish there was more of a HEA, but that’s typical of this author’s work.
Safe; heroine virgin, hero wasn’t a manwhore
TW: attempted rape
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
I Thee Wed is another entertaining regency mystery-suspense by Amanda Quick to enjoy.
June 3, 2018
It's been quite a few years since I last read one of the author's novels. Hers were my early foray into HR. Her language seems period appropriate enough but the characters and the story line are rather simplistic and lack the psychological and emotional depth I prefer these days. Narrator did decent job.
July 6, 2017
A wonderful example of the author’s historical romantic suspense novel. The heroine Emma is a paid companion. One of the demands of her job is being meek. Unfortunately Emma’s strong will, innate sense of justice, and sharp tongue make it hard for her to perform her duties.
The hero Edison is a filthy-rich businessman, a bastard son of a nobleman. He is a self-made man, proud and loyal to his friends, an alpha-male in the best sense of the word.
The story is set in England during a vaguely historical period. It happened some time in the 19th century, but not one detail betrays any precise era. It could be Regency. It could be Victorian or Georgian. Many of this author’s books boast the same vague timing, and I like it about them. Her books are not really historicals, so the exact timing doesn’t matter.
What matters is the plot and the suspense. Edison is after a mysterious book of alchemical secrets. He doesn’t believe in its supposed mystical powers but he is trying to locate it anyway because his old, dying mentor asked him to. Endless complications arise in his way. During one of them, he hides in a wardrobe, and there he encounters Emma, who is also hiding there, embroiled in an adventure of her own.
Characters bonding while hiding in a wardrobe is an old literary trope, harking back centuries. After they both safely escape the wardrobe, Edison hires Emma to pose as his fiancée, to distract the society’s attention from his search and help him with his inquiries. Of course, they fall in love. There are also several murders in this story, a mysterious assassin, a naughty widow, and a sufficiently clever villain. Several subplots intertwine in unexpected ways, making it hard for Edison and Emma to unravel the convoluted knots of menace, but of course, they persevere and in the end win on all counts.
Overall: an engrossing and thoroughly satisfying historical romance.
The hero Edison is a filthy-rich businessman, a bastard son of a nobleman. He is a self-made man, proud and loyal to his friends, an alpha-male in the best sense of the word.
The story is set in England during a vaguely historical period. It happened some time in the 19th century, but not one detail betrays any precise era. It could be Regency. It could be Victorian or Georgian. Many of this author’s books boast the same vague timing, and I like it about them. Her books are not really historicals, so the exact timing doesn’t matter.
What matters is the plot and the suspense. Edison is after a mysterious book of alchemical secrets. He doesn’t believe in its supposed mystical powers but he is trying to locate it anyway because his old, dying mentor asked him to. Endless complications arise in his way. During one of them, he hides in a wardrobe, and there he encounters Emma, who is also hiding there, embroiled in an adventure of her own.
Characters bonding while hiding in a wardrobe is an old literary trope, harking back centuries. After they both safely escape the wardrobe, Edison hires Emma to pose as his fiancée, to distract the society’s attention from his search and help him with his inquiries. Of course, they fall in love. There are also several murders in this story, a mysterious assassin, a naughty widow, and a sufficiently clever villain. Several subplots intertwine in unexpected ways, making it hard for Edison and Emma to unravel the convoluted knots of menace, but of course, they persevere and in the end win on all counts.
Overall: an engrossing and thoroughly satisfying historical romance.
November 17, 2021
Outstanding writing coupled with a great mystery made for a terrific read.
December 30, 2014
I Thee Wed
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma.
The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
3.5 Stars
Series note: There is no tangible link between this book and With This Ring and it can be read as a standalone.
Emma Greyson is independent, intelligent and spirited, which makes her unsuitable for her chosen profession as a lady’s companion. The latest is a string of positions finds Emma at a country house party where the mundane activities of the ton take an interesting turn as she encounters the enigmatic Edison Stokes, a former member of the Vanzagarian society, who is in search of a secret manuscript and a killer who seems to have set their sights on Emma.
The Vanzagarian storyline shares many similarities with Krentz/Quick’s Arcane Society series - a secret society, a strange formula, a villain with nefarious motives, etc. This in and of itself is not a bad thing, but for those who have read the Arcane books, the mystery ultimately lacks originality and the suspense is diminished.
The romance fares better as Emma and Edison have strong chemistry, their banter is witty and their relationship relatively angst free. Edison’s backstory adds depth to his character and it is impossible not to feel for him. Emma is an engaging heroine and her relationship with Edison’s grandmother is one of the highlights of the story.
All in all, a quick and pleasant read for those times when one just needs to relax with a bit of fluff. On a side note, the Kobo version has several typos and formatting errors.
February 29, 2020
This was a cute, uncomplicated romance read from Ms. Quick (well except for the exotic island of monks which smacked too much of Orientalist fantasy but I give it pass. Even though I kept thinking of Wuxia movies during the action scenes which was a little distracting).
Given that this one was written around the same time as her March/Lavinia series (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I was quite surprised at how much better I found this. The story revolves around some magic / supernatural McGuffin which our leads must find and stop a villian. Nothing really memorable but I liked the leads. Their banter reminded me of The Paid Companion which remains a favorite in Ms. Quick’s repertoire.
Worth a read if you’re looking for a quick romance as a palate cleanser.
Given that this one was written around the same time as her March/Lavinia series (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I was quite surprised at how much better I found this. The story revolves around some magic / supernatural McGuffin which our leads must find and stop a villian. Nothing really memorable but I liked the leads. Their banter reminded me of The Paid Companion which remains a favorite in Ms. Quick’s repertoire.
Worth a read if you’re looking for a quick romance as a palate cleanser.
October 11, 2025
Books I Own. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Fake Fiance Dating, Companion, Work Romance, Illigitimacy, Knight in Shining Armor.
MC's h. Emma Greyson, companion of Lettie Mayfield, sister Daphne. Parents passed away.
H. Edison Stokes, wealthy businessman, grandson of Lady Exbridge, illigitimate son of Wesley Stokes, L. Exbridge. Grandmother and grandson don't really like each other. Studied Vanza in Italy when in early 20's.
Basic Plot: Edison is helping his dying mentor Ignatias Lorring to find "The Book of Secrets" from the Island of Vanzagara in Italy. He is dying and thinks there is a recipe for a cure for him.
In his search he goes to Bert Ware's house party where he meets Emma hiding in a closet in L. Miranda Ames chamber. After talking he hires her to help him in his search.
Mystery: Key players: Bertrum Ware, Miranda Ames, IgnatiasLorring. Lorring needs "The Book of Secrets"for a cure. Bertrum needs the elixer recipes and Emma Greyson to increase his wealth by using her to win at cards. Miranda Ames want to use Emma to increase her wealth at cards.
Murders: Chilton shot inside Emma's bedroom. Everyone thinks she shot him. Edison acts as her aliby and states they are engaged and she was with him when the murder took place.
Miranda is murdered. Her footman (also her lover ) Swan was blamed.
Kidnapping: Emma and L. Exbridge are kidnapped by Bert Ware. He wants the elixer recipe from Edison.
Knight in Shining Armor: Edison locates Emma and his grandmother, stopping Bert Ware and his accomplices. He is shot. While delirious he asked Emma to marry him. She accepts.
Romance: There wasn't much to it. They made love twice. Most of the time she considered her self his employee helping solve the case.
Characters:
Emma: was a woman in service as a paid companion and very conscious of her reputation. She had been fired because Chilton made an inappropriate advance on her while in a lady's employ. He had her fired with no references. His word against hers. She found another position by writing her own references and dyed her hair and wore spectacles. She went to a house party with her boss, L. Mayfield where her old nemesis Chilton happened to be a guest. To avoid being seen she his in L. Ames closet and met Edison Stokes.
Emma has a younger sister, Daphne at a Ladies School, whom she is supporting by working as a ladies companion. She sold their home after losing their parents and invested the money in a ship called the White Orchid. It hasn't come into port yet. It is two months off schedule. If it comes in she will be rich.
Edison: Edison was born to a Governess who had an illicit affair with L. Wesley Exbridge. Wesley was a wastrel gambling and losing all the money in the family's estate. He never had any ligitimate heirs. Edison is the only one. His grandmother barely tolerates him even after he paid off all his father's debts and restored the estates. When he was 19 he went to Vanzagara Island in Italy and learned the ways, marshal arts and philosophy from his mentor Loring? After leaving the Island he became a wealthy entrepeneur in shipping. He is somewhat of a Sherlock Holmes.
Opinion: I personally thought the first book in the series had more going for it when it came to the romance between the MC's. This one was written like to romance was added afterwards. It was more about the mystery than anything else. There was the relationship with the Grandmother that added some personality to the story. It was a good mystery and so very British. I gave it 4 stars.
MC's h. Emma Greyson, companion of Lettie Mayfield, sister Daphne. Parents passed away.
H. Edison Stokes, wealthy businessman, grandson of Lady Exbridge, illigitimate son of Wesley Stokes, L. Exbridge. Grandmother and grandson don't really like each other. Studied Vanza in Italy when in early 20's.
Basic Plot: Edison is helping his dying mentor Ignatias Lorring to find "The Book of Secrets" from the Island of Vanzagara in Italy. He is dying and thinks there is a recipe for a cure for him.
In his search he goes to Bert Ware's house party where he meets Emma hiding in a closet in L. Miranda Ames chamber. After talking he hires her to help him in his search.
Mystery: Key players: Bertrum Ware, Miranda Ames, IgnatiasLorring. Lorring needs "The Book of Secrets"for a cure. Bertrum needs the elixer recipes and Emma Greyson to increase his wealth by using her to win at cards. Miranda Ames want to use Emma to increase her wealth at cards.
Murders: Chilton shot inside Emma's bedroom. Everyone thinks she shot him. Edison acts as her aliby and states they are engaged and she was with him when the murder took place.
Miranda is murdered. Her footman (also her lover ) Swan was blamed.
Kidnapping: Emma and L. Exbridge are kidnapped by Bert Ware. He wants the elixer recipe from Edison.
Knight in Shining Armor: Edison locates Emma and his grandmother, stopping Bert Ware and his accomplices. He is shot. While delirious he asked Emma to marry him. She accepts.
Romance: There wasn't much to it. They made love twice. Most of the time she considered her self his employee helping solve the case.
Characters:
Emma: was a woman in service as a paid companion and very conscious of her reputation. She had been fired because Chilton made an inappropriate advance on her while in a lady's employ. He had her fired with no references. His word against hers. She found another position by writing her own references and dyed her hair and wore spectacles. She went to a house party with her boss, L. Mayfield where her old nemesis Chilton happened to be a guest. To avoid being seen she his in L. Ames closet and met Edison Stokes.
Emma has a younger sister, Daphne at a Ladies School, whom she is supporting by working as a ladies companion. She sold their home after losing their parents and invested the money in a ship called the White Orchid. It hasn't come into port yet. It is two months off schedule. If it comes in she will be rich.
Edison: Edison was born to a Governess who had an illicit affair with L. Wesley Exbridge. Wesley was a wastrel gambling and losing all the money in the family's estate. He never had any ligitimate heirs. Edison is the only one. His grandmother barely tolerates him even after he paid off all his father's debts and restored the estates. When he was 19 he went to Vanzagara Island in Italy and learned the ways, marshal arts and philosophy from his mentor Loring? After leaving the Island he became a wealthy entrepeneur in shipping. He is somewhat of a Sherlock Holmes.
Opinion: I personally thought the first book in the series had more going for it when it came to the romance between the MC's. This one was written like to romance was added afterwards. It was more about the mystery than anything else. There was the relationship with the Grandmother that added some personality to the story. It was a good mystery and so very British. I gave it 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
"Signorina Greyson, dopo aver condiviso un'esperienza così intima", cominciò, "penso che dovremmo approfondire la nostra conoscenza. Suggerisco di trovare un posto più tranquillo dove poter condurre una conversazione in privato."
"All'inferno", commentò Emma.
"È un posto come un altro."
Amanda Quick occupa da sempre un posto speciale nella mia libreria, perché adoro il suo stile ironico, che riesce a creare trame mystery e romantiche e personaggi semplicemente adorabili.
D'accordo, diciamo che la coppia è quasi sempre formata da una lei nerd, coraggiosa e con gli occhiali (fateci caso: le sue protagoniste indomite li indossano spesso, a mo' di scudo e per mascherare lo sguardo acuto e troppo brillante), mentre lui è massiccio (alla Quick gli uomini piacciono muscolosi, con mani e piedi grossi, e noi non possiamo che darle ragione), riservato, scorbutico, ma anche protettivo e romanticone.
Emma e Edison ricalcano perfettamente questo tipo di coppia: Emma si sta destreggiando a mantenere se stessa e la sorella con il lavoro di dama di compagnia, ma non riesce a trattenersi di fronte a soprusi e gentiluomini lascivi; Edison è un figlio illegittimo che ha fatto comunque fortuna, e che sta conducendo un'indagine rischiosa avvalendosi di un suo precedente addestramento come guerriero-filosofo (stile ninja del periodo Regency).
La loro è un'alleanza improbabile, ma affiatata, tra ricevimenti, omicidi, nonne terribili e allegre gentildonne amanti dello champagne.
Continuo a divertirmi con questa serie: parecchi anni fa avevo dato 5 stelle a questo secondo volume, e ora riconfermo il giudizio.
"All'inferno", commentò Emma.
"È un posto come un altro."
Amanda Quick occupa da sempre un posto speciale nella mia libreria, perché adoro il suo stile ironico, che riesce a creare trame mystery e romantiche e personaggi semplicemente adorabili.
D'accordo, diciamo che la coppia è quasi sempre formata da una lei nerd, coraggiosa e con gli occhiali (fateci caso: le sue protagoniste indomite li indossano spesso, a mo' di scudo e per mascherare lo sguardo acuto e troppo brillante), mentre lui è massiccio (alla Quick gli uomini piacciono muscolosi, con mani e piedi grossi, e noi non possiamo che darle ragione), riservato, scorbutico, ma anche protettivo e romanticone.
Emma e Edison ricalcano perfettamente questo tipo di coppia: Emma si sta destreggiando a mantenere se stessa e la sorella con il lavoro di dama di compagnia, ma non riesce a trattenersi di fronte a soprusi e gentiluomini lascivi; Edison è un figlio illegittimo che ha fatto comunque fortuna, e che sta conducendo un'indagine rischiosa avvalendosi di un suo precedente addestramento come guerriero-filosofo (stile ninja del periodo Regency).
La loro è un'alleanza improbabile, ma affiatata, tra ricevimenti, omicidi, nonne terribili e allegre gentildonne amanti dello champagne.
Continuo a divertirmi con questa serie: parecchi anni fa avevo dato 5 stelle a questo secondo volume, e ora riconfermo il giudizio.
July 9, 2015
Basically, all I could think about while reading this was:
I don't know how I did it, but through the grace of A Higher Power I was able to finish I Thee Wed. You know, I was prepared to forget its similarities with The Paid Companion so that I could be fair in judging it. It was difficult, mind you, especially since The Paid Companion was such an amazing read. But yeah, I managed to clear my head and focus on the story, determined to critique it solely by its own merit and not in contrast to some other book.
But damn, Emma was so fucking annoying/stupid/frustrating she bloody well ruined the story for me. I would've punched her in the face if I could. Okay, well, Edison wasn't that dreamy, either, and I admit that I was annoyed at him a few times in the story (especially when he didn't believe that Emma was innocent in Chilton's death) BUT NO ONE COULD REPLACE EMMA AS THE STORY'S NUMBER 1 FEATHERBRAINED IDIOT. That girl was stupid as hell.
She always had to put out a certain front to Edison! The issue with her was that she always had to prove something. She had to prove that she can be as coolheaded as he was--that she was as blase about the situation as he was. Oh, it didn't matter that she was delaying their investigation because of her stupid insecurities! God, woman, pull your shit together!
And you know what's worse? If she actually used her head for just a few seconds, she would have understood why Edison acted the way he did. That way, she could have spared us all the bloody inconvenience of having to read about their misunderstandings and shit.
OH DEAR GOD WOULD YOU JUST PLEASE FUCKING LISTEN, EMMA??????????
The only reason I'm giving this a 2 star was because the writing was good. The plot was generally interesting and well-crafted.
Pity that the heroine had feathers for brains.
I don't know how I did it, but through the grace of A Higher Power I was able to finish I Thee Wed. You know, I was prepared to forget its similarities with The Paid Companion so that I could be fair in judging it. It was difficult, mind you, especially since The Paid Companion was such an amazing read. But yeah, I managed to clear my head and focus on the story, determined to critique it solely by its own merit and not in contrast to some other book.
But damn, Emma was so fucking annoying/stupid/frustrating she bloody well ruined the story for me. I would've punched her in the face if I could. Okay, well, Edison wasn't that dreamy, either, and I admit that I was annoyed at him a few times in the story (especially when he didn't believe that Emma was innocent in Chilton's death) BUT NO ONE COULD REPLACE EMMA AS THE STORY'S NUMBER 1 FEATHERBRAINED IDIOT. That girl was stupid as hell.
She always had to put out a certain front to Edison! The issue with her was that she always had to prove something. She had to prove that she can be as coolheaded as he was--that she was as blase about the situation as he was. Oh, it didn't matter that she was delaying their investigation because of her stupid insecurities! God, woman, pull your shit together!
And you know what's worse? If she actually used her head for just a few seconds, she would have understood why Edison acted the way he did. That way, she could have spared us all the bloody inconvenience of having to read about their misunderstandings and shit.
“Why not? Have you gone mad? A gentleman does not move his fiancée into his town house. I would be transformed into your mistress in the eyes of the ton. No reference, no matter how brilliantly written, would overcome that stigma.”
“Emma—”
“Why, I should be obliged to change my name, dye my hair, and invent a whole new past for myself. That would present a host of difficulties. I have my sister to consider, after all. I cannot simply up and disappear off the face of the earth.”
“Emma, listen to me.”
OH DEAR GOD WOULD YOU JUST PLEASE FUCKING LISTEN, EMMA??????????
The only reason I'm giving this a 2 star was because the writing was good. The plot was generally interesting and well-crafted.
Pity that the heroine had feathers for brains.
August 4, 2018
This variation on AQ's plot was... not good. Thing is, I'm generally opposed to romances between people where the power differential is large, unless the power dynamics are dealt with well. They are not in this thing. Because dude has hired the heroine and is paying her to essentially help him with his quest, but he also knows (and understands) that she needs the job. So his constant ordering her about/dictatorial tendencies don't sit well, especially after the relationship starts progressing. Because he never shares information - he just issues decrees.
I dunno, there are charming elements, but also, just NO.
Would skip. This author has done this story (or one so similar to it, as to be essentially the same) better in other incarnations.
I dunno, there are charming elements, but also, just NO.
Would skip. This author has done this story (or one so similar to it, as to be essentially the same) better in other incarnations.
April 17, 2020
Smart strong heroine and hero. A mystery and a romance combo that I always enjoy. The book has been reviewed many times and I have nothing to ad.
February 10, 2023
This was probably the most boring of the lot
February 1, 2022
Our second entry in the Vanza series stars Emma, a professional companion, and Edison, a self-made bastard and former Vanza practitioner. I read this one in bits and pieces instead of one sitting, and I'm not sure if that lessened my enjoyment or if the lack of enjoyment kept me from reading it all at once. I'll be honest that I've read a LOT of this era JAK lately, and at this point, the details are running together.
Emma is at a house party, accompanying her lady, where she meets both a man who has attempted to sexually assault her (and caused her to lose a position) and Edison. They are, of course, found in a compromising position, to which Edison puts that classic historical romance remedy of a fake engagement. Since this is JAK, said compromising position involves the dead body of the sexual assaulter.
Back in London, Emma and Edison attempt to find the killer, where in classic JAK, Emma is obtuse to the point of disbelief as regards Edison's feelings (the constant harping on providing a reference was TRYING), while Edison is overprotective. I believe there is another lackluster deflowering. The h/H are so *yawn* but luckily, some supporting characters do shine--Emma's employer and Edison's grandmother are stand-outs.
Emma is at a house party, accompanying her lady, where she meets both a man who has attempted to sexually assault her (and caused her to lose a position) and Edison. They are, of course, found in a compromising position, to which Edison puts that classic historical romance remedy of a fake engagement. Since this is JAK, said compromising position involves the dead body of the sexual assaulter.
Back in London, Emma and Edison attempt to find the killer, where in classic JAK, Emma is obtuse to the point of disbelief as regards Edison's feelings (the constant harping on providing a reference was TRYING), while Edison is overprotective. I believe there is another lackluster deflowering. The h/H are so *yawn* but luckily, some supporting characters do shine--Emma's employer and Edison's grandmother are stand-outs.
May 28, 2024
Enjoyable, Regency, romantic suspense from 1999
Emma Greyson has been working as a companion to wealthy aristocratic women for the past several years. After her parents died, she sold their home and invested almost all of the proceeds for a 1% share in the profits of a trading ship headed for the Far East. It is overdue by two months and feared lost. Emma used almost all of her remaining money to safety offload her 17-year-old sister into a boarding school. Unfortunately, Little Sis is as strong-willed as Emma, and she is getting bored and impatient waiting around for Emma's finances to improve enough to afford to support the two of them. Emma is on her fourth companion job. She keeps getting fired because she has a hard time keeping her opinions to herself and acting biddable. Her current boss is a wealthy aristocratic widow named Letty, who is more broad-minded than any employer Emma has had so far, so Emma hopes this job will last.
Edison Stokes is the illegitimate son of an aristocrat. The only member of the paternal side of his family who is still alive is his grandmother. His mother died when he was a teenager, and he has no living relatives on that side of his family either. Edison started out very poor, because his father was a profligate who did not support him and his mother. In his late teens, Edison spent several years with mystical monks on the mysterious island of Vanza. In addition to spiritual practices like meditation, they taught him martial arts. Edison initially thought he might become a priest of Vanza, but he ended up leaving Vanza and staying on the European continent for quite a few years before ultimately coming back to England. Due to savvy investments (which are never explained in this novel), he has become very rich, the equivalent of a modern day billionaire.
The Meet Cute of Emma and Edison is in the wardrobe of the room of a racy, aristocratic widow at a country house party. Edison dived into the wardrobe when he heard someone at the door of the room, while he was in the midst of searching there for a stolen, ancient Vanza manuscript containing recipes for elixirs which supposedly enhance paranormal talents. The person at the door turned out to be Emma. She sneaked through the only unlocked door in a hallway at the mansion so that she would not run into a predatory aristocrat who had tried to rape her at her previous job as a companion. When she hears the voices of the predator and his female companion right outside the door, and realizes they are about to come in for an assignation, Emma leaps into the wardrobe. Powerful arms snake around her waist, and a sinewy hand covers her mouth, cutting off Emma 's yelp of fear.
This Regency novel contains a very light touch of the paranormal in the form of Emma's extremely strong and accurate intuition. It warns her when something dangerous is about to happen. She and Edison are both dynamic, honorable MCs, and there is strong emotional and physical chemistry between them. Their romantic journey is quite entertaining, and their HEA is well earned.
In terms of the suspense portion of this novel, there are multiple villains. I did not figure out in advance the ultimate solution of the central mystery, but it is well motivated and satisfyingly wrapped up.
This novel is from 1999 and has held up well over the years. I experienced it as an audiobook, which I obtained access to for free through Hoopla. It is narrated by the fabulous British actor, Barbara Rosenblat. She is extremely versatile and does a great job with both male and female characters of all ages, and with multiple regional and international accents.
Emma Greyson has been working as a companion to wealthy aristocratic women for the past several years. After her parents died, she sold their home and invested almost all of the proceeds for a 1% share in the profits of a trading ship headed for the Far East. It is overdue by two months and feared lost. Emma used almost all of her remaining money to safety offload her 17-year-old sister into a boarding school. Unfortunately, Little Sis is as strong-willed as Emma, and she is getting bored and impatient waiting around for Emma's finances to improve enough to afford to support the two of them. Emma is on her fourth companion job. She keeps getting fired because she has a hard time keeping her opinions to herself and acting biddable. Her current boss is a wealthy aristocratic widow named Letty, who is more broad-minded than any employer Emma has had so far, so Emma hopes this job will last.
Edison Stokes is the illegitimate son of an aristocrat. The only member of the paternal side of his family who is still alive is his grandmother. His mother died when he was a teenager, and he has no living relatives on that side of his family either. Edison started out very poor, because his father was a profligate who did not support him and his mother. In his late teens, Edison spent several years with mystical monks on the mysterious island of Vanza. In addition to spiritual practices like meditation, they taught him martial arts. Edison initially thought he might become a priest of Vanza, but he ended up leaving Vanza and staying on the European continent for quite a few years before ultimately coming back to England. Due to savvy investments (which are never explained in this novel), he has become very rich, the equivalent of a modern day billionaire.
The Meet Cute of Emma and Edison is in the wardrobe of the room of a racy, aristocratic widow at a country house party. Edison dived into the wardrobe when he heard someone at the door of the room, while he was in the midst of searching there for a stolen, ancient Vanza manuscript containing recipes for elixirs which supposedly enhance paranormal talents. The person at the door turned out to be Emma. She sneaked through the only unlocked door in a hallway at the mansion so that she would not run into a predatory aristocrat who had tried to rape her at her previous job as a companion. When she hears the voices of the predator and his female companion right outside the door, and realizes they are about to come in for an assignation, Emma leaps into the wardrobe. Powerful arms snake around her waist, and a sinewy hand covers her mouth, cutting off Emma 's yelp of fear.
This Regency novel contains a very light touch of the paranormal in the form of Emma's extremely strong and accurate intuition. It warns her when something dangerous is about to happen. She and Edison are both dynamic, honorable MCs, and there is strong emotional and physical chemistry between them. Their romantic journey is quite entertaining, and their HEA is well earned.
In terms of the suspense portion of this novel, there are multiple villains. I did not figure out in advance the ultimate solution of the central mystery, but it is well motivated and satisfyingly wrapped up.
This novel is from 1999 and has held up well over the years. I experienced it as an audiobook, which I obtained access to for free through Hoopla. It is narrated by the fabulous British actor, Barbara Rosenblat. She is extremely versatile and does a great job with both male and female characters of all ages, and with multiple regional and international accents.
July 4, 2019
I really liked Emma. I found her to be entirely relateable. Didn't even mind the gauzy metaphysical elements that made her a little too perfect. I wasn't entirely convinced of Edison, however. He felt a bit too much everything. The Vanza elements worked in a whodunit way but I wanted more character building between Edison and his grandmother, for example. Too many plot elements for a book under 400 pages well.
Solid writing. Emma's clear ethical lines definitely worked pretty consistently.
Solid writing. Emma's clear ethical lines definitely worked pretty consistently.
July 24, 2022
h was not as clever and witty as the other heroines of AQ.
September 23, 2025
this book was odd. fun enough but chaotic looool. another treasure from the little free library
July 7, 2015
3.5 stars
Amanda Quick is an enjoyable, non-stressful read for me. I'm so glad I picked this up to listen to. It has broken my spell of non-finishers lately. Barbara Rosenblat is the narrator and she did a fine job. Fluff, well read. Just what I needed.
Amanda Quick is an enjoyable, non-stressful read for me. I'm so glad I picked this up to listen to. It has broken my spell of non-finishers lately. Barbara Rosenblat is the narrator and she did a fine job. Fluff, well read. Just what I needed.
October 27, 2025
Malefica81 - per RFS
.
Bentornate Fenici!
Oggi vi parlerò di questo romanzo storico diverso dai soliti a cui siamo abituati perché mescola mistero e suspense alla trama storica principale.
Emma è una dama di compagnia che fa di tutto per mantenere sua sorella Daphne dopo che ha investito tutti i soldi che le erano rimasti dalla vendita della casa di famiglia in una spedizione che non è mai ritornata a Londra. Lavora come dama di compagnia e per una serie di circostanze ed eventi si ritrova a condividere un armadio con Edison Stokes, un uomo affascinante e misterioso.
L’uomo è subito colpito da lei, che ha la lingua lunga ed è molto perspicace; decide di assumerla come assistente per una missione: deve ritrovare un misterioso libro rubato alla setta di cui lui fa parte e deve riportarlo in seno a loro.
Divertente e non scontato, il romanzo intrattiene: sei curiosa di scoprire di più sull’Ordine dei Vanzagara, che a un certo punto mi hanno ricordato la via dei monaci Shao Lin, dato che usano addestramenti fisici e correnti di pensiero chiamate Vie di pensiero e di azione. Edison è una gran bel tipo, che ovviamente vuole Emma sì per avere il suo fine ma si invaghisce di lei senza se e senza ma. Emma invece… Mi chiedo: perché io avrei voluto prenderla a sberle a un certo punto? Avrà ripetuto diecimila volte “dovete scrivermi le referenze” perché il suo scopo era quello di trovare un buon lavoro, sempre come dama di compagnia. Ma benedetta figliola – dico io – hai trovato un bel manzo come Edison e pensi a queste “benedette referenze”?
Per il resto è un libro piacevole, scorre che è una bellezza e ve lo stra-consiglio.
Alla prossima
Un saluto dalla vostra Mal
.
Bentornate Fenici!
Oggi vi parlerò di questo romanzo storico diverso dai soliti a cui siamo abituati perché mescola mistero e suspense alla trama storica principale.
Emma è una dama di compagnia che fa di tutto per mantenere sua sorella Daphne dopo che ha investito tutti i soldi che le erano rimasti dalla vendita della casa di famiglia in una spedizione che non è mai ritornata a Londra. Lavora come dama di compagnia e per una serie di circostanze ed eventi si ritrova a condividere un armadio con Edison Stokes, un uomo affascinante e misterioso.
L’uomo è subito colpito da lei, che ha la lingua lunga ed è molto perspicace; decide di assumerla come assistente per una missione: deve ritrovare un misterioso libro rubato alla setta di cui lui fa parte e deve riportarlo in seno a loro.
Divertente e non scontato, il romanzo intrattiene: sei curiosa di scoprire di più sull’Ordine dei Vanzagara, che a un certo punto mi hanno ricordato la via dei monaci Shao Lin, dato che usano addestramenti fisici e correnti di pensiero chiamate Vie di pensiero e di azione. Edison è una gran bel tipo, che ovviamente vuole Emma sì per avere il suo fine ma si invaghisce di lei senza se e senza ma. Emma invece… Mi chiedo: perché io avrei voluto prenderla a sberle a un certo punto? Avrà ripetuto diecimila volte “dovete scrivermi le referenze” perché il suo scopo era quello di trovare un buon lavoro, sempre come dama di compagnia. Ma benedetta figliola – dico io – hai trovato un bel manzo come Edison e pensi a queste “benedette referenze”?
Per il resto è un libro piacevole, scorre che è una bellezza e ve lo stra-consiglio.
Alla prossima
Un saluto dalla vostra Mal
December 31, 2020
A bit dated, but still amusing. These Vanza books remind me of the silent films from the twenties with the mustache twirling villains stirring up diabolical mischief. AQ has created an authentic historical feel without actually identifying an era, but that lack of detail makes everything one dimensional and hard to visualize. She seems to tell the same story over and over too and I wish I had left this re-read in the past.
December 9, 2017
#102 for 2017 RC
Genre: Historical Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
April 9, 2018
The mystery part is so-so, but the romance part is pretty funny and engaging.
July 31, 2023
A very strong 3.5 stars -- I like Quick's heroines. They are always intelligent and never silly (though at times this plot was (-:) I especially liked the first "love" scene which was so very far from perfect. I suspect this is far closer to the truth for most of us than anyone is willing to admit!
April 11, 2012
3.5 stars
While it seemed obvious to me from the first who was behind it all, and even who was behind the murder of The Bastard (as Emma calls him), it was a fun romp.
I don't quite understand what ties this book to the 1st book ("With This Ring"), except that Leo, the Mad Monk, was eccentric and his grandfather had something do with discovering the Isle of Vanzaganda (or whatever it's called). That island is, we learn in this book, where Vanza comes from - obviously some philosophy, with masters and students like we've come to learn in the "Star Wars" movies with Jedi masters and Sith masters.
Anyway... Edison Stokes is an interesting Hero. He's dark and mysterious, but in unusual ways. He's Vanza, after all - or he was Vanza; he left his Vanza studies and went his own way, using what he learned to master himself and to create piles of money. Because Edison was a bastard - born on the wrong side of the blanket to a mother who was a servant and a father who was part of the ton, but a degenerate rakehell. His father was more interested in wenching and gaming than being any kind of father or real man. Edison's mother died of a broken heart, and his father died of his degenerate ways. Edison's grandmother, Victoria aka The Dragon, never forgave Edison for being illegitimate and for bailing her out from the massive debt incurred by her only son.
Emma is a gentile lady down on her luck. It's only Emma and her younger sister, Daphne, whom Emma has enrolled in a quality school for girls. It's Emma's fondest wish that Daphne should make her debut in Polite Society and make a good match. Emma has been working as a companion for the past several years to make that happen. She's saved and scrimped. Her intuition is usually quite good, but unfortunately, she made a bad decision and sold their only property, sinking all the money into a share of a ship that seems to be lost at sea. And Emma's desperate - she needs money to pay Daphne's school fees.
Emma's had her share of tough times. Being a companion is a tight-rope: She's allowed in company, but she's never really a part of company. And she's a servant. So men like Chilton, who prey sexually on servants, are the bane of Emma's existence. She already had a run-in with Chilton in the past, and while she prevented him from having his way by striking him on the head with a pot, she was sacked when her employer found her in the linen cupboard with a guest.
Emma's hoping that Chilton will leave her alone, but that's not going to happen. He doesn't remember her, but he's still determined to have his way. Except that Emma's intuition has gotten her involved with the mysterious Lady Miranda Ames and her strange brew of tea. And that very brew is what brought Edison to this particular country house party at Basil Ware's. Edison is after the brew - supposedly, it uses a recipe from the Vanza's Book of Secrets, a recipe that can enhance a woman's natural intuition. Miranda, who is really an actress with just enough blunt for one Season, thinks she can make money at cards with her strange brew and Emma as her partner. Edison is trying to find out where and how Miranda got this recipe... and what she might know about the Vanza's secret book.
So of course, Emma and Edison run into one another (more than once) at this country house party. And they fall for one another, although in true romance style, neither is willing to admit it themselves, much less to the other. But the fascination is there, and they find themselves locked in fierce kissing embraces. Edison hires Emma to help him find out what Miranda is up to. And when Emma is in danger of being accused of murdering Chilton, found shot dead in her room, it's Edison to the rescue. Except his alibi is that she was with him, in his bedroom - a sure way to upset her precarious reputation and her status as a companion! But Edison takes it a step farther, thwarting the true culprit, by announcing his engagement to Emma just after his stunning announcement that they were "together" in his room.
Emma plays along only because Edison's paying her to. It doesn't pay to fall in love with one's employer, a sad fact that poor Swan (Miranda's large footman) discovers too late - after Miranda's been shot, too.
Between Edison's Vanza-stealth and "strategies" and Emma's intuition, the two manage to solve the puzzles of Chilton's death, Miranda's death, and the mysterious tea brew recipe.
While it seemed obvious to me from the first who was behind it all, and even who was behind the murder of The Bastard (as Emma calls him), it was a fun romp.
I don't quite understand what ties this book to the 1st book ("With This Ring"), except that Leo, the Mad Monk, was eccentric and his grandfather had something do with discovering the Isle of Vanzaganda (or whatever it's called). That island is, we learn in this book, where Vanza comes from - obviously some philosophy, with masters and students like we've come to learn in the "Star Wars" movies with Jedi masters and Sith masters.
Anyway... Edison Stokes is an interesting Hero. He's dark and mysterious, but in unusual ways. He's Vanza, after all - or he was Vanza; he left his Vanza studies and went his own way, using what he learned to master himself and to create piles of money. Because Edison was a bastard - born on the wrong side of the blanket to a mother who was a servant and a father who was part of the ton, but a degenerate rakehell. His father was more interested in wenching and gaming than being any kind of father or real man. Edison's mother died of a broken heart, and his father died of his degenerate ways. Edison's grandmother, Victoria aka The Dragon, never forgave Edison for being illegitimate and for bailing her out from the massive debt incurred by her only son.
Emma is a gentile lady down on her luck. It's only Emma and her younger sister, Daphne, whom Emma has enrolled in a quality school for girls. It's Emma's fondest wish that Daphne should make her debut in Polite Society and make a good match. Emma has been working as a companion for the past several years to make that happen. She's saved and scrimped. Her intuition is usually quite good, but unfortunately, she made a bad decision and sold their only property, sinking all the money into a share of a ship that seems to be lost at sea. And Emma's desperate - she needs money to pay Daphne's school fees.
Emma's had her share of tough times. Being a companion is a tight-rope: She's allowed in company, but she's never really a part of company. And she's a servant. So men like Chilton, who prey sexually on servants, are the bane of Emma's existence. She already had a run-in with Chilton in the past, and while she prevented him from having his way by striking him on the head with a pot, she was sacked when her employer found her in the linen cupboard with a guest.
Emma's hoping that Chilton will leave her alone, but that's not going to happen. He doesn't remember her, but he's still determined to have his way. Except that Emma's intuition has gotten her involved with the mysterious Lady Miranda Ames and her strange brew of tea. And that very brew is what brought Edison to this particular country house party at Basil Ware's. Edison is after the brew - supposedly, it uses a recipe from the Vanza's Book of Secrets, a recipe that can enhance a woman's natural intuition. Miranda, who is really an actress with just enough blunt for one Season, thinks she can make money at cards with her strange brew and Emma as her partner. Edison is trying to find out where and how Miranda got this recipe... and what she might know about the Vanza's secret book.
So of course, Emma and Edison run into one another (more than once) at this country house party. And they fall for one another, although in true romance style, neither is willing to admit it themselves, much less to the other. But the fascination is there, and they find themselves locked in fierce kissing embraces. Edison hires Emma to help him find out what Miranda is up to. And when Emma is in danger of being accused of murdering Chilton, found shot dead in her room, it's Edison to the rescue. Except his alibi is that she was with him, in his bedroom - a sure way to upset her precarious reputation and her status as a companion! But Edison takes it a step farther, thwarting the true culprit, by announcing his engagement to Emma just after his stunning announcement that they were "together" in his room.
Emma plays along only because Edison's paying her to. It doesn't pay to fall in love with one's employer, a sad fact that poor Swan (Miranda's large footman) discovers too late - after Miranda's been shot, too.
Between Edison's Vanza-stealth and "strategies" and Emma's intuition, the two manage to solve the puzzles of Chilton's death, Miranda's death, and the mysterious tea brew recipe.
August 17, 2020
The book was not as good like I supposted but a diferent style it's fine.
August 28, 2019
Although this is the second book in the series it's actually the first one I've read. I wasn't that amazed by it, not necessarily because I felt it was bad, but mostly because it just isn't quite my cup of tea. Also, there were some issues regarding it that didn't help as well. Thinking better about these problems were probably what ruined it a bit for me.
I was aiming for a historical romance when I picked up this book but this is more of a crime/suspense/mystery historical romance novel, which is fine but either not quite that amazing or nor really my genre. It's like Agatha Christie meets Historical Romance, so I guess if you like crime-solving stories and investigation ventures with a dash of romance you might enjoy this more than myself.
The main issue I had with this book was that it lacked an emotional depth to it to suck me in and fall in love with these characters and their romance. Plus, everything regarding the dialogues was just so posh, which I can understand has to do with the time period and society in which the story takes place but that didn't help me at all to see the feelings and emotions in the character's dialogues. Plus, I found it so annoying that Emma and Edison kept on evading openly discussing their feelings and relationship. Their dialogues consisted mostly of "beating around the bush"/avoiding the subject entirely; misinterpretation of each other's words and actions; formulating excuses and justifications for what were clear acts of love/ displays of feelings to keep convincing themselves it was all just part of their professional arrangement and most importantly, being plain afraid of admitting what they were truly feeling or wanted for their futures. It was just really annoying after a while...I needed passionate arguments, even heartbreak and vulnerability, I basically just need more intensity and psychological depth overall. The mysteries felt well developed enough and interesting, but the emotional aspect of the story felt simplistic almost.
I liked Emma's character, with her sharp tongue and strong determination I found her amusing and annoying at the same time, but all in all a fun character. My problem was that for someone that was also so smart, it struck me a little bit odd that she kept on seeing her relationship with Edison as purely professional and asking again and again for a recommendation from him for future use. I understood her concerns and posture for more of, let's say, the first part of the book, but towards the second half I expected more and most importantly a different attitude to the surface or at least more discussion regarding the matter of the feelings that were developing. I just don't understand how she couldn't start to realize her feelings and question his own and just lay all the cards on the table for them to talk about it. It just didn't seem to make sense that after a while other doubts wouldn't surface in her head and she would begin to ask "what if he feels something too?". I mean their "beating around the bush" conversations just carried out until basically the end of the book which was frustrating. Yes, we got a romantic evolvement between the two of them before that obviously, but I needed more passionate arguments and more processing of feelings on their behalf. I wanted to read more about their chemistry and what they were experiencing, I wanted to feel a deeper connection while reading about their love which I didn't. We didn't even delve that deeply into their struggles whilst trying to process their professional arrangement and romantic attraction to truly see pain and fear. It was all just so bland which was so disappointing...
Edison was also a good character although I felt that the whole Vanzagarian Society thing wasn't that well of a developed plot element. Like I'm ok with the whole ninja-like fighting skills and meditation aspect, but the Strategies applied by practitioners of the Vanza ways were such a poorly developed plot element. The Strategy of Surprise is what we called the element of surprise, the Strategy of Patience is exactly that - being patient...Like, these are common knowledge things and it's not like they aren't good elements and strategies to keep in mind, but I was hoping this mysterious strongly disciplined ancient Vanzagarian Society would have more exciting or creative teachings and wisdom to share with their students and not everyday common sense... Underwhelming is all I have to say about that.
The misteries were interesting enough and made me question the guilty parties evolved which was good, and although this story started off a little bit boring and I struggled to get through the first pages, it slowly got more interesting as the storyline progressed and more crimes took place and misteries unfolded. Although, let me say I found it very annoying that this book had so many repetitions in it because it felt like there was a lot of "something happens" and then another person tells what happened to another character. It was basically like reading the same scene twice, multiple times along the book. A scene would happen and would be described as it unfolded and then Emma would either be a part of it or observe it and describe the said scene to Edison, or another scene or previously reached conclusion would be again described whilst the characters were processing its meaning and analyzing it in order to develop their theories. It all just felt a bit tiring to read.
Again, if this had had a stronger emotional side to it and had me seeing deeper layers of the characters, plus a plot that didn't feel like it was dragging out a bit at times than maybe it would have captivated me more because the mystery part of this novel was actually quite interesting. To bad for the psychological aspect of this story...
#NEWTs (Defense Against the Dark Arts - E: Gilderoy's memory charm - (grab a pen!) first book that you remembered just now from your TBR!)
I was aiming for a historical romance when I picked up this book but this is more of a crime/suspense/mystery historical romance novel, which is fine but either not quite that amazing or nor really my genre. It's like Agatha Christie meets Historical Romance, so I guess if you like crime-solving stories and investigation ventures with a dash of romance you might enjoy this more than myself.
The main issue I had with this book was that it lacked an emotional depth to it to suck me in and fall in love with these characters and their romance. Plus, everything regarding the dialogues was just so posh, which I can understand has to do with the time period and society in which the story takes place but that didn't help me at all to see the feelings and emotions in the character's dialogues. Plus, I found it so annoying that Emma and Edison kept on evading openly discussing their feelings and relationship. Their dialogues consisted mostly of "beating around the bush"/avoiding the subject entirely; misinterpretation of each other's words and actions; formulating excuses and justifications for what were clear acts of love/ displays of feelings to keep convincing themselves it was all just part of their professional arrangement and most importantly, being plain afraid of admitting what they were truly feeling or wanted for their futures. It was just really annoying after a while...I needed passionate arguments, even heartbreak and vulnerability, I basically just need more intensity and psychological depth overall. The mysteries felt well developed enough and interesting, but the emotional aspect of the story felt simplistic almost.
I liked Emma's character, with her sharp tongue and strong determination I found her amusing and annoying at the same time, but all in all a fun character. My problem was that for someone that was also so smart, it struck me a little bit odd that she kept on seeing her relationship with Edison as purely professional and asking again and again for a recommendation from him for future use. I understood her concerns and posture for more of, let's say, the first part of the book, but towards the second half I expected more and most importantly a different attitude to the surface or at least more discussion regarding the matter of the feelings that were developing. I just don't understand how she couldn't start to realize her feelings and question his own and just lay all the cards on the table for them to talk about it. It just didn't seem to make sense that after a while other doubts wouldn't surface in her head and she would begin to ask "what if he feels something too?". I mean their "beating around the bush" conversations just carried out until basically the end of the book which was frustrating. Yes, we got a romantic evolvement between the two of them before that obviously, but I needed more passionate arguments and more processing of feelings on their behalf. I wanted to read more about their chemistry and what they were experiencing, I wanted to feel a deeper connection while reading about their love which I didn't. We didn't even delve that deeply into their struggles whilst trying to process their professional arrangement and romantic attraction to truly see pain and fear. It was all just so bland which was so disappointing...
Edison was also a good character although I felt that the whole Vanzagarian Society thing wasn't that well of a developed plot element. Like I'm ok with the whole ninja-like fighting skills and meditation aspect, but the Strategies applied by practitioners of the Vanza ways were such a poorly developed plot element. The Strategy of Surprise is what we called the element of surprise, the Strategy of Patience is exactly that - being patient...Like, these are common knowledge things and it's not like they aren't good elements and strategies to keep in mind, but I was hoping this mysterious strongly disciplined ancient Vanzagarian Society would have more exciting or creative teachings and wisdom to share with their students and not everyday common sense... Underwhelming is all I have to say about that.
The misteries were interesting enough and made me question the guilty parties evolved which was good, and although this story started off a little bit boring and I struggled to get through the first pages, it slowly got more interesting as the storyline progressed and more crimes took place and misteries unfolded. Although, let me say I found it very annoying that this book had so many repetitions in it because it felt like there was a lot of "something happens" and then another person tells what happened to another character. It was basically like reading the same scene twice, multiple times along the book. A scene would happen and would be described as it unfolded and then Emma would either be a part of it or observe it and describe the said scene to Edison, or another scene or previously reached conclusion would be again described whilst the characters were processing its meaning and analyzing it in order to develop their theories. It all just felt a bit tiring to read.
Again, if this had had a stronger emotional side to it and had me seeing deeper layers of the characters, plus a plot that didn't feel like it was dragging out a bit at times than maybe it would have captivated me more because the mystery part of this novel was actually quite interesting. To bad for the psychological aspect of this story...
#NEWTs (Defense Against the Dark Arts - E: Gilderoy's memory charm - (grab a pen!) first book that you remembered just now from your TBR!)
September 2, 2023
I would give this five stars except for the references to Vanza, something I can't seem to get my head around. The characters, on the other hand, are great, particularly Emma and her repeated attempts to get a reference from Edison, reminiscent of Anna trying to get her house from the King of Siam. Emma stays true to her ideas of being in service until the very end, like "don't fall in love with or have an affair with one's employer; it never ends well", and "there are always ways of dealing with and getting around difficult employers, which almost all of them are". There are many funny moments, such as Emma's offering to give Edison one of the references she had written for herself if he needs a guide to write a reference for her. I loved the plot twists, so, even having read it more than five times, I still get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
January 7, 2011
This was an OK read, nothing more. Admittedly, none of the Vanda series is a classic read, since they all have the (essentially) same plot but they make good brain candy after a hard day.
This one, however, was BORING. The constant repetition of "I am your employee, sir" or some variation, page after page, was irritating. Give it a rest.
There is no need to describe the plot in detail: woman in "reduced circumstances" meets rich Vanda man, finds herself in a precarious position, rescued by same and then finds herself in a plot of some complexity. Trouble is, I figured out this one almost at the beginning and it wasn't sufficiently interesting to keep me engaged.
It would make a pleasant enough beach read or airplane read but that's about it.
This one, however, was BORING. The constant repetition of "I am your employee, sir" or some variation, page after page, was irritating. Give it a rest.
There is no need to describe the plot in detail: woman in "reduced circumstances" meets rich Vanda man, finds herself in a precarious position, rescued by same and then finds herself in a plot of some complexity. Trouble is, I figured out this one almost at the beginning and it wasn't sufficiently interesting to keep me engaged.
It would make a pleasant enough beach read or airplane read but that's about it.
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