What do you think?
Rate this book
Oxford Mystery #2
Moth to the Flame
An utterly gripping page-turner full of suspense and romance Faith Martin is the author of the beloved Hillary Greene series. Her books have sold more than two million copies. Now discover her writing as Maxine Barry. Please note this book was first published as Moth to the Flame . How far would you go for revenge? Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr. Gareth Lacey for her brother's suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him. But is he really as guilty as she thinks? Alicia Norman is a student at the same college. She's excited to leave her sheltered, privileged existence for college life and a chance of love and adventure. But her brother and his friends will do anything to stop her from being with someone they think isn't posh enough. Including murder? How far will they go? Revenge isn't always as sweet as you think. And romance can play havoc with the best-laid plans.
217 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1999
931 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Barry
45 books24 followersRomance author Maxine Barry is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton. She also writes mystery novels under the pen names Joyce Cato, Jessie Daniels and Faith Martin.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 30, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Net Galley and the publisher in return for an honest review. The release date for this book was 28 May 2020
This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I was looking more for a mystery and ended up with a romance. It’s not that I’m against romance novels, I actually quite enjoy them but when I’m expecting one thing and get something else, it can be a bit disappointing. It’s like picking up your drink and thinking it’s Tea when in Actuality it’s a Coke, both good drinks but one just isn’t as satisfying as the other at that time. Overall the book just didn’t scratch the itch for me. It’s not that it’s bad book it just wasn’t what I was looking for.
This book wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I was looking more for a mystery and ended up with a romance. It’s not that I’m against romance novels, I actually quite enjoy them but when I’m expecting one thing and get something else, it can be a bit disappointing. It’s like picking up your drink and thinking it’s Tea when in Actuality it’s a Coke, both good drinks but one just isn’t as satisfying as the other at that time. Overall the book just didn’t scratch the itch for me. It’s not that it’s bad book it just wasn’t what I was looking for.
May 29, 2020
Well known poet, Davina Granger has secured a terms fellowship at St. Bute's in Oxford. Davina is ot there to study, she's there to take revenge on Dr. Gareth Lacey, an English Literature Don. Davina believes he is responsible for her step- brothers suicide.
Alice Norman comes from a privileged literary family. She is also studying at St. Butes. She's been asked to help,writ the Easter play by her housemate, Emily and director, Jareed Cowan. Alice and Jarred are attracted to each other. But there's someone else who also has their eye on Alice.
I'm not a fan of romantic mystery story's but when I seen that this was written y Faith Martin, I knew I would enjoy it. This is an easy book to read. The characters are well rounded and believable. As always with Faith Martin, the book is well written and descriptive. For me, it was a quick and easy book to read. I throughly enjoyed this first novel written by Maxine Barry aka Faith Martin.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Maxine Barry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alice Norman comes from a privileged literary family. She is also studying at St. Butes. She's been asked to help,writ the Easter play by her housemate, Emily and director, Jareed Cowan. Alice and Jarred are attracted to each other. But there's someone else who also has their eye on Alice.
I'm not a fan of romantic mystery story's but when I seen that this was written y Faith Martin, I knew I would enjoy it. This is an easy book to read. The characters are well rounded and believable. As always with Faith Martin, the book is well written and descriptive. For me, it was a quick and easy book to read. I throughly enjoyed this first novel written by Maxine Barry aka Faith Martin.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Maxine Barry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
I've been a long time fan of Faith Martin's murder mysteries so when I saw "An Oxford revenge" described as a mix of romance and mystery/suspense I decided to give it a go in spite of romance not being one of my favorite genres (and let's be honest, if the word "revenge" is in the title I'm always down for it. I'm that easy). I was even warned by the author on Twitter that the emphasis on this one was on romance and was she right! There's no mystery/suspense at all but a revenge driven love affair plot that was quite predictable from the beginning and, at some points, quite implausible.
One of the motives I don't like so much the romance genre is because I think it tends to be riddled with cheesy dialogue that would never occur in real life and there were some lines here that certainly made my eyes roll sooo bad.
Once again I found a bit disconcerting not being able to date the time period the story is taking place in (I encountered this same problem with some previous novels from this author). As soon as it reads as it could be set today there are some descriptions that makes you think it could be set in the 80s or even the 60s (there were some quite old fashioned ways of thinking). So confusing!
Although not being quite my cup of tea I was able to finish it in just a few hours so at least the story managed to catch my attention all the way till the end. From now on I think I will stick to her murder mysteries.
2,5/5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
One of the motives I don't like so much the romance genre is because I think it tends to be riddled with cheesy dialogue that would never occur in real life and there were some lines here that certainly made my eyes roll sooo bad.
Once again I found a bit disconcerting not being able to date the time period the story is taking place in (I encountered this same problem with some previous novels from this author). As soon as it reads as it could be set today there are some descriptions that makes you think it could be set in the 80s or even the 60s (there were some quite old fashioned ways of thinking). So confusing!
Although not being quite my cup of tea I was able to finish it in just a few hours so at least the story managed to catch my attention all the way till the end. From now on I think I will stick to her murder mysteries.
2,5/5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2020
This is a stand alone novel written by Faith Martin under the pen name of Maxine Barry. While the writing is, as usual, technically excellent and the character descriptions are vivid and full three dimensional, I still didn’t enjoy the book. It is not a mystery novel, the genre in which Martin has garnered much acclaim, but rather something like a modern day romance novel with some fairly graphic erotic passages scattered about.
The story itself holds together well, and the pacing is good, it simply isn’t my kind of book. In part, that is because I enjoy Martin as a mystery writer, and was hoping for something in the vein. Also, although I read other types of fiction, in the ones I enjoy I find at least some characters I like and that didn’t happen here. While I might have liked Dr. Gareth Lacey, certainly he displayed some empathy and positive personality traits, he didn’t have enough of the book focused on him to pull me along. The central character, Davina, rather than being a tragic heroine because of a past occurrence, comes across as a bitter, sharp, moral-less individual who justifies her actions because she is seeking revenge.
There is some benefit in reading this book to get an idea of how to fashion a character, and how to plot and pace a novel; but beyond that I’m not sure if there is a group of people to whom I would recommend this novel. My thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself holds together well, and the pacing is good, it simply isn’t my kind of book. In part, that is because I enjoy Martin as a mystery writer, and was hoping for something in the vein. Also, although I read other types of fiction, in the ones I enjoy I find at least some characters I like and that didn’t happen here. While I might have liked Dr. Gareth Lacey, certainly he displayed some empathy and positive personality traits, he didn’t have enough of the book focused on him to pull me along. The central character, Davina, rather than being a tragic heroine because of a past occurrence, comes across as a bitter, sharp, moral-less individual who justifies her actions because she is seeking revenge.
There is some benefit in reading this book to get an idea of how to fashion a character, and how to plot and pace a novel; but beyond that I’m not sure if there is a group of people to whom I would recommend this novel. My thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2021
A review I read earlier, nailed it on the head. This isn't really a strong revenge take. More that was the initial plan until the girl quickly develops feelings for the teacher she was hell bent on destroying.
Not a bad story actually. Mostly low key easy read. More of a romance novel. Don't be expecting a revenge adrenaline fueled reading experience!
*Thank you to Joffe Books via NetGalley for the digital reader copy.
Not a bad story actually. Mostly low key easy read. More of a romance novel. Don't be expecting a revenge adrenaline fueled reading experience!
*Thank you to Joffe Books via NetGalley for the digital reader copy.
June 2, 2020
This is probably the worst book I have ever tried to read. I would have given it no stars if I could. Basically it's just appallingly writer soft porn. I should think it has a very good chance of winning the Bad Sex in Literature Award. It does have a plot, albeit an extremely silly one. Don't waste your money on this. Awful.
May 26, 2020
Davina is still reeling from the death of her step-brother and manages to secure a fellowship to Oxford University to seek out the tutor who was responsible.
As I expect from Faith Martin/ Maxine Barry the characters develop well and the detailed descriptions of the area puts the reader at the scene very effectively.
As Davina settles in to Oxford and puts her plan into action more characters and their lives play a part in what happens next.
This is more romance than suspense but a good read.
As I expect from Faith Martin/ Maxine Barry the characters develop well and the detailed descriptions of the area puts the reader at the scene very effectively.
As Davina settles in to Oxford and puts her plan into action more characters and their lives play a part in what happens next.
This is more romance than suspense but a good read.
June 7, 2020
Not What I Expect from Faith Martin
I am sure that the plot will be excellent, but I couldn’t make it past the breathless descriptions of Davina, Alicia, Gareth and Jared. The softly rounded breasts, the cleft chin, the emerald eyes, the long silky black hair. ..... Ugh. Really trashed the story completely , and I make it a policy not to read books that distract me with bad grammar, poor plotlines or steamy descriptions. Nope to this one.
I am sure that the plot will be excellent, but I couldn’t make it past the breathless descriptions of Davina, Alicia, Gareth and Jared. The softly rounded breasts, the cleft chin, the emerald eyes, the long silky black hair. ..... Ugh. Really trashed the story completely , and I make it a policy not to read books that distract me with bad grammar, poor plotlines or steamy descriptions. Nope to this one.
May 30, 2020
Oh, dear! I'm not surprised that Faith Martin chose to use a pen name for 'An Oxford Revenge'. I can't imagine it did anything positive for her reputation as a writer of mysteries and whodunits.
Davina is a beautiful and passionate woman, allegedly so good at poetry that she is introduced to the staff and students at St Bede's College, Oxford as "recently ....shortlisted for the Nobel Prize for Literature". Let'stake a moment to consider the ridiculousness of that, shall we? The Nobel Prize is given for an author's life work. The youngest writer ever to get the prize was Rudyard Kipling in his 40s and most winners are decades older. So what? Well, it sets the scene for just how silly this book is likely to get.
As I was saying, famous feminist poet, Davina has finagled her way into a one-term post at St Bede's, the college where her younger step-brother David was so unhappy that he killed himself, pinning the blame on his English tutor, Gareth Lacey. Davina's mission is to destroy the man who destroyed her step-brother but she hasn't factored in that Lacey is basically sex-on-legs - a sort of intellectual Poldark who turns her brains to jelly and her innards to water. Despite wanting revenge and plotting to destroy him, she's out of her undies quicker than you can say "Excuse me". Now, I'm not unwilling to believe in animal magnetism and fierce attraction, but this requires a degree of suspended belief that goes well beyond my capabilities.
"The hot moistness between her legs felt like fire. Her nipples, pressed against his dark blue jacket, suddenly stiffened with sensitivity, growing harder with every minute movement he made".
Seriously, pass me the application for the Bad Sex Awards. It's all horribly squelchy and completely ignores that she's supposed to hate him. And even when she's 'in love', it doesn't stop her carrying out her fiendish plans for revenge.
There is a nicer, gentler love story running in parallel between some students who are putting on a play. That's less squelchy but still requires you to take on a Jane Austen-like plotline about stately homes and inheritance scams.
I guess my second biggest question would be "Where's the mystery?" and my biggest question "WHY did you do it Faith?"
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Davina is a beautiful and passionate woman, allegedly so good at poetry that she is introduced to the staff and students at St Bede's College, Oxford as "recently ....shortlisted for the Nobel Prize for Literature". Let'stake a moment to consider the ridiculousness of that, shall we? The Nobel Prize is given for an author's life work. The youngest writer ever to get the prize was Rudyard Kipling in his 40s and most winners are decades older. So what? Well, it sets the scene for just how silly this book is likely to get.
As I was saying, famous feminist poet, Davina has finagled her way into a one-term post at St Bede's, the college where her younger step-brother David was so unhappy that he killed himself, pinning the blame on his English tutor, Gareth Lacey. Davina's mission is to destroy the man who destroyed her step-brother but she hasn't factored in that Lacey is basically sex-on-legs - a sort of intellectual Poldark who turns her brains to jelly and her innards to water. Despite wanting revenge and plotting to destroy him, she's out of her undies quicker than you can say "Excuse me". Now, I'm not unwilling to believe in animal magnetism and fierce attraction, but this requires a degree of suspended belief that goes well beyond my capabilities.
"The hot moistness between her legs felt like fire. Her nipples, pressed against his dark blue jacket, suddenly stiffened with sensitivity, growing harder with every minute movement he made".
Seriously, pass me the application for the Bad Sex Awards. It's all horribly squelchy and completely ignores that she's supposed to hate him. And even when she's 'in love', it doesn't stop her carrying out her fiendish plans for revenge.
There is a nicer, gentler love story running in parallel between some students who are putting on a play. That's less squelchy but still requires you to take on a Jane Austen-like plotline about stately homes and inheritance scams.
I guess my second biggest question would be "Where's the mystery?" and my biggest question "WHY did you do it Faith?"
I received a free ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading An Oxford Revenge. I wanted a good, old fashioned murder mystery. What I got was a mild porno decorated with a too neat, cheesy murder plot. Additionally, all the characters seemed to have problems with sensitive nipples.
The story goes like this: brilliant poet, Davina Granger heads to Oxford University to exact revenge on the person she blames for her brother’s death – Dr Gareth Lacey. Things get complicated when she begins to have feelings for him.
The issue I had with An Oxford Revenge – besides the rogue nippular attacks – was that everything was too neat and clean. There was a problem, a confrontation and bam the problem was fixed with a happy ending. It just didn’t work. Furthermore, Barry was over descriptive in everything. Whilst this worked well when describing Oxford and the Cotswolds, it failed to have the same impact when describing the characters because it was used too frequently. It is okay for a character’s eyes to be noticeable and sparkle like diamonds but if every person notices them then it becomes extremely tedious for the reader.
Overall, An Oxford Revenge promised a lot but failed to deliver anything special.
An Oxford Revenge by Maxine Barry is available now.
The story goes like this: brilliant poet, Davina Granger heads to Oxford University to exact revenge on the person she blames for her brother’s death – Dr Gareth Lacey. Things get complicated when she begins to have feelings for him.
The issue I had with An Oxford Revenge – besides the rogue nippular attacks – was that everything was too neat and clean. There was a problem, a confrontation and bam the problem was fixed with a happy ending. It just didn’t work. Furthermore, Barry was over descriptive in everything. Whilst this worked well when describing Oxford and the Cotswolds, it failed to have the same impact when describing the characters because it was used too frequently. It is okay for a character’s eyes to be noticeable and sparkle like diamonds but if every person notices them then it becomes extremely tedious for the reader.
Overall, An Oxford Revenge promised a lot but failed to deliver anything special.
An Oxford Revenge by Maxine Barry is available now.
August 1, 2020
Slight
This is a different focus to the writer’s usual style, which may appeal to some readers but not to me. The plot is slight, the characters overwritten and the sex scene over dramatic.
This is a different focus to the writer’s usual style, which may appeal to some readers but not to me. The plot is slight, the characters overwritten and the sex scene over dramatic.
May 29, 2020
An Oxford revenge by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr Gareth Lacey for her brother’s suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him.
Very good read. Good story. I wasnt sure how I felt about Davina. I did enjoy the ending. Faith is one of my favourite authors. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Merged review:
An Oxford revenge by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr Gareth Lacey for her brother’s suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him.
Very good read. Good story. I wasnt sure how I felt about Davina. I did enjoy the ending. Faith is one of my favourite authors. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr Gareth Lacey for her brother’s suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him.
Very good read. Good story. I wasnt sure how I felt about Davina. I did enjoy the ending. Faith is one of my favourite authors. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Merged review:
An Oxford revenge by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Davina Granger wants revenge. She blames Dr Gareth Lacey for her brother’s suicide. When she gets a fellowship at his Oxford college, she finally has her chance to punish him. But her plan never included falling in love with him.
Very good read. Good story. I wasnt sure how I felt about Davina. I did enjoy the ending. Faith is one of my favourite authors. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
June 10, 2020
Having read many of Faith Martin's previous novels I was interested and delighted to see this deviation in style.
There is the same attention to character detail but with a much darker more grown up undercurrent.
The two counter stories work well together and although separate you can see the parallels in the relationships between the two students and the poet hell bent on revenge against the enthralling professor she blames for her tragic loss.
Excellent book which I completed in one sitting.
There is the same attention to character detail but with a much darker more grown up undercurrent.
The two counter stories work well together and although separate you can see the parallels in the relationships between the two students and the poet hell bent on revenge against the enthralling professor she blames for her tragic loss.
Excellent book which I completed in one sitting.
June 12, 2020
This book focuses on Gavina who is determined to get revenge on Gareth because she blames him for her brothers suicide. She gets a fellowship at Oxford and thinks that's her chance to punish him but she never thought she would fall for him. I went in thinking it's a thriller but it turned out to be a romance mostly.
June 6, 2020
Have always enjoyed Faith Martin books but I didn't enjoy this.There was far too explicit sex scenes
No I wouldn't commend it. Shame really as I have read all Faith Martin books .found them gripping but I won't be reading any more
No I wouldn't commend it. Shame really as I have read all Faith Martin books .found them gripping but I won't be reading any more
June 18, 2020
While Faith Martin is one of my favorite author's of British mystery, I am not a reader of romance so was disappointed to find this under her name. I did finish it because of her ability as a writer and I was too far in to not finish before I realized that this is not my chosen genre.
June 17, 2020
Glad I only paid 99p to read this book very disappointed I thought it would be a crime type thriller book set in a beautiful Interesting location sadly it was full of unnecessary sex .
August 23, 2020
Davina Granger, an acclaimed poet, arrives in Oxford with one thing on her mind: revenge! Her brother David commited suicide and she blames his tutor Gareth Lacey. She is intent on destroying him but is shocked to develop an attraction to him. Will passion or revenge win out?
Meanwhile Alicia Norman struggles to combat her family's snobbish behaviour. She wants to write crime novels and wants council estate born Jared to be her lover. But her brother's machinations aim to wreck the relationship. Can love defy class and family?
An Oxford Revenge is the second in Maxine Barry's Oxford series. The only connection is the location so this works perfectly as a stand alone novel.
It is kind of obvious that Davina and Gareth are destined for each other so the enjoyment of this book is in the negotiation of the obstacles in their way. Davina battles with her love and hate, her past and future.
There are points where we see Davina's resolve buckle and also Gareth's viewpoint as he mourns the death of his student. There is clearly more to the death of Davina's brother than we or she are aware of so the reveal of the truth is eagerly anticipated so that her new relationship can flourish. I was expecting a little more emotion as Gareth's wife had died and his relationship with Davina is the first since that devastating event.
There is one sex scene early on that really made me blush: the passion was so well written that I felt like an intruder because it was so realistic (does that sound weird?!)
There is not much mystery or any real criminal element involved in this book so it feels very different to The Lying Game and the Faith Martin crime mysteries I am familiar with but still kept me hooked the whole way through.
Meanwhile Alicia Norman struggles to combat her family's snobbish behaviour. She wants to write crime novels and wants council estate born Jared to be her lover. But her brother's machinations aim to wreck the relationship. Can love defy class and family?
An Oxford Revenge is the second in Maxine Barry's Oxford series. The only connection is the location so this works perfectly as a stand alone novel.
It is kind of obvious that Davina and Gareth are destined for each other so the enjoyment of this book is in the negotiation of the obstacles in their way. Davina battles with her love and hate, her past and future.
There are points where we see Davina's resolve buckle and also Gareth's viewpoint as he mourns the death of his student. There is clearly more to the death of Davina's brother than we or she are aware of so the reveal of the truth is eagerly anticipated so that her new relationship can flourish. I was expecting a little more emotion as Gareth's wife had died and his relationship with Davina is the first since that devastating event.
There is one sex scene early on that really made me blush: the passion was so well written that I felt like an intruder because it was so realistic (does that sound weird?!)
There is not much mystery or any real criminal element involved in this book so it feels very different to The Lying Game and the Faith Martin crime mysteries I am familiar with but still kept me hooked the whole way through.
September 26, 2021
I enjoyed this romance story with all of the characters. The author had two main couples throughout the story. One couple were Davina Granger and Dr. Gareth Lacey. And then another couple Alicia Norman and Jared Cowan.
Davina Granger is a famous poet and is going to Oxford college to get revenge for her stepbrother. When she gets there she never expected that the person that she plan to ruin is nothing like she thought.
Dr. Gareth Lacey is a English college professor that works at the Oxford college. He never expected to find another woman that he would be interested in a relationship after the passing away of his wife. But when he meets Davina Granger he might change his mind.
Alicia Norman is a student that go to the Oxford college. She is majoring English at the college. When her friend introduce her to a young man that is also attended the same college. After being introduced he asks her to write a mystery play for the treater so they could put on a play for the Easter play.
Jared Cowan is a student at Oxford college. He is majoring in Engineering. One of his class is at the treater. He is on a mission to find help for the Easter play that they plan to put on.
This was fun to read with all the characters within the story. At first it was hard to keep track when the chapter ended and started a new chapter with different characters with in the next chapter. But I did get the idea of what was happening within both of the couples. There was quite a bit of twist and turns that were fun guessing what might happen next.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Davina Granger is a famous poet and is going to Oxford college to get revenge for her stepbrother. When she gets there she never expected that the person that she plan to ruin is nothing like she thought.
Dr. Gareth Lacey is a English college professor that works at the Oxford college. He never expected to find another woman that he would be interested in a relationship after the passing away of his wife. But when he meets Davina Granger he might change his mind.
Alicia Norman is a student that go to the Oxford college. She is majoring English at the college. When her friend introduce her to a young man that is also attended the same college. After being introduced he asks her to write a mystery play for the treater so they could put on a play for the Easter play.
Jared Cowan is a student at Oxford college. He is majoring in Engineering. One of his class is at the treater. He is on a mission to find help for the Easter play that they plan to put on.
This was fun to read with all the characters within the story. At first it was hard to keep track when the chapter ended and started a new chapter with different characters with in the next chapter. But I did get the idea of what was happening within both of the couples. There was quite a bit of twist and turns that were fun guessing what might happen next.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
June 25, 2020
I read this book by mistake. I have loved Faith Martin's mysteries, and assumed this book is also a mystery; but instead it is a romance. In spite of the graphic descriptions of love making, this is well told and the plot was clever.
The book is the story of two romances at St. Bede's College at Oxford. Davina Granger, an award winning modern poet goes to St. Bede's with an honorary fellowship with the sole goal of punishing Dr. Gareth Dacey, one of three lauded and venerated English Dons of modern poetry. Davina believes that Dr. Lacey was the cause of her brother's suicide. However, she didn't plan with the idea that he is very attractive, and Davina and Gareth would become obsessed with each other at their first meeting. In spite of this, Davina still tries to undermine him.
In the mean time, first year student Alicia, from a prominent family, and Jared, an upper classman from a poor family, have become smitten with each other as well. Jared is directing the Easter play, and he and Alicia's friend Emily convince Alicia to write the play. However, Alicia's brother would like her to marry Rupert, the only son of the Earl of Warrington who is also enamored with Alicia and is one of the lead actors in the play.
It becomes very exciting as the relationships develop.
The book is the story of two romances at St. Bede's College at Oxford. Davina Granger, an award winning modern poet goes to St. Bede's with an honorary fellowship with the sole goal of punishing Dr. Gareth Dacey, one of three lauded and venerated English Dons of modern poetry. Davina believes that Dr. Lacey was the cause of her brother's suicide. However, she didn't plan with the idea that he is very attractive, and Davina and Gareth would become obsessed with each other at their first meeting. In spite of this, Davina still tries to undermine him.
In the mean time, first year student Alicia, from a prominent family, and Jared, an upper classman from a poor family, have become smitten with each other as well. Jared is directing the Easter play, and he and Alicia's friend Emily convince Alicia to write the play. However, Alicia's brother would like her to marry Rupert, the only son of the Earl of Warrington who is also enamored with Alicia and is one of the lead actors in the play.
It becomes very exciting as the relationships develop.
August 6, 2020
Faith Martin is one of my favorite authors.
Have now read all but one of her books...
(The next and last one is also under the pen name of Maxine Barry.)
THIS ONE, like the first (Maxine B)....I just had trouble sticking to...hence the length of time it took to finish it.)
ONLY because of it containing way too much OVERT sexual content.
Way worse than the first of the Maxine B series.
SO dissappointed!
Because all that sex wasn't needed to tell the otherwise fantastic story!
Actually two stories running parallel.
It's described in the blurbs as a 'romantic' novel. That's not 'romance' That's just plain SEX.
There's a huge difference.
All the Hillary books had some 'romance'....None of them were like these.
Sigh.
If not for that...I'd be giving this book 5 stars.
So...for those who don't mind at all reading details of the sex act over and over again....I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.
I'm off to read the last in the series. Don't especially want to...but I've already paid for it....and not one to waste $$$, I'm gonna 'wade' thru it.
Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
I doubt it but will be thrilled if I do.
I need some more..Hillary!
And Ryder & Loveday!
And even Jenny Starling!
Have now read all but one of her books...
(The next and last one is also under the pen name of Maxine Barry.)
THIS ONE, like the first (Maxine B)....I just had trouble sticking to...hence the length of time it took to finish it.)
ONLY because of it containing way too much OVERT sexual content.
Way worse than the first of the Maxine B series.
SO dissappointed!
Because all that sex wasn't needed to tell the otherwise fantastic story!
Actually two stories running parallel.
It's described in the blurbs as a 'romantic' novel. That's not 'romance' That's just plain SEX.
There's a huge difference.
All the Hillary books had some 'romance'....None of them were like these.
Sigh.
If not for that...I'd be giving this book 5 stars.
So...for those who don't mind at all reading details of the sex act over and over again....I'm sure you'll enjoy this book.
I'm off to read the last in the series. Don't especially want to...but I've already paid for it....and not one to waste $$$, I'm gonna 'wade' thru it.
Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised?
I doubt it but will be thrilled if I do.
I need some more..Hillary!
And Ryder & Loveday!
And even Jenny Starling!
June 29, 2020
Something different from this crime fiction author that may surprise her readership. If you're expecting murder mystery, you'll be disappointed. This story set in an Oxford college, in the early twenty-first century, is about obsession, passion and revenge. These are all motivation for murder, but here the focus is more on romance and suspense.
Davina, a successful poet, gains an honorary fellowship at St Bede's Oxford college, to compile and write a forward, for a poetry anthology. She has an ulterior motive for being there, but her quest for revenge is convoluted by physical attraction and passion.
The plot is complex with elements of psychological suspense. The characters are flawed and emotionally vulnerable as a consequence of life events, family and social class. There is good suspense building throughout the story. The exploration of the Oxford establishment and family, peer and societal expectations is insightful. An atmospheric and claustrophobic romantic suspense.
I received a copy of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Davina, a successful poet, gains an honorary fellowship at St Bede's Oxford college, to compile and write a forward, for a poetry anthology. She has an ulterior motive for being there, but her quest for revenge is convoluted by physical attraction and passion.
The plot is complex with elements of psychological suspense. The characters are flawed and emotionally vulnerable as a consequence of life events, family and social class. There is good suspense building throughout the story. The exploration of the Oxford establishment and family, peer and societal expectations is insightful. An atmospheric and claustrophobic romantic suspense.
I received a copy of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
This is Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
I really enjoy the Faith Martin books as my usual favourite genre is murder/mysteries and thrillers so when I received this from the publishers as an ARC, I had no hesitation in reading it.
I soon realised that this was a very different style of book with a revenge plot running through it and a lot of romance with some fairly explicit sex scenes, however this did not deter me as I do read other genres of book every now and then.
As always the book is very well written, the characters were brought to life so you could form a picture of them in your minds eye and I knew exactly how I hoped it would end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would certainly read books written by “Maxine Barry” again.
I really enjoy the Faith Martin books as my usual favourite genre is murder/mysteries and thrillers so when I received this from the publishers as an ARC, I had no hesitation in reading it.
I soon realised that this was a very different style of book with a revenge plot running through it and a lot of romance with some fairly explicit sex scenes, however this did not deter me as I do read other genres of book every now and then.
As always the book is very well written, the characters were brought to life so you could form a picture of them in your minds eye and I knew exactly how I hoped it would end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would certainly read books written by “Maxine Barry” again.
November 14, 2020
AN OXFORD REVENGE
by FAITH MARTIN writing as MAXINE BARRY
This is a book set in Oxford where there revenge supposedly is the order of the day just what I need for a Change of pace alas this was not meant to be.
Very watery storyline it could have melded together well but this didn’t .Starts as revenge,then Loveland lust. I’m by no means a prude regarding novels but this book is racy when it’s not necessary and is almost off putting. If you don’t like sexual content this book is not for you.
The upside for me was the beautiful description of the areas covered in the book which were beautiful and gave me pleasure as some of my favourite.
by FAITH MARTIN writing as MAXINE BARRY
This is a book set in Oxford where there revenge supposedly is the order of the day just what I need for a Change of pace alas this was not meant to be.
Very watery storyline it could have melded together well but this didn’t .Starts as revenge,then Loveland lust. I’m by no means a prude regarding novels but this book is racy when it’s not necessary and is almost off putting. If you don’t like sexual content this book is not for you.
The upside for me was the beautiful description of the areas covered in the book which were beautiful and gave me pleasure as some of my favourite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2020
I always look forward to a Faith Martin book, and I never thought that I would say a Faith Martin book wasn't for me, but this was the one. I love her mysteries, but this is a romance. It's well written and interesting in its own way - just not for me.
Not my cup of tea.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advance copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Not my cup of tea.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advance copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
August 12, 2021
Unbelievable! I enjoy Faith Martin. Nothing like her writing. Who could believe a woman like Davina would act without even attending an inquest or investigating further....and what a way to plot revenge...of course it would back to-her....and who would believe Alicia coming from the background that she did was so naive! I only read to the end so I could write this revue. Such a disappointing unbelievable book
August 15, 2021
This is a fun read. Definitely a romance with a mystery twist, and what a great story overall. As always the characters are well developed. As I make my way through the first five books under pen name Maxine Barry I was initially disappointed that some very obvious questions were being overlooked and these omissions seemed unreal, but then I realized these stories were light fare, not to be analyzed but instead simply to be enjoyed.
August 18, 2020
Revenge Should Be Sweet
This is a gripping story about revenge, misunderstandings, and romance in a University setting. Davina wants revenge on the professor who made her brother commit suicide. What better way to set him up for a fall than to get him to fall in love her. This book will hold your attention and is well writren.
This is a gripping story about revenge, misunderstandings, and romance in a University setting. Davina wants revenge on the professor who made her brother commit suicide. What better way to set him up for a fall than to get him to fall in love her. This book will hold your attention and is well writren.
August 11, 2024
I think I continue to give five stars to these stories is because of the easy flow of writing. The characters are quickly defined and suit the plot. Personally, I don't like the sex scenes (usually skip these) but they didn't stop my overall enjoyment of the story.
The sense of place was great as was the feeling of a male-orientated world. From what I could understand, this story was set in the early 2000s? and things have improved in some areas for women since, but maybe not so much in Oxford academia.
Worth a look.
The sense of place was great as was the feeling of a male-orientated world. From what I could understand, this story was set in the early 2000s? and things have improved in some areas for women since, but maybe not so much in Oxford academia.
Worth a look.
May 31, 2020
I picked this read by the author but found that it wasn't my preferred genre. Great for the college age crowd looking for more of a graphic sort of hook-up with twists. Wish I could say something better.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews