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Hundred Days #1
Vermillion
On the eve of war, General Matthew Webb has returned to his division in Belgium. Upon arriving, he finds his garrison in disarray and the regimental surgeon, Doctor Addison, on his deathbed. With Napoleon on the horizon, Matthew struggles to prepare his men while feeling frustrated by the regiment's headstrong nurse.
Katherine Foster, trained as a doctor in America, has come with Doctor Addison to the battlefields of Europe in hopes of being allowed to practice medicine. The illness of her mentor and the arrival of the taciturn General Webb conspire to dash her hopes, but Kate stubbornly refuses to be daunted.
Each resolving to overcome the other in a contest of wills, Matthew and Kate are thrown together when events inside the garrison take a dark turn.
It is an uneasy alliance, and for better or worse, one they both discover they cannot live without.
Katherine Foster, trained as a doctor in America, has come with Doctor Addison to the battlefields of Europe in hopes of being allowed to practice medicine. The illness of her mentor and the arrival of the taciturn General Webb conspire to dash her hopes, but Kate stubbornly refuses to be daunted.
Each resolving to overcome the other in a contest of wills, Matthew and Kate are thrown together when events inside the garrison take a dark turn.
It is an uneasy alliance, and for better or worse, one they both discover they cannot live without.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2015
17 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Baird Wells
9 books37 followersBaird Wells is author of the romance-historical Hundred Days series, as well as stand-alone novels Glass Apple and Last Woman in Weary Creek. Her award-likely books have sold tens of copies in several places.
Her Hundred Days novel Vermillion was a second-round finalist for the 2016 Writer's Digest E-book Awards. Argent received a 2016 honorable mention for published fiction. She is a proud RWA author and PAN member.
You can find her other novels under the Cait Hutton, Ava K Arden, and Wren McCammack pen names on Amazon.
Her Hundred Days novel Vermillion was a second-round finalist for the 2016 Writer's Digest E-book Awards. Argent received a 2016 honorable mention for published fiction. She is a proud RWA author and PAN member.
You can find her other novels under the Cait Hutton, Ava K Arden, and Wren McCammack pen names on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 9, 2016
2.5 stars rounded up for a strong beginning and a promising debut.
This was one of the hardest stories for me to rate. The blurb as well as other reviewers did an excellent job in describing the plot, so I'm just going to write my opinion of the story.
Beginning and up to 40% of the story was well executed - romantic tension, historical setting, vivid storytelling - all of it was leading to 4-5-star rating. The writing was competent and imaginative. I liked how the author entwined Kate's letters to her sister in the narrative. The letters brought a new dimension and gave unique opportunity to "hear" Kate in her own words. I loved her strength, her inventiveness, her passion. Poor General Webb-he didn't know what hit him:
Matthew hated how often he was left scratching his head after one of their exchanges.
or
She had a way of negotiating that grated his nerves to no end, bargaining ruthlessly with not a decent card in her hand. The most grating bit was how often she won.
The tension, the pull between these two was palpable.
Unfortunately, the rest of the story didn't work for me.
The downhill slide really started when Webb's wife entered, albeit briefly, the picture. Oh, I knew he was married and the marriage was in trouble and the story would feature infidelity. Up until now, there were hints of certain reasons for the unhappiness that made me feel sorry for Webb. But then, when the conflicting and somewhat contradictory explanation was provided, I started to see Webb in a different and not so flattering light. The marriage breakdown just didn't happen in a vacuum and was not so one-sided as I was let to believe at the beginning.
Then came revelations of Kate's own unhappy short-lived marriage which ended with her husband's death during the war. There were elements there that just didn't ring true to me.
The downhill slide continued
And the slide continued with the characters now somewhat tarnished in my eyes, and with creeping historical inaccuracies. Someone had mentioned sprinkled Americanism in the story. It didn't bother me, and I can live with repeated references to famous Duchess of Richmond as Lady Richmond (although she probably would have some objection to it) and our heroine Kate- a widow who was called "Miss Foster" throughout the story instead of her married name. I can also live with errors related to medical practice of that time. What did bothered me though were situational inaccuracies and questionable hero's behavior (see spoiler above). And for me, when the hero becomes less likable so does the story...
And then the writing started to become sloppier and less crisp. I had to re-read certain scenes couple of times to really understand what's going on.
Overall, uneven but promising debut by the author to watch.
August 21, 2015
If you enjoy historical fiction, smart women, complicated men, side characters who step right off the page, and passion both in the bedroom and on the battleground, then you will love Vermillion.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this is the story of Kate and Matthew. Kate is an American, trained to be a doctor in an era when women simply weren't doctors. She has accompanied a family friend, a surgeon, to war in hopes she'll be allowed to practice. Matthew is an English general, struggling to prepare his garrison against the advancing forces of Napoleon's Grande Armée. Kate and Matthew are both stubborn and witty and very used to getting their way, and anyone who knows anything about passion knows that's a recipe for major sparks. These two do not disappoint.
This is a book rich in history, and Wells pulls no punches. From the horror of the battleground to the smells of the camp, the joys of childbirth and even shopping in 19th century Brussels, Wells has crafted a love story that is so much more than that. These are not hollow characters, and this is not a hollow book. When you finish the last page, you'll pause, and wonder if these were living, breathing characters, or figments of the author's imagination. I was pleased to read that my favorite side character would be getting his own story in Wells' next book.
Excerpt:
"Her fear boiled up into rage. The men above argued, shoved, fighting over who would take the second turn. She watched Ty, struggling in the dust, seeing his eyes widen for just a second. She understood. He was creating a distraction, watching the deserters for an opening.
Kate was happy to oblige him.
She cocked the hammer inside her cloak, concealing the lock's dull click-click. The moment the man at her side let go to fumble at his breeches, Kate raised an arm, steadied and fired. The concussion pulsed through the wound to her face. Her teeth jarred, and Kate half-closed her eyes, knowing what would follow. Stringy lumps and splinters of skull painted her and his friends. It spattered off the hackney's canopy, raining over the arm shielding Ty's face. She spit to clear hot droplets from her lips, full of nothing but relief."
Yeah. Kate is a bad-ass.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this is the story of Kate and Matthew. Kate is an American, trained to be a doctor in an era when women simply weren't doctors. She has accompanied a family friend, a surgeon, to war in hopes she'll be allowed to practice. Matthew is an English general, struggling to prepare his garrison against the advancing forces of Napoleon's Grande Armée. Kate and Matthew are both stubborn and witty and very used to getting their way, and anyone who knows anything about passion knows that's a recipe for major sparks. These two do not disappoint.
This is a book rich in history, and Wells pulls no punches. From the horror of the battleground to the smells of the camp, the joys of childbirth and even shopping in 19th century Brussels, Wells has crafted a love story that is so much more than that. These are not hollow characters, and this is not a hollow book. When you finish the last page, you'll pause, and wonder if these were living, breathing characters, or figments of the author's imagination. I was pleased to read that my favorite side character would be getting his own story in Wells' next book.
Excerpt:
"Her fear boiled up into rage. The men above argued, shoved, fighting over who would take the second turn. She watched Ty, struggling in the dust, seeing his eyes widen for just a second. She understood. He was creating a distraction, watching the deserters for an opening.
Kate was happy to oblige him.
She cocked the hammer inside her cloak, concealing the lock's dull click-click. The moment the man at her side let go to fumble at his breeches, Kate raised an arm, steadied and fired. The concussion pulsed through the wound to her face. Her teeth jarred, and Kate half-closed her eyes, knowing what would follow. Stringy lumps and splinters of skull painted her and his friends. It spattered off the hackney's canopy, raining over the arm shielding Ty's face. She spit to clear hot droplets from her lips, full of nothing but relief."
Yeah. Kate is a bad-ass.
February 15, 2016
This is a nice debut HR, a love story set against the backdrop of the Battles of Quatre Bras. The hero in here is married so it is inevitable that the subject of infidelity may bug some readers. That said, given the circumstances, it is hard for me to dislike the protagonists. Their emotion, and truth are what make them likable and sympathetic. The letters Kate wrote to her sister are my favorite. You can find this gem in the kindle library:D
June 7, 2016
Oh, how I loved this book. Honestly, I went into it not knowing what to expect and I was blown away by the quality of the writing. Excellent prose and well-researched, the author has a firm grasp of the time period (with perhaps a few liberties taken here and there). This is a great blend of the Historical Fiction and Romance genres--highly recommend to anyone that is fond of Historical Romance. The characters were well-written, multi-faceted, and I was easily able to form a connection with them. The romance set against the backdrop of war felt sweeping and epic, unlike a lot of other period romances that I've read which generally focus on only the romance and perhaps some sort of mystery plot.
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
June 20, 2015
I loved this book. It's well written, funny and moving. I cried several times (which is always my measuring stick for how effective any piece of art is) and it surprised me several times. It's a love story set during the end of the reign of Napoleon leading up to the battle of Waterloo. It's a great love story and a good war story. The characters are well developed and you feel like you know even the most minor of them quickly. Kate is strong willed woman hardened by years of serving as a doctor's assistant in the battlefield. Tutored by her father who was himself a doctor and who believed a woman could do anything a man could, she was accustomed to the beliefs of the era that woman were only fit for certain things. Pretty much every day is a struggle to prove that she knows how to heal and care for her patients. For the most part she's used to winning those fights. Until General Webb comes along. What follows is a battle of wits and stubbornness that's never boring and unfolds into a love story with twists and turns that left me holding my breath a couple of times. I'm going to miss the characters in this book and cannot wait to see what this author has waiting for us in book 2.
July 5, 2015
This book was given as a gift, and it was a wonderful gift!
It's difficult for me to find reading time so anything I read needs to be worth my effort and be a rewarding escape---and this fit the bill. It's a wonderful love story; Matthew and Kate are so very honest in emotion and human error. They aren't the faultless, pastel or stereotypical characters you often see cast in these roles. You will cheer, chide, laugh and fear for their safety. More importantly this novel had spine. It excelled where others would fall short--in the dirty reality of history. Outside the ballrooms and into the battlefields, the author made it easy to be carried away in detail that made everything believable and engaging, full of life and its consequences. With humor, insight and adventure Baird Wells can tell a tale that keeps the reader fully engaged (and resentful of interruptions). I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings!
I'm will be returning the favor and gifting this to someone, and I know they won't be disappointed.
It's difficult for me to find reading time so anything I read needs to be worth my effort and be a rewarding escape---and this fit the bill. It's a wonderful love story; Matthew and Kate are so very honest in emotion and human error. They aren't the faultless, pastel or stereotypical characters you often see cast in these roles. You will cheer, chide, laugh and fear for their safety. More importantly this novel had spine. It excelled where others would fall short--in the dirty reality of history. Outside the ballrooms and into the battlefields, the author made it easy to be carried away in detail that made everything believable and engaging, full of life and its consequences. With humor, insight and adventure Baird Wells can tell a tale that keeps the reader fully engaged (and resentful of interruptions). I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings!
I'm will be returning the favor and gifting this to someone, and I know they won't be disappointed.
September 14, 2015
The characters in this book are so relatable and their stories captivating. This is one of those books where you miss the characters when you're finished. While reading, it is easy to,visualize the scene and you are transported back in history. Well done! Hurry up with your next book!
September 11, 2017
4 and ½ Stars - Battlefield Regency Takes You to Waterloo
Set in Belgium, beginning in 1815, this is the story of American Kate Foster, a young widow trained by her father to be a doctor. After a bad marriage and her father’s death she left for Belgium where she works as a nurse treating wounds for the British.
When the regiment's doctor’s dies and a new commander, General Matthew Webb, a viscount in private life (now an earl), shows up, her position is threatened. Despite their clashes, Kate finds herself respecting him. Matthew is a married man, estranged from his wife and concerned only with his men and getting them ready for the battle to come with Napoleon. But soon, he finds he is attracted to the nurse who is willful and stubborn.
The story begins with Matthew showing up at Kate’s home in New York after the war has ended where it seems Kate is dead (a depressing beginning), but since I knew this was romance, I kept reading. The first part of the story is told primarily through Kate’s letters from the battlefield to her sister back in America, which Matt reads upon his arrival.
Matthew and Kate have similar pasts with unfaithful marriage partners. Both are strong, willful people who care about their families (Kate her sister and Matthew his mother).
The best of this story—and very well told—are the medical treatments Kate employs and how she deals with the men. The author did a great job of portraying Kate’s care. I also liked the history, even to the names of the British officers, as they prepared for battle. The Battle of Waterloo, which comes toward the end, is very exciting. I felt like I was there.
The story felt overlong at times and the medical information abundant, but that might just be me. The forms of address bothered me a bit, too. If he is “General Lord Webb” and a viscount (who became an earl), there should have been titles given but alas, there were none. It seems “Webb” is his surname. Too, his mother, a dowager countess who was styled “Lady Webb” would have used the title. And then there was the Duchess of Richmond styled as “Lady Richmond” when she would have been “Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond.” As a widow, Kate would not have been “Miss” Foster either. All these were noticeable but minor distractions.
It’s a great story for those who like romance set during times of war.
Set in Belgium, beginning in 1815, this is the story of American Kate Foster, a young widow trained by her father to be a doctor. After a bad marriage and her father’s death she left for Belgium where she works as a nurse treating wounds for the British.
When the regiment's doctor’s dies and a new commander, General Matthew Webb, a viscount in private life (now an earl), shows up, her position is threatened. Despite their clashes, Kate finds herself respecting him. Matthew is a married man, estranged from his wife and concerned only with his men and getting them ready for the battle to come with Napoleon. But soon, he finds he is attracted to the nurse who is willful and stubborn.
The story begins with Matthew showing up at Kate’s home in New York after the war has ended where it seems Kate is dead (a depressing beginning), but since I knew this was romance, I kept reading. The first part of the story is told primarily through Kate’s letters from the battlefield to her sister back in America, which Matt reads upon his arrival.
Matthew and Kate have similar pasts with unfaithful marriage partners. Both are strong, willful people who care about their families (Kate her sister and Matthew his mother).
The best of this story—and very well told—are the medical treatments Kate employs and how she deals with the men. The author did a great job of portraying Kate’s care. I also liked the history, even to the names of the British officers, as they prepared for battle. The Battle of Waterloo, which comes toward the end, is very exciting. I felt like I was there.
The story felt overlong at times and the medical information abundant, but that might just be me. The forms of address bothered me a bit, too. If he is “General Lord Webb” and a viscount (who became an earl), there should have been titles given but alas, there were none. It seems “Webb” is his surname. Too, his mother, a dowager countess who was styled “Lady Webb” would have used the title. And then there was the Duchess of Richmond styled as “Lady Richmond” when she would have been “Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond.” As a widow, Kate would not have been “Miss” Foster either. All these were noticeable but minor distractions.
It’s a great story for those who like romance set during times of war.
February 10, 2016
Loved the writing. Hated the sloppy research. No-- doctors were not talking about cleanliness and germs in the early 1800's. That type of thinking didn't happen until the American civil war almost 50 years later. No-- a doctor cannot tell you have cervical cancer by feeling your abdomen. At least my can't and I assume they couldn't two hundred years ago. No --you could not have an operation for it The first hysterectomy was not until 1895. No-the h father did not fight in the army of the Potomac in the revolutionary war. The army of the Potomac was not created until 1861. The civil war. No-the Earl could not send his attorney off to Scotland to get a divorce for him. It just wasn't that easy. I could go on and on.
The shame of it is that this is a very talented writer that is in desperate need of a good editor. Her romance was good. She has a real feel for writing about war. However the historical missteps kept pulling me out of the story. There were just to many to ignore. At 450 pages it was a little on the long side. I'm not sure I'll read another of her books.
The shame of it is that this is a very talented writer that is in desperate need of a good editor. Her romance was good. She has a real feel for writing about war. However the historical missteps kept pulling me out of the story. There were just to many to ignore. At 450 pages it was a little on the long side. I'm not sure I'll read another of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2016
O my God!
What a wonderful book! I cannot believe I was fortunate enough to have happened on it a couple days ago.
This is outstanding..very well written! I actually cried...tears rolling down my cheeks, sobbing! I love historical romance fiction, and this is exceptional. Baird writes fluidly and keeps your interest peaked. The romance scenes are so well done, dialogue so realistic, and the action is written to make you feel as if you are there. I am more than a little impressed. The characters are well developed and described. The plot is so original....I say this as a book-a-day reader that has read it all until now.
I hate reviews that tell you what the story is about, especially since you're provided a synopsis by the publisher, and so I simply give my heartfelt opinion that this is a definite five-star book that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Bravo, Baird Wells!
What a wonderful book! I cannot believe I was fortunate enough to have happened on it a couple days ago.
This is outstanding..very well written! I actually cried...tears rolling down my cheeks, sobbing! I love historical romance fiction, and this is exceptional. Baird writes fluidly and keeps your interest peaked. The romance scenes are so well done, dialogue so realistic, and the action is written to make you feel as if you are there. I am more than a little impressed. The characters are well developed and described. The plot is so original....I say this as a book-a-day reader that has read it all until now.
I hate reviews that tell you what the story is about, especially since you're provided a synopsis by the publisher, and so I simply give my heartfelt opinion that this is a definite five-star book that I highly recommend. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Bravo, Baird Wells!
February 14, 2019
You can read Vermillion as a straight romance novel set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars; you can also read it as a more elevated companion to the later Sharpe novels, focused on the higher echelons of the officers of Wellington's army, with action and emotion in equal amounts. Both readings are fair and true - Baird Wells has set a high bar for the rest of her series with this first book. The military maneuvers are described with as much vigor as the relationship between the two protagonists Kate Foster and Matthew Webb, and both are given equal opportunity to shine - there are no fainting, helpless damsels here. Wells knows her stuff - her sense of place and history is excellent, and the knowing jabs at Byron (for example) make her characters truly come to life along with the world.
Will definitely be reading more.
Will definitely be reading more.
February 17, 2018
Winner of Book Battle 3, check it out: https://goo.gl/wxGP8s
This book wasn't just my favorite book for this Book Battle, it's my favorite book so far this year.
Vermillion was rich and beautifully written, the characters were complex and deep. This book was an experience in learning as much as it was a love story. And what a love story it was! Wells doesn't just tell you what the characters are feeling, she makes you feel it with them, whether it be a bone saw to the leg or love's first kiss. The language was exquisite and the love scenes? Oh boy...hot. Squelching hot. She never uses vulgar words or phrases--although I don't mind that either--she paints the scene in your mind with a mixture of incredible prose and pure, raw lust. The sex scenes were a piece of art themselves. This book is just a little finer, a little deeper, and of a little higher quality than the average.
This book wasn't just my favorite book for this Book Battle, it's my favorite book so far this year.
Vermillion was rich and beautifully written, the characters were complex and deep. This book was an experience in learning as much as it was a love story. And what a love story it was! Wells doesn't just tell you what the characters are feeling, she makes you feel it with them, whether it be a bone saw to the leg or love's first kiss. The language was exquisite and the love scenes? Oh boy...hot. Squelching hot. She never uses vulgar words or phrases--although I don't mind that either--she paints the scene in your mind with a mixture of incredible prose and pure, raw lust. The sex scenes were a piece of art themselves. This book is just a little finer, a little deeper, and of a little higher quality than the average.
February 10, 2016
What a fabulous treat! Loved this book, it was exactly what I was in the mood for at the time! Set during the Napoleonic wars, General Matthew Webb newly stationed at Quatre Bras finds his match in the American nurse, Kate Foster.
I loved the banter and slow build between the married English general and the very outspoken and American nurse. I simply could not put this book down. I docked it a star because of the typos, simple proofreading would have corrected these, and often times it took me out of the flow. I look forward to more from this author. Brilliant!
I loved the banter and slow build between the married English general and the very outspoken and American nurse. I simply could not put this book down. I docked it a star because of the typos, simple proofreading would have corrected these, and often times it took me out of the flow. I look forward to more from this author. Brilliant!
December 13, 2015
3.5 out of 5 stars
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October 12, 2016I'm not sure if I'm going to finish this. I was about 8 percent in before I read a review that states the H is a married man having an affair. I'm not OK with that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
In the beginning, I was expecting a historical novel. Then it seemed to drift into more of a romance novel. On reflection, rather than slipping into the formula of that category, I can understand how the intensity of the relationship between the two main characters served to reveal more of their personalities and their inner thoughts. Integrity was strong and dedication to duty uppermost in their sense of responsibility to themselves and each other, as well as their careers. I felt this was a very well orchestrated blend of the two genres.
Aside from the telling of the story, I enjoyed the rich detail of how it was during the time of Napolean and his defeat at Waterloo. Side issues connected to the harsh living conditions whilst in the very face of battle were always depicted with a realism that was overwhelming. How anyone could live through that reality is beyond belief. And yet, we know they must have done.
At the conclusion, I felt the reading of this novel was time well spent and as any good story does, it left me feeling a trifle lost without being able to carry on. That said, there was a very welcome epilogue at the end that gave some insight into the real-life people in the times depicted. They turned out to be real and the author just fleshed them out nicely.
As a fan of historical fiction, I would recommend if you have like persuasions, you would enjoy Vermillion.
Aside from the telling of the story, I enjoyed the rich detail of how it was during the time of Napolean and his defeat at Waterloo. Side issues connected to the harsh living conditions whilst in the very face of battle were always depicted with a realism that was overwhelming. How anyone could live through that reality is beyond belief. And yet, we know they must have done.
At the conclusion, I felt the reading of this novel was time well spent and as any good story does, it left me feeling a trifle lost without being able to carry on. That said, there was a very welcome epilogue at the end that gave some insight into the real-life people in the times depicted. They turned out to be real and the author just fleshed them out nicely.
As a fan of historical fiction, I would recommend if you have like persuasions, you would enjoy Vermillion.
August 12, 2020
I read this from Kindle Unlimited and was pleasantly surprised as there is a plethora of junk on that service. Happily this was one of the rare gems. A stubborn nurse and an equally stubborn British General butt heads and fall in love during the last days Napoleonic war.
February 11, 2017
I savored this book, took my time reading it . This is the second book I've read by this author[ the first being The Glass Apple ],was impressed with her style of writing and will continue on with the next book in this series Viridian. Matthew, Kate, history of this time presented on the battlefield instead of ballrooms, haut ton is a wonderful change.
October 1, 2016
As a caveat, the author's spouse did give me a free copy, because we got in a conversation about historical romance on a internet forum and he thought I'd like this (I did).
This is a historical romance, set on the front of the Napoleonic Wars, with a British General and an American Nurse. Talk about book catnip right there. I love historicals that dig into the effects of the war, but this really is one of the few that actually takes you to the front and has both hero and heroine mixed up in the action. Generally what you find is more along the lines of Grace Burrowes Captive Hearts Series, which is all about the aftermath of war (PTSD, survivor guilt, recovering from injuries...), I'm not bashing those books, because they are beautiful and emotionally intense. This took that emotional intensity and tossed it into the action and suspense of being on the front. I also love when medical romance and historical romance come together, so yeah, this book was catnip.
Finally, one of the best things this book did was to take the time to contextualize the historical events in the book within the history of the war.
This is a historical romance, set on the front of the Napoleonic Wars, with a British General and an American Nurse. Talk about book catnip right there. I love historicals that dig into the effects of the war, but this really is one of the few that actually takes you to the front and has both hero and heroine mixed up in the action. Generally what you find is more along the lines of Grace Burrowes Captive Hearts Series, which is all about the aftermath of war (PTSD, survivor guilt, recovering from injuries...), I'm not bashing those books, because they are beautiful and emotionally intense. This took that emotional intensity and tossed it into the action and suspense of being on the front. I also love when medical romance and historical romance come together, so yeah, this book was catnip.
Finally, one of the best things this book did was to take the time to contextualize the historical events in the book within the history of the war.
January 10, 2017
A great story.!
A moving story about the historical events leading up to and including the battle of Waterloo. The author managed the balance between "historical" and "romance" extremely well. The characters have much more depth because of the reality of the setting and how the author let events shape their lives and character, such as how the ebb and flow of war effects the intensity of relationships. Overall a fascinating read.
This may have spoiled me for more lighthearted romance. It was so satisfying to read about characters when an author has invested so much into recreating a time period with details that include so many sensory references. And the details did not occur with long descriptions, but were strategically placed so that you didn't notice what you knew until it was over. She's the master of just enough detail to get a point across.
A moving story about the historical events leading up to and including the battle of Waterloo. The author managed the balance between "historical" and "romance" extremely well. The characters have much more depth because of the reality of the setting and how the author let events shape their lives and character, such as how the ebb and flow of war effects the intensity of relationships. Overall a fascinating read.
This may have spoiled me for more lighthearted romance. It was so satisfying to read about characters when an author has invested so much into recreating a time period with details that include so many sensory references. And the details did not occur with long descriptions, but were strategically placed so that you didn't notice what you knew until it was over. She's the master of just enough detail to get a point across.
October 19, 2016
This was a fun book to read. Not my usual genre, but I am generally a fan of books set in the Napoleonic Wars, and this was no different.
The relationship between the main characters was really well developed, and felt extremely ... natural is the best word I'm coming up with. They felt like real people, and their relationship felt real. I really enjoyed watching it develop.
My only real critique is a few places where things felt a little anachronistic, but none of it was enough to take me out of the story. All in all, I enjoyed this.
The relationship between the main characters was really well developed, and felt extremely ... natural is the best word I'm coming up with. They felt like real people, and their relationship felt real. I really enjoyed watching it develop.
My only real critique is a few places where things felt a little anachronistic, but none of it was enough to take me out of the story. All in all, I enjoyed this.
January 4, 2017
Not your run of the mill romance
I will not go into details of this novel for others have already done that. But I will say that it is one of the best historical romances I have ever read. I found I couldn't put it down! Great character development, story line and at times heart rendering.
I will not go into details of this novel for others have already done that. But I will say that it is one of the best historical romances I have ever read. I found I couldn't put it down! Great character development, story line and at times heart rendering.
May 29, 2016
One of the best books I have read in a very long time. I could not put it down and read it in less than a day. The historical aspects are excellent. The characters, very well written, emotional and funny.
September 1, 2016
Loved it! Wonderfully developed characters. The setting during French Revolution provides a perfect setting for the story to unfold. Try it. You will not be able to read just the first book...
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