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Corazones Afines (2013)

by Rowan Speedwell(Favorite Author)

3.97 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1613729278 (ISBN13: 9781613729274)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Dreamspinner Press

review 1: Straight up I must be honest and make clear that I was challenged to read this book, and I’m glad that I did. However, my least favorite genre is historical romance and even though I gave it every opportunity I can still safely declare that I am not a fan of historical romance novels. I feel like an oddball for not loving this since it garnered so many five star reviews. I was very hopeful with that blurb that I would finally break through, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be.The main problem for me was the vernacular. What does lachrymose, verisimilitude, and durance vile for the nonce, mean anyway? I am college educated but I still spent a great deal of time looking up words I didn’t know. Uncommonly used words tend to disrupt the flow and it pulled me right out of the... more story; the fact that this was British, as opposed to American English, only compounded my problem. I always struggle with other dialects and usually avoid something I know I will not enjoy. I readily admit that it’s all on me though because the writing fit the time frame perfectly and the locale descriptions were spot on. So like I said, most people loved it, ignore me and definitely give it a shot.The other issue I had was the history lesson. I really disliked history class while in school and for sure don’t want to deal with it to excess in my recreational reading. I now know more about the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon than I ever wanted to know and I hate to admit that I skimmed quite a bit to get past those scenes. The story itself was kind of unbelievable to me. Ms. Northwood was just too blasé. I find it hard to believe that a woman, even in the 1800’s, would be so happy with her brother and husband having an affair. Maybe it was normal back then, but it didn’t work for me. And every time Tristan called her “love” or “my love” with Charlie right there it just didn’t sit well either. There was no jealousy of any kind on anyone’s part and that just seemed unnatural. The only time Charles was jealous was over someone inconsequential, and while he was incapacitated.I know it seems like I have more dislikes than likes, and I do not intend for anyone to take my review as a slight against the author, the book, or the genre…it’s just not my preferred reading trope and had I not been challenged I would have never even picked it up. I am merely explaining what does and does not entertain me.So with that said, I will add a star just because I did read it quickly and I did care about Tristan and his dad, Tristan and Charlie, and how Tristan would overcome his addictions, lack of self-esteem and learn to love himself. I was surprised with the suicide attempts and the desperation that Tristan felt (I love angst) and I really got into the reconciliation between Tristan and his dad. So yeah, that’s my take and since the reviews are mainly really high I absolutely recommend this to others who enjoy British historical romances.
review 2: This started off pretty strongly. It could get a bit repetitious at times, but I was fully engaged and invested in the story. However, the moment the two protagonists began their love affair, it seemed to devolve into a soppy melodrama. A repetitive melodrama. Both men suddenly became criers with Tristan leading the waterworks race. There were several places in which both of them rhapsodize about their love for the other, to each other or to anyone else, it seemed. The story dragged out, as well, and in places became predictable. There didn't seem to be any real climax due to several mini climaxes and this made the ending sorta peter out. I can't be sure what happened other than the author is an amazing historical writer but a not-so-great romance writer. Or it may all just be my distaste for fluff stories that makes me disappointed with where this book went. Too bad for me. less

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