From Publishers Weekly
Unlike some romance anthologies, this refreshing volume is more a tribute to the authors' fans than a marketing tool. That isn't to say that the book won't be a major money-making machine for Avon-it will-but that the authors have listened to their readers and here revisit their most asked-about supporting characters. In "Against the Odds," Kleypas focuses on roguish Jake Linley, who first appeared in the Regency-era Someone to Watch Over Me. Both the daring doctor and his math-minded counterpart, Lydia Craven, hold appeal, but their sudden avowal of love two days before Lydia's wedding to another man feels forced and far-fetched. The affection that springs between spunky Scotswoman Lady Kenna and Simon of Ravenswood, a knight from MacGregor's Master of Desire, in "Midsummer's Knight" rings true despite the author's occasionally overwrought prose. The best entry in this collection, however, is Quinn's bright and breezy Regency-era romance between dashing Ned Blydon (from Splendid) and down-to-earth Charlotte Thornton, his fiancee's sister. With its airy prose and sparkling wit, Quinn's "A Tale of Two Sisters" is a small gem in an anthology that, while inconsistent in quality and setting, never fails to entertain.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Where's My Hero? FROM THE PUBLISHER
Dear Avon Books,
Where are my heroes? Whenever I'm reading a book by one of my favorite authors I find I'm falling for the wrong guy -- not the hero, but the other man -- and what I really want is for him to have his own story.
Like Jake Linley, from Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas…that doctor could sit by my bedside if I ever got sick. And Ned Blydon in Splendid by Julia Quinn...he makes me want to learn to waltz! I never thought living in a drafty castle would be much fun until Simon of Ravenswood in Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor came along.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that these are my men -- when do they get their stories?
Sincerely,
A Romance Fan
Some books are so special that there is more than one hero to love, but only a single story is told. So if you find yourself asking, "Where is my hero?" you'll discover the answer right here in this delicious collection by New York Times bestseller Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestseller Julia Quinn and USA Today bestseller Kinley MacGregor.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Unlike some romance anthologies, this refreshing volume is more a tribute to the authors' fans than a marketing tool. That isn't to say that the book won't be a major money-making machine for Avon-it will-but that the authors have listened to their readers and here revisit their most asked-about supporting characters. In "Against the Odds," Kleypas focuses on roguish Jake Linley, who first appeared in the Regency-era Someone to Watch Over Me. Both the daring doctor and his math-minded counterpart, Lydia Craven, hold appeal, but their sudden avowal of love two days before Lydia's wedding to another man feels forced and far-fetched. The affection that springs between spunky Scotswoman Lady Kenna and Simon of Ravenswood, a knight from MacGregor's Master of Desire, in "Midsummer's Knight" rings true despite the author's occasionally overwrought prose. The best entry in this collection, however, is Quinn's bright and breezy Regency-era romance between dashing Ned Blydon (from Splendid) and down-to-earth Charlotte Thornton, his fianc e's sister. With its airy prose and sparkling wit, Quinn's "A Tale of Two Sisters" is a small gem in an anthology that, while inconsistent in quality and setting, never fails to entertain. (Sept.) Forecast: Already anticipating the success of this venture, Avon has planned a second Hero collection for next year. With its stellar lineup of authors, this volume should hit sales heights that its predecessors will have difficulties matching. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Bowing to readers' requests for "follow-up" stories about notable peripheral characters, three best-selling writers have teamed up to produce a stunning anthology of historical novellas, each of which resurrects a memorable "nonhero" from an earlier novel and gives him a story of his own. Each tale begins with the hero or heroine being engaged or otherwise attached to the wrong person, a situation that is happily-and credibly-remedied by the end; as expected, selected characters from the original novels make appearances. Kleypas successfully pairs rakish Dr. Jake Linley (Someone To Watch Over Me) with a young bluestocking in "Against All Odds." Kinley MacGregor's "Midsummer's Knight" is a charming story with a Cyrano de Bergerac twist that features the mysterious Wraith (a.k.a. Simon of Ravenswood) from Master of Desire. Finally, Julia Quinn revives the memorable Ned Blydon (Splendid) in "A Tale of Two Sisters," a hilarious romp full of elopements and last-minute wedding changes. While this volume will appeal to those who have read the previous books, initiates can read each novella on its own. A wonderful collection. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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