3.75 stars I enjoyed this mystery romance - that has a bit of a gothic feel - and I'd like to continue the series. ( )

This is probably the worst wrong I've ever read by Jayne Krentz. Totally ahistorical. Characters are unreal. People do stupid things. It's like a some sludge trying pretending to be romance fiction. It's Krentz so it moves along and you end up finishing it because it reads fast. And of course, as always, everything gets explained at the end as the villain tells and explains all. ( )

With This Ring
4 Stars

Impoverished following the death of her husband, Beatrice Pool earns her living writing “Horrid" novels. When her uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, Beatrice approaches the notoriously anti-social Leo Drake, Earl of Monkcrest “The Mad Monk” for assistance, and soon finds herself immeshed in a plot not unlike one of her books.

Amanda Quick’s writing is somewhat formulaic but her stories never fail to entertain. The eccentric and enigmatic Leo has more than met his match in the intelligent and resilient Beatrice. She shocks him out of his loneliness and complacency while he teaches her to love and trust again. Their romance is sensual and relatively angst free, and their banter is witty and charming.

The mystery is interesting with some intense and suspenseful moments. Nevertheless, the villains are quite predictable right up until the end where there is a surprising twist.

All in all, a light and fun historical romance with engaging characters and an enjoyable plot. The 2nd book in the series focuses on different characters but I’m sure I will be no less entertained. ( )

A favorite Quick novel that I have reread several times in paperback, hardcover, and eventually audiobook.
Publisher's blurb gives the main clues, but cannot convey the humorous dialog or the delightful plot twists. A nice book for a day when heavy reading is not wanted, but want something interesting.
Barbara Rosenblatt is a delightful audio performer who rarely hams it up, yet snarks very nicely. ( )

This was an enjoyable read. Much better than the second book in this series (I Thee Wed - which doesn't really seem related to this book to any great extent). Leo Drake ("the mad monk") is a very likable well portrayed character. I enjoyed his role from the opening scenes of the book right through the end. He's eccentric, charming, and enigmatic.

Beatrice Poole, the heroine, is also well portrayed although she can be a little pushy and demanding at times.

The book made me laugh out loud in several instances (I especially liked the twists added with the side-plot of Beatrice's cousin, Arabella, trying to find a husband). The book wasn't as "steamy" as some of Amanda Quick's other novels, but the romance was still very enjoyable.

I found the brothel keeper's role lacking. Pearce Brunby's role was excellent.

Overall story: 4.5/5
Hotness: 3/5
Hero: 5/5
Heroine: 3.5/5 ( )