Title: Trapped At The AltarAuthor: Jane Feather
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication Date: 22nd July 2014
Pages: 400
Book Source: Pocket Books & NetGalley
Synopsis: Jane Feather
introduces a sizzling new series that moves from the remote wilds of southwest
England to the turbulent royal court, when a lovely young woman is forced into
marriage in order to unite two families—and discovers a most unexpected
passion. . .
Ariadne Carfax has
vowed to be with the man she loves, Gabriel Fawcett. There’s just one obstacle.
On his deathbed, Ari’s grandfather decrees that she marry her childhood friend
Ivor Chalfont, thus forging a powerful alliance between the two warring
families. Giving Ari no time to protest, the elders plan her wedding the next
day, forcing her to follow through on the nuptials. Though she is fond of Ivor,
Ari has no intention of consummating their marriage—until he kindles an intoxicating
desire that she can’t ignore. Ivor has loved Ari for years, but he doesn’t want
an unwilling wife. He wants Ari to ache with the same irresistible longing he
feels. And if that’s the way to woo her into his bed and into their new life,
he won’t rest until his new bride surrenders to true love.
Karen's Thoughts:
It seems the majority of my reading these days is contemporary romance or the YA/NA genres but historical romance is still my first love and I’m always on the lookout for new historical romance releases.
It seems the majority of my reading these days is contemporary romance or the YA/NA genres but historical romance is still my first love and I’m always on the lookout for new historical romance releases.
I’ve previously read only
one novel by this author, but Jane Feather has been an author on my wish-list
for a while now. When the opportunity came up to review this one for The
Eclectic Reader I jumped at the chance.
I admit to a feeling of
uncertainty when I read the synopsis, I’m not a fan of love triangles and I was
concerned that Ari would spend her marriage pining for another. Without
giving away spoilers I was pleased with the way the plot developed.
I found myself engrossed in
the story and really enjoying the characters and the pace. I wouldn't say I'm well versed in terms or dialogue for a particular time period but I have a general idea. The characters and the setting had an authentic feel ... however the heroine did use the term ‘pregnant’ during the course of
the novel and I wouldn't have thought this was a term used in 17th century
England.
I was happily enjoying the
setting, the characters and their story only to be surprised when the book came
to an abrupt ending. I felt like I was left hanging. It was almost
like the author realized she had reached her word count and had to type ‘the
end’. I was craving at least an Epilogue. Thankfully this book
is being promoted as the start of a new series, so I hope that Ivor and Ari’s
story will continue?
Jane Feather is certainly
an author I will keep on my ‘to-read’ pile.
Guest review by Karen
I didn't think I was into love triangles until the Twilight series ... sooooooooo :)
ReplyDeletelol...I know what you mean Julie!
DeleteI always struggle in a love triangle when you are reading along and the leading lady is in a relationship and you just know he isn't the one she's going to get her HEA with...I hate to think of the number of great reads I've passed by because of this.
I have one by her on my shelf, I should read it
ReplyDeleteEven though I've only give this one 3.5 stars Blodeuedd I would still recommend giving Jane Feather a read. Can't wait to hear what you think.
DeleteKaren, enjoyed your review, you give a great idea of what the book is like. Yeah I doubt they used the word pregnant in that time - probably didn't even mention 'the condition'!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathryn T, pleased you liked my review.
DeleteYes, I was thinking 'confinement' or 'with child' might be more appropriate. I am thinking I'd like to broaden my historical terminology skills!
I seem to recall seeing the term "increasing" for pregnant in HR novels. I haven't read this author before but I'll look for the book - always nice to get in with the first in a series.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mary, I've come across 'increasing' before too. Funny how something sticks out as odd when you are reading and I always intend to do a little research to see if I am right or not. I hope you get the opportunity to read one of Jane's novels, I would recommend her as an author even though I've only given this book 3.5 stars. I am personally looking forward to further books in this series.
Deletenice review Karen! Glad the potential 'love triangle' was handled well but I find it annoying when modern terms are used in historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me again Teddyree....I certainly enjoyed being back in an historical setting. I'm no expert but some terminology just really stands out as being no quite right.
Deletehmmm I meant to say 'not quite right' but maybe I just took on a little Scottish burr saying 'no quite right' lol. Must be all the Outlander buzz getting to me!
DeleteLove that cover! Yeah, I've always been fond of historical romance as well :) Not sure about the word pregnant either, I've always heard "with child" during that time. Glad you liked this one!
ReplyDeleteThe cover really caught my eye too Alisa! Hope you get a chance to read this one some time.
DeleteI am almost finished with this one and I must say I am not really liking it all that well. It's okay but just not what I am use to when I read historical romances. Not a huge fan of love triangles either, though I don't really consider this like those other types of love triangles. First time reading this author and would give her another try.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind love triangles. I read one by this author years ago and thought it was okay, but she never moved to my must read list. Maybe I'll have to give her another chance.
ReplyDelete