Type of bind: Paperback
EAN num: 9780099370208
Format: Import
ISBN number: 0099370204
Label: Arrow Books
Manufacturer: Arrow Books
Page Count: 316
Printing Date: 1986
Publishing house: Arrow Books
Sale Popularity Level: 1895781
Studio: Arrow Books
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Rated by buyers -
She abandons her child and the man she loves for her run down, practically abandoned family home. She cheats on him with his nephew and others. He feels guilty for not getting her family home back for her sooner and forcing her to "sell" herself to get it back. Please! your choices; A: rich gorgeous, titled husband & infant daughter or B: small, barely profitable keep & lands. The choice would be clear to me. But not our heroine.
Rated by buyers 
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Geez, this is has to be the slowest Small book I've read. I love Scottish historicals and even enjoy the historical political detail, but this is way too drawn out. The heroine loves her plot of land more than her hunky hubby. Ans he is way too good for her, too understanding to put up with her antics. She is a spoiled, selfish little girl (Was anyone else repulsed that she is like...12...when Jasper the villain seeks to betrothe her? And only 14, when the hero, Tavis, seeks to wed her? Both men were old enough to be her dad!! i know its histroical, but she could have been 16 that would have been more comfortable for today's reader)
And how does she go from being all virginal and moral to committing adultery on her husband with a few men, whoring for the crown, and having a threesome with twin brothers? (I have to admit that scene was hot, but not worth buying the book. It is much too brief and you have to slog through 3/4 of the book to get there---seems like Small was trying to make up for how sexually tame and politically dry all the preceding chapters were.)
Arabella's mother is an airhead, and has way too many scenes in the beginning. The hero and heroine do not even meet till nearly half way through the book!
The story begins with a great hook--a border raid, including murder and rape, which set the plot in motion but alas, is not the stuff romances are made of.
I had to force myself to finish the book. I though Arabella too analytical, not a really passionate or romantic person, I did not beleive she ever loved Tavis and did not understand why he would love her (other than that she has ankle length platinium blonde hair and never shuts up and is half his age). Its sad when the heroine has better sex scenes with characters other than the hero. I can go on and on with what makes this book so dreary--but why bother? It is what it is.
in closing, i too found myself skimming whole sections of the book, which had no effect on furthering the plot, and several times I put the book down and left it there. I just wish i would not have wasted my time picking it back up to finsih it. Especially since the ending really sucked. The one saving grace is that Small never wrote a sequel to this tripe.
Skip it, and if you are looking for a great Small Scottish romance, read Betrayed or A Love Wild and Fair instead. Now those were terrific!!
Rated by buyers -
I put this author's writing in league with Virginia Henley's.
It's not a light read. Descriptions on kings, politics, etc.
- Little humour and a lacking of depth to the relationship.
- Revolved around regaining her estate (got slightly tedious).
- Need more emphasis on the main guy.
+ Great male characters
+ Good bad guy.
+ Exciting when it didn't drag.
+ Sexy
Rated by buyers 
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The very first thing I can say about Arabella Grey is that she is unique among the hallowed halls of Bertrice Small heroines. Right from her introduction, Arabella is a different creature. She is intelligent in an academic way but also possesses a more primal and intuitive kind of intelligence. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book were the intricate paths of logic which were so central to Arabella's character. Yes, she understands things--but moreover, the reader gets into her working mind to see just how she reaches the shocking and surprising conclusions she does. Bear in mind that this is not a typical historical romance. Small's panorama of historicity is complex and detailed. Additionally, I saw this less as a tale between a man and a woman and more of the story of a brave and independent female charting her own destiny through a difficult time and social climate.
Rated by buyers -
I'm not sure I mean this as a negative review or not. I'm not finished with the book yet. I might add I can usually finish a book in a 24 hour period but this book is giving me a bit of trouble.
Intricate is a subtle word. History and logistics are very prevelant. To me there is far too much about the King of England, the King of Scotland, politics, and who is related to who by their extramarital affairs. It is unfair for me to give an opinion before I finish the book but truthfully, I am of a mind to close the book and feel that I have not missed anything. I'm sorry to say, I'm bored with it.
This is not my very first Bertrice Small book and am feeling a bit guilty for speaking my mind. At the moment, (where I am in the book) Arabella is a spy in France for Tudor. I understand Arabella's reasons and her plight but cannot help but feel it is toooooo much. She and Tavis are suppose to be in love with each other. Her determination and honor binds her to her ancestorial home and title even it if it for her daugher. I am forcing myself to finish this soon because I am curious to Tavis's reaction. I confess I have skimmed frequently and perhaps I am missing some vital events but the very first and second line of the paragraph seems to explain the rest of the paragraphs intent.
To gage this review, I am partial to Stephanie Laurens, Susan Johnson, Connie Mason, Christine Feehan and I won't bore you by going on. Like most, I enjoy fiction because it is that, fiction; this however is far too detailed. The love scenes are so so. I am not one to look for many love that take up a chapter in itself describing every detail but I find them lacking in this book. The warmth and emotion are not emphasized adequately.
I apologize for my opinion before completing the book but I have read many romance novels over a 6 year period and am sorry to say this book does not hold my interest. The story and situations seem to go on forever.
I hope this has helped you. I personally rely on the reviews of other readers. I'm sorry that I cannot give this more than one star. I am not in any hurry to read any more of Ms. Small's book.
My apologies to Ms. Small and her fans. In closing, I suppose this is a negative review of this book. Sorry.
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