Status
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Description
Fiction. Romance. Suspense. Historical Fiction. HTML:Leo Drake, the �??Mad Monk of Monkcrest,�?� is notoriously eccentric and unquestionably reclusive. But he is also a noted antiquities expert, which is why Beatrice Poole has demanded his reluctant assistance. The freethinking authoress of �??horrid novels,�?� Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's death. Beatrice finds Leo every bit as fascinating as one of the heroes in her novels�??and she's convinced he's the only one who can help her. But after only five minutes in her company, Leo is sure he's never met a woman more infuriating . . . and more likely to rescue him from boredom. Yet the alliance may well prove to be the biggest mistake of their lives. For a villain lurks in London, waiting for the pair to unearth the Forbidden Rings�??knowing that when they do, that day will be their last. . . . Praise for With This Ring �??If you start an Amanda Quick book in the late afternoon, you'll probably spend the night with it.�?��??The Denver Post �??[Amanda Quick is] an exceptional storyteller.�?��??… (more)
User reviews
The two of them have to work together and he starts finding himself attracted to this very independent woman who writes "horrid Novels" as a means of support. She also finds herself attracted to him but is unsure if she wants to sacrifice her independence for another marriage.
It's pretty predictable but the characters are both well drawn and great fun.
Society manners, secrets, murder and lust - the plot is predictable, but the characters are entertaining.
But they are enjoyable and a pleasant, non-demanding read.
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
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
Barbara Rosenblatt is a delightful audio performer who rarely hams it up, yet snarks very nicely.
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
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.