Carol S. (waucondacarol) reviewed Becket's Last Stand (Romney Marsh, Bk 7) on + 319 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the last book of the Beckets of Romney Marsh series and I would recommend reading earlier books first or you could find this one very confusing as most of the story and characters are based on earlier novels. I wish there had been a family tree in this and each preceeding book as it would help to keep all the adopted Becket children and their spouses straight. Each book in the series is about one of the Becket children finding love and the deadly secrets the family hides. This last book takes a twist in the romance angle and the youngest Becket child is in love with the eldest, but fortunately all the children are not related by blood. Even though Courtland is not Cassandra's blood brother, she has been raised and lived with all her father's adopted children and Courtland has known her since the day of her birth. I find that a bit too incestuous and unbelievable that a man who is 13 years her senior would be in love with someone he has been looking out for and living with since she was born 18 years before. Apart from tne love story, the culmination of the family's secrets and their hiding out on Romney Marsh for 18 years ends with treachery and excitement and each member is finally free to go their own way and live their own lives.
- I would recommend, if you read a lot, as do I, and tend to forget just as quickly, that you refresh yourself on things pertaining to Ainsley before tackling this [last?] book. Most things, particularly the "Beales" storyline, wrap up nicely.
But I was somewhat disappointed at the mention of "Marianna" at the end. I remembered the name from a previous book, but not the details. As I recall her feelings were made clear but not Ainsley's since he was at that particular time unconscious.
It was a nice ending but it would have been much more enjoyable with the missing details. And the ending could leave one to think there may yet be another story to come that would address Marianna and Ainsley. I didn't really have that impression, but who knows?
- Aside from that Callie and Court's story felt somewhat lukewarm next to the previous siblings adventures. But all in all, this series is still one of my favorite reads of all time! =) Happy Reading!
But I was somewhat disappointed at the mention of "Marianna" at the end. I remembered the name from a previous book, but not the details. As I recall her feelings were made clear but not Ainsley's since he was at that particular time unconscious.
It was a nice ending but it would have been much more enjoyable with the missing details. And the ending could leave one to think there may yet be another story to come that would address Marianna and Ainsley. I didn't really have that impression, but who knows?
- Aside from that Callie and Court's story felt somewhat lukewarm next to the previous siblings adventures. But all in all, this series is still one of my favorite reads of all time! =) Happy Reading!
I found this last book rather contrived and was happy to be done with them. The last romance seemed ridiculous. As noted by others, it is a good idea to read these closely in sequence as it get confusing in a short time.
Courtland is a wonderful hero to make the heart swoon. He is described as "calm, boring", but looking upon his past would suggest anything but. He does not shy away from adventure, but he prefers to avoid it when possible.
The beautiful, young, free-spirited Cassandra is the women we wish we were (at least this lady does, so I don't speak for all). I suspect I am not alone in picturing myself in the appropriate role as I read, and boy did I have fun chasing after my dreams as Cassandra.
I did find a flaw to this book, but I love the story so much I will overlook it. When Cassandra and Courtland attempt to fall in love (sorry if this spoils it for you), his big hurdle is looking beyond the fact she is 18 and he is presumably 10+ years her senior. I have to agree with him. At 18, I was strong and young at heart, but I dare say I didn't really know my heart. This factor is eventually moved on, but not from her aging a few years. I ignored the age factor to submerge myself in the love story, but others more picky than myself may have a problem with that.
It's a unique story of rivalry, betrayal, and bond of a very special kind of family. I loved getting to know these characters. I feel the prologue pulled you in and the book kept rolling from there. Great read!
The beautiful, young, free-spirited Cassandra is the women we wish we were (at least this lady does, so I don't speak for all). I suspect I am not alone in picturing myself in the appropriate role as I read, and boy did I have fun chasing after my dreams as Cassandra.
I did find a flaw to this book, but I love the story so much I will overlook it. When Cassandra and Courtland attempt to fall in love (sorry if this spoils it for you), his big hurdle is looking beyond the fact she is 18 and he is presumably 10+ years her senior. I have to agree with him. At 18, I was strong and young at heart, but I dare say I didn't really know my heart. This factor is eventually moved on, but not from her aging a few years. I ignored the age factor to submerge myself in the love story, but others more picky than myself may have a problem with that.
It's a unique story of rivalry, betrayal, and bond of a very special kind of family. I loved getting to know these characters. I feel the prologue pulled you in and the book kept rolling from there. Great read!
