Lynne J. (Doughgirl) reviewed The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation, Bk 4) on + 138 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose is the 4th book in the Pink Carnation series - a series that is a fun blend of contemporary chick lit, historic romantic suspense and historic fiction featuring a group of English and French spies during the Napoleonic era. I'm not a huge fan of pure chick lit or of contemporary romantic suspense, but this series hits just the right spot for me.
This fourth book in the series showcases two characters introduced in previous books - so be sure to read this series in order. It's not your typical historic romance, as both characters have rather Machiavelian (i.e. selfish and devious) personalities. Heck, in the previous book in the series, the heroine from this book contrived to create a compromising situation with an eligible lord of the realm in order to force him into marraige :-) But that is what makes this book so delightful, as like meets like and discovers that maybe love is a real emotion after all. I think it was one of the best books in the series so far. And when it comes to history, the author (Lauren Willig) knows her stuff. She has a graduate degree in history. She does play around a bit with the order of events in the books, but she always explains the proper order in a post-script to the book - which I greatly appreciate.
Note to Historic Fiction lovers: When I say that this series has chick lit and historic romance, I mean it. So if you like your historic fiction straight instead of blended with other genres, you might not like this series.
This fourth book in the series showcases two characters introduced in previous books - so be sure to read this series in order. It's not your typical historic romance, as both characters have rather Machiavelian (i.e. selfish and devious) personalities. Heck, in the previous book in the series, the heroine from this book contrived to create a compromising situation with an eligible lord of the realm in order to force him into marraige :-) But that is what makes this book so delightful, as like meets like and discovers that maybe love is a real emotion after all. I think it was one of the best books in the series so far. And when it comes to history, the author (Lauren Willig) knows her stuff. She has a graduate degree in history. She does play around a bit with the order of events in the books, but she always explains the proper order in a post-script to the book - which I greatly appreciate.
Note to Historic Fiction lovers: When I say that this series has chick lit and historic romance, I mean it. So if you like your historic fiction straight instead of blended with other genres, you might not like this series.
Doreen O. (dolver) -
Helpful Score: 1
Continuation of the series ~ Lord Vaugh's story. Along with Lettie's sister, Mary. The Pink Carnation talks Lord V into getting Mary to help them catch The Black Tulip.
Historical Romance, Current Romance & Mystery all in one!
Historical Romance, Current Romance & Mystery all in one!
Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) -
Helpful Score: 1
The fourth book in the Pink Carnation series that follows Eloise Kelly as she works on her doctorate thesis about the English Napoleonic spies in current times and Mary Alsworthy in England during Napoleonic times.
The story is mostly focused on Mary Alsworthy, who lost her future husband to her sister in the previous book, The Deception of the Emerald Ring, and must now try to secure another Season in London as she searches for a husband. She does not want this season to be financed by her new brother-in-law and her sister, so she accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn to help infiltrate the Black Tulips French spy ring in London. Will her efforts to stop the Black Tulips endeavors against England help her to find the husband that she seeks, especially since Lord Vaughn seems to be interfering with her efforts on a regular basis.
Back in the current times, Eloise has expanded her research circle to include Vaughn Collection (the document collection, not the art collection) where she meets another man, Nigel Dempster, who is also trying to crack the secret of the Pink Carnation mostly, who is the Pink Carnation. Eloise knows this through her connection with the Selwick library, but she chooses not to disclose this information to Mr Dempster when she meets him. And while he is showing quite the interest in Eloise, she has decided she wants to pursue the tenuous relationship that is developing with Colin Selwick.
Once again, a truly enjoyable story. Most of the story is the Napoleonic story of Mary Alsworthy and her multiple attends to discover the Black Tulip. Its also a fascinating look at what life in Napoleonic England was like for wealthy women and men.
The story is mostly focused on Mary Alsworthy, who lost her future husband to her sister in the previous book, The Deception of the Emerald Ring, and must now try to secure another Season in London as she searches for a husband. She does not want this season to be financed by her new brother-in-law and her sister, so she accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn to help infiltrate the Black Tulips French spy ring in London. Will her efforts to stop the Black Tulips endeavors against England help her to find the husband that she seeks, especially since Lord Vaughn seems to be interfering with her efforts on a regular basis.
Back in the current times, Eloise has expanded her research circle to include Vaughn Collection (the document collection, not the art collection) where she meets another man, Nigel Dempster, who is also trying to crack the secret of the Pink Carnation mostly, who is the Pink Carnation. Eloise knows this through her connection with the Selwick library, but she chooses not to disclose this information to Mr Dempster when she meets him. And while he is showing quite the interest in Eloise, she has decided she wants to pursue the tenuous relationship that is developing with Colin Selwick.
Once again, a truly enjoyable story. Most of the story is the Napoleonic story of Mary Alsworthy and her multiple attends to discover the Black Tulip. Its also a fascinating look at what life in Napoleonic England was like for wealthy women and men.
Lisa H. (obiwankenobi) reviewed The Seduction of the Crimson Rose (Pink Carnation, Bk 4) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
All the books in this series are a great mix of mystery, romance and fun. I recommend reading them in order.
