Short Story Review: Forever Mine

Forever Mine (The Rumor #0.5) by Delilah Marvelle

Publication date: 01 December 2011 by Harlequin

ISBN 13: 9781426834110
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Category: Adult Historical Romance novella
Keywords: Historical, romance, novella, short story, missing persons, prequel
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

London, 1802

Lady Augustine Jane Ascott longs for a man who will do more than offer his hand in marriage. She wants a husband she can trust, someone who will shield her from the darkness of the world. Her heart was broken when her little brother was kidnapped years earlier, and she still carries the pain of his loss.

When the handsome Duke of Wentworth makes his feelings for her known, Augustine's past demons warn her away. Besides, every woman in London knows he's devoted to the memory of his late wife. But is it possible he cares for her after all and that their love can bring them the peace they both crave?

Review:

This is my first read by Delilah Marvelle. I thought it would be a good primer for the first full length book in the series, which I recently purchased. Unfortunately this novella was just OK for me. It did not feel like this novella had a complete beginning, middle, or end. Rather, if feels like we’re dropped right into the middle of things with no back story to make sense of it all. There is little romance in the story. By the time the novella starts, Wentworth is already in love with Augustina and is looking to propose marriage. The hows and whys of it are never explained and I never really understood why he was in love with her. Later on, Augustine admits to herself that she is also in love with Wentworth but again, it seems to happen very suddenly and without any reason. I wish I could say that the sexy times made up for the lack of romance but there wasn’t a lot of that either. The love scene seemed more rushed than anything.

Even the ending is somewhat unsatisfactory and the fate of Augustine’s brother remains a mystery. While I think the story had potential, it just wasn’t developed enough. I didn’t feel an emotional connection with the characters and was never fully invested in their fate. I am still going to read the first book in the series (because I have it) and I hope that the format of a full length novel will eliminate some of the problems I had with this short story.

 

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Visit the author online at www.delilahmarvelle.com and follow her on Twitter @DelilahMarvelle

Once Upon A Scandal - Review

Once Upon A Scandal (Scandal #2) by Delilah Marvelle

Publication date: 18 January 2011 by Harlequin

ISBN 10/13: 0373775458 | 9780373775453
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Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, scandal
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook

Thuy's synopsis:

Five years have passed since Jonathan Remington left London for Venice. After declaring his love to the woman of his dreams he vows to come back to vie for her in seven months time. However, fate has other plans and Jonathan is forced to stay in Venice. His reasons are mysterious and he cuts off all communication from Victoria. Hurt and angered by his actions, Victoria sees Jonathan’s abandonment as another reason not to believe in love. As the years pass, Victoria becomes bitter and determined never to feel love again lest she be disappointed again. But Jonathan suddenly comes back into her life, can Victoria forgive him or will she let happiness slip through her fingers?

Thuy's Review:

Once Upon A Scandal is the second book in the Delilah Marvelle’s Scandal series. I didn’t read the first book and don’t think you need to in order to read this. I have mixed feelings about this one. Maybe I’ve just read a lot of really good historicals lately but, while I enjoyed this book, it didn’t end up being one of my favorites. First, I found the whole setup with Victoria’s father’s will a little implausible. It just seemed like a lot of trouble to go to for the outcome. But he was a sick man and maybe that accounts for the eccentricity of the whole thing. The scene in the carriage also seemed highly unlikely to happen. I know this a romance and I definitely want my sexy times, but I just didn’t think that it was something Victoria would agree to or that Jonathan would think to ask. So, while it was hot, it didn’t seem very in character.

Jonathan was a very different type of tortured hero. He had to do some very unsavory things to survive. I don’t want to give too much away but the thing he had to do to keep his family and Victoria safe isn’t a subject that gets brought up much and I actually wish that they had talked about it more. I like that he’s very emotional and passionate, often acting on his feelings. Sometimes it’s not the smartest thing to do but he isn’t afraid to tell Victoria how he feels, which I admired.

Victoria took a little while to warm up to. I could understand why she would be so angry at Jonathan after he disappeared for five years. Trust me, I’d be mad, too. But she seemed cruel at times and it wasn’t until she started softening a little and got over her initial anger that I started to like her. Both she and Jonathan were so stubborn at times that I wanted to smack both of them. They were stuck in the past and it was keeping them from having a future together. Thanks goodness they both get some sense and all ends well.

While the book did have its flaws, I enjoyed it. Marvelle has a wonderful way of writing and I could easily picture London and Venice. I also felt like there was real love and affection between Jonathan and Victoria and was glad when they finally found their happy ending.

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Visit the author online at www.delilahmarvelle.com and follow her on Twitter @DelilahMarvelle