The Book of the Seven Delights (Jove) by Betina Krahn starts us off this time. Abigail Merchant's new job at the British Museum only lasts long enough for her to discover a clue to the whereabouts of the fabled Great Library of Alexandria before she takes off to continue the search. Apollo Smith is none too pleased to have to deal with the seasick female in the next cabin, but no one else is volunteering to do it. Finding that she might be in danger when they finally make landfall, though, gives him a reason to stick around the infuriating woman a little longer. With the setting and the unusual storyline, this one should have been a spectacular read. And I did like it well enough, but I despise having the bedroom door slammed in my face, which happens more than once here, and which makes it impossible for me to give this one more than three of Cupid's five arrows. With a heroine finding an erotic book, how can the couple's relationship not follow suit? Very disappointing.
Love Underground: Persephone's Tale (Signet Eclipse) by Alicia Fields is next, with what I expected should be a great story. I've loved P. C. Cast's 'Goddess' stories, based on some of my favorite myths, so I thought this one would follow suit. Unfortunately, it doesn't. I hesitate to even give this one the title 'romance', since the story doesn't focus solely on the relationship between Persephone and Hades, but on her mother Demeter, and her friends in her village. And even the portions of the story dedicated to Persephone and Hades left me more annoyed than enamored. I'm only borrowing two arrows for this tangled mess. I'm very, very worried about what comes next, in my most favorite subject of Greek myth, Aphrodite.
The Perfect Rake (Berkley) by Anne Gracie is the final book in this week's trio of historicals, with Prudence Merridew coming up with a way to get her sisters away from their abusive grandfather to find them husbands. Gideon, Lord Carradice, happens to be home when Prue comes calling at his cousin's, pretending to her great-uncle that they are betrothed, and he plays along. But the young woman intrigues him, so he wants more time in her company. Luckily, things work out in his favor. This one is funny and sweet, and Gideon is a marvelous hero. I just wished this one weren't quite so sweet, but instead steamier. I suppose you can't have everything. This one's earned three and a half arrows.
Until next time, happy reading!
