Review: This one fooled me! But in a nice way.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 2, 2012
I can only tell you that not only will you not be disappointed with the first book in the Noble Hearts Trilogy, you will be personally emailing Ms Farmer to pre-order the rest after you read this book. While I have to say I loved the characters, the thing that really lit my jets about this book was the garden path the author led me down, knowing all along she was planning a totally different outcome. Let me explain: without giving too much away, the heroine, Aubrey (who is spunky without being a cliché) is smart and canny and I felt drawn to her straightaway. But the love-lead that was clearly chosen for her by the author (a sexy, charming Robin Hood type) made me start to wish, perversely, that she would give the defined bad guy, Crispin, a chance. (What's wrong with me? I thought. The Robin Hood guy was naughty and cool, the other guy was straight-laced and on the right side of the law.) The thing is, I could see where this was all going (and by the way, I was totally wrong), so I found myself reading and wishing something would develop between two characters that I believed were not destined to connect.  It was the author's skill at plotting and creating complex, in-depth characters with original interactions that had me believing one thing while making me want another. I don't consider myself a nave or unintelligent reader. But the author fooled me and I was never so delighted to be fooled. It's wonderful to be teased and surprised and, in the end, absolutely satisfied with how things worked out. You may not read it in one sitting, like I did. But if you like great writing, vivid, original characters and a glimpse into a time in history that's fascinating in its own right, you will adore The Loyal Heart. And be hungry for more.