Review: Formulaic and predictable
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 2, 2013
Book 1: The Brazen Angel.  The least believable of the trilogy because so much of it felt contrived.  Many, many obstacles and problems faced by this protagonists worked out too conveniently to keep the tension high for very long.  As far as the characters are concerned, I felt that Sophia was, at times, just a bit too adventuresome and brave while Giles, at times, bordered on cowardly.Book 2: The Brazen Heiress.  Lily, Sophia's younger sister and Webb, Giles' colleague in the British Foreign Service are the most believable characters  in the series.Book 4: Brazen Temptress.  Julien and Maureen.  This book, like the two before it follows the formula of strong female heroin meeting dashing male hero; both feel instant attraction marred by deep misunderstandings which drives them apart.  Mix in some intrigue leading to mutual doubts about the misunderstanding; the misunderstanding and the central plot element of intrigue is resolved, love is renewed, danger thwarted, followed by passionate kisses/sex, end scene.Bottom line: Ms. Boyle favors strong female characters who are unafraid to take risks which frequently border on excessive derring-do. The male protagonists trail along after them telling them to be careful, but in the end save the heroine and save the day.  The writing, sprinkled with touches of wry humor, is above average if formulaic.  The author seems to understand the historical era in which the books are set which enhances the story.  The three novels earn a solid 3 stars but no more because all three stories were very predictable.