Review: review of darkling I listen
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2012
This is a spectacular new book from Ms. Kathryn Le Veque!  I know this isn't her usual medieval romance fare combining a suspenseful story with her romance but she does such a wonderful job with her unique spin that I really can't wait to read more!  The book had so many interesting twists, turns, and intrigue plus and lastly a romance that it was such a thrill to read that I couldn't stop reading it.  The hero Archer Phipps is just a brilliant character and really there is more to him than just being a handsome guy that I really felt for him and his situation.  The heroine Scarlett Ward was a strong independent woman no wonder Archer fell for her because I instantly liked her right away.We first meet Scarlett our heroine along with her daughters who just moved from America and brought a broken down unlivable house/rectory in England.  They are all scared because someone had thrown rocks and broken a window in their new place.  Scarlett being a very sensible woman calls the police who at first treat her as nothing more than a pretty face but since Scarlett is demanding to talk to someone higher up the officers call their deputy chief constable Archer Phipps and our hero of the piece.  Immediately upon meeting Scarlett he falls head over heels in love with her doing all these things for her and then pretty much attempting to force her and her daughter to move in with him.  Archer's mom Arabella gets to know Scarlett and doesn't like her voicing her displeasure about Scarlett moving in and the relationship between her son and Scarlett.  So Archer moves out with his son and moves in with Scarlett. Life seems good but horrible things are happening around Archer and Scarlett while they are attempting to have a relationship and continue on.  People don't trust or like Scarlett despite everyone liking Archer.  Scarlett attempts many times to get assimilated into the English and their way of life but everyone seems to work against them even people they trust.  Just as Archer and Scarlett settle into married life murders and tragedy strikes them repeatedly even with Archer's family and Arabella but with their love they see it through.  The story ends with Scarlett writing a play based on her life with her daughters and Archer's son participating in it.Despite some issues I had with the story I rated the book 4 stars. Like I never figured out how old Scarlett or Archer was I figured they had to be in their mid or late 30's.  I also wanted to know a little bit more of a back story on Archer's family his mom and dad created a monster in Edward and by wanting Archer to rise in ranks in his job but literally they took it too far.  Despite all of their underhanded ways does his mom ever become proud of him?  Did Archer suffer any psychological after effects with his messed up family?  I also wanted to know about some of the minor characters too like Archer's brother August does he eventually meet someone also and get married?  I guess since I just recently finished "The Legend" another medieval book from Ms. Le Veque I couldn't help thinking that Matt Summerlin was related to the main hero of that book Alec Summerlin?  She mentions Matt briefly in this book that he is Morgan's boyfriend but what happens to them do they continue dating?  Do they go to college together? What happens to Maggie Rorick after things get resolved between her and Scarlett?  Does she cause anymore problems with Archer and Scarlett?  I guess I just didn't want the book to end since I wanted more about the other characters too.  I really do hope that Ms. Le Veque writes more about these characters and of these types of stories.  I will definitely read more of her books and despite my rating will keep this one in my library to read again and again!