Review: Nice Variation of Historical Romance Stories  **3 1/2 Stars**
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 1, 2014
This is a nice set of four historical romance novellas, each set in a different time period.  So far, I've read three of the four stories, but I've enjoyed them all...especially the Samantha Holt novella, which was a 4 1/2 star read for me (I'm a big Holt fan.)  As I read the others, I will add to my review.  Based on my ratings so far, I'd give this collection 3 12/ stars...an average of the three ratings.  FYI all of these stories can be purchased individually on Amazon (they're each priced at .99 cents.)HUNTING HIS HIGHLAND LASSI've read a number of Samantha Holt's novella's and have thoroughly enjoyed them all; "Hunting His Highland Lass" was no exception. The story is well written, with an interesting plot, and three dimensional characters...something Holt manages to do despite the story's short length.Rory returns home to find the English have taken possession of his castle. After fighting to reclaim his home, Rory discovers his wife, Isla, is missing. He's not sure if she managed to escape, or if she's been captured by the English, but he's determined to find her. The accounts he hears of Isla's participation in the battle against the English, does not jive with the quiet, timid woman he knows to be his wife. When he's told that Isla intended to seek refuge with her father, Rory goes after her...despite the fact that it seems she'd rather he didn't.Poor Rory thinks he's too big and rough for his tiny, delicate wife. He suffers from the belief that he hurt Isla on their wedding night, and since then has withdrawn-emotionally and physically--from the relationship. As for Isla, she is a wonderful character. Far from being timid, as her husband assumes, Isla is a brave, feisty, determined woman, who is more than capable of holding her own. She suffers from a lack of confidence where her marriage is concerned, as she is convinced that Rory does not want her.Both Rory and Isla's characters are fully developed--so often not the case with a story so short--as the reader is given a lot of insight into each of their thoughts. IMO, they were both very sympathetic, and it broke my heart at the emotional suffering each had endured, due to the lack of communication between them. The story that unfolds is extremely poignant, as these two star-crossed lovers must work to overcome their insecurities and fear of rejection, to claim the love they each hold in their heart for the other.The story was a joy to read. I loved it and highly recommend it. FYI, this is not a clean romance...I'm not sure, but I don't think Ms. Holt writes "clean" books (at least I've not read any.) LOL  I rate this story 4 1/2 stars.  Happy reading!A LOVE REMEMBEREDThis story is very well written, and has a thoroughly unique plot. Unfortunately, the story that unfolds is too superficial; it lacks depth. Furthermore, character development is sadly lacking. Cassy and Ben first meet when she is 16 and he 20; her family spent a week at his family's country estate. During that time the two established a rapport. Ben is due to leave for the Navy, he asks for permission to write to Cassy. For the next 3 1/2 years the two exchange letters, until Ben is lost at sea, believed to be dead.A year and a half later, Cassy espies her friend's new footman, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ben. From there the story quickly develops. One of the biggest problems with the book is that too much of the story is glossed over; it lacks details...the story jumps a lot; whole days are bypassed wherein events occur, to which the reader is not privy (for example the story jumps from the scene where Cassy and Ben's conduct results in Cassy's being compromised to some days later--how much actual time has passed is anybody's guess--to the couple's betrothal ball.)Considering the plot, this story could easily have been an extremely emotive one. Cassy was purportedly heartbroken when she believed Ben dead. As for Ben, he has no memory of his past life and has to relearn everything. Unfortunately, the story is portrayed in such a way that parts of it--especially the beginning--almost seem like a regency spoof; although it's not funny so to speak, but rather silly. Furthermore, I felt like the story was told to me, rather than experiencing it for myself.So, bottom line, this is not a book that would come to mind when recommending a book to a friend. FYI, this is absolutely not a clean romance. Approximately 20% of the story encompasses two loves scenes--which IMO, is a bit much, considering how short the story is--which are quite graphic.  To be fair, I feel I must tell you that based on the reviews for this individual book, most readers loved it.  For me it was a 3 star read.AN HONORABLE ENEMYOverall I enjoyed this novella; there's so much about it that's good...the writing, the hero, the plot. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop thinking that the heroine very probably had a case of Stockholm syndrome, thus I wasn't too convinced of her love for the hero. The events occur during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Amaury is a Captain in the French Army. When the French invade her family's lands, Katinka's father and brother are killed, and she is taken prisoner--the French refer to her as a "guest", and she's treated with respect, but in reality she's a hostage. As an Archduchess, Katinka is a very valuable hostage, and the French intend to use her as leverage during negotiations with the Russian tsar. Amaury is assigned the duty of ensuring Katinka's safety.When they first meet, Amaury is captivated, Katinka is furious! When next they meet, Katinka gets to see Amaury's kind, caring nature, and realizes he's a man of honor. By the third day, they are having scorching hot sex! Although I enjoyed the story, IMO, the relationship between the couple progressed way too quickly--especially when you factor in the circumstances of their relationship, and the recent deaths of Katinka's brother and father. Considering her emotional state, I wasn't quite convinced that the feelings she had for Amaury were long-lasting.Nonetheless, if you can overlook this one weakness, the rest of the story is actually pretty good. Amaury and Katinka are very sweet together. Amaury is a worthy hero, he's protective, loving, and kind. The story has a certain poignancy about it; because of the circumstances under which Amaury and Katinka meet, a future for them is virtually impossible. Amaury suffers real angst because of that reality. Although I liked Katinka, I didn't like her as much as I did Amaury. She actually got on my nerves at one point in the story.*SPOILER SPOILER* Katinka is pretty much the instigator of the couple's sexual relationship (now don't get me wrong, she didn't attack the man, but she was very encouraging.) After they have sex, however, she gets angry with Amaury because he cannot promise they will have a future together. He tells her she must "trust me that I will find a way." But instead she gets angry. Considering the reality of their situation I could not understand her reaction...I thought she was being idiotic. *END OF SPOILER*My only other complaint is that the ending seemed a bit to convenient; and an epilogue would have been nice--one set a few years in the future (that would have served to clear up any doubts about Katinka's feelings for Amaury.) In any event, this is an entertaining read. I rate this story 3 1/2 stars.