Review: The Stars are for the story, NOT the editing.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2014
I will begin with the obvious, as stated by other reviewers.  There are quite a few editorial issues with the Kindle version of this book.  As a self-proclaimed "Grammar Nazi", the errors did not escape my attention, but did they distract me from the story?  The answer is a resounding "NO!"  The basic elements for a romance novel are all in place here, but Ms. Charles adds so much more to the (normally) formulaic telling of such stories.  Beyond the "boy-meets-girl, conflict-ensues, conflict-resolved, happily-ever-after," Ms Charles has included elements in the style of classic "whodunits", as well as attention to the longer character story arcs that tie the "Tenacious Trents" series together.  As with previous titles, some issues in the longer story arcs are not resolved, but in this book the reader gains additional information about each of the Trent brothers, as well as their extended family.I enjoyed the storyline of this novel, and how the plot was driven more by circumstances and events than just the passionate desires of the main characters.  There are elements of suspense and danger that add to the storytelling, giving the book depth and interest.  It is not just a question of whether the two main characters will ever resolve their issues and get together (you know they will), but whether they will get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding them.  The story is told in such a manner that the reader has the opportunity to try and figure out the mysteries for themselves, but like any good detective novel, the answers elude the reader until all is revealed at the end.  I will not spoil the story for future readers by discussing any of the detail, but suffice to say that there is more to this book than just unrequited love, lust and desire.I would highly recommend this book to fans of the Historical/Period Romance genre, but also to fans of classic detective fiction.  There are a few sexually explicit passages, but they add to the telling of the story rather than detract from it (or worse yet, occur simply as a salacious, voyeuristic interlude in the middle of an otherwise good story, as in some other "romance" novels I have read).  While it would be helpful to have Ms. Charles' editor review the digital edition of this book and make the needed revisions, it is not enough to deter the reader from an otherwise great story.  I look forward to the next episode of those "Tenacious Trents"!