Review: Sumptuous!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 7, 2013
Sumptuous - if I had to describe this book in one word, that's the one I'd choose.The detail in this is stunning, particularly early. There's such lovely description of clothing and setting for the period. Little nuances set the mood and I think the author does this delightfully. I don't read a lot of historical romance because I'm not much of a 'bling & clothes' type of girl in modern life, whereas way back in the period where this book was set, clothes and jewellery made such status symbols they were a huge part of the life.There is a lot of political intrigue in Moonstone Obsession. I knew this, as I've seen many of the author's blog posts. I particularly remember a recent post in a Coastal Romance Facebook group discussing the ship, The Pandora, and its wreck and sinking which is set up in the prologue and referred to throughout the story. While the politics was an interesting part of the plot, and added much suspense to the story line, for me it was the relationship between James and Selina that held my interest.For a historical, there is a lot of 'phwoar' factor. (Picture steamy bath/washroom scenes and you'll understand what I mean by phwoar!) I also enjoyed the cattiness, snobbery & competition described between the women of the time - that read very real to me.This is the author's debut work, it offers brilliant value for money as it's a long, intricate book. Nothing feels rushed, and the ending left me feeling very satisfied that James and Selina have a very happy HEA ahead.