I promised myself to read more backlist titles this year and so far I have made good on this promise. Here are my thoughts on two backlist historical romances that I read recently.
(check my Rating System for detailed explanations of my quick rating)
In Bed with a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy #1)
Written by: Maya Banks
Published by: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: August 30th 2011
Maya Banks' beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and to surrender their hearts to love.
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan's clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.
The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin's strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.
MY THOUGHTS:
Arranged marriage is one of my favorite tropes in romance genre so obviously, I was looking forward to reading this book. However, romance-wise and plot-wise, this story is pretty simple, straightforward and full of clichés (brooding confident overbearing hero and fierce independent heroine prone to cause difficulties). Moreover, I don’t have patience with heroines who always blurt out everything they are thinking (full sentences and their secret inner thoughts). It may happen once but repeatedly through out whole novel? That’s one annoying trend and it made Mairin look quite stupid.
In Bed with a Highlander is great pick for leisure reading and I have to admit that here were parts that I enjoyed. Nonetheless, I’m not going to continue with this series.
Ross Poldark (Poldark #1)
Written by: Winston Graham
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
First published: 1945
In the first novel in Winston Graham’s hit series, a weary Ross Poldark returns to England from war, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. But instead he discovers his father has died, his home is overrun by livestock and drunken servants, and Elizabeth—believing Ross to be dead—is now engaged to his cousin. Ross has no choice but to start his life anew.
Thus begins the Poldark series, a heartwarming, gripping saga set in the windswept landscape of Cornwall. With an unforgettable cast of characters that spans loves, lives, and generations, this extraordinary masterwork from Winston Graham is a story you will never forget.
MY THOUGHTS:
Ross Poldark is historical drama/romance that reads as realistic historical fiction not as romantic chic-lit. It has very realistic feel to it, mainly because all characters are flawed, multi-dimensional and brilliantly written. I really liked that. I will take grey character over one-dimensional one any day.
I love historical family sagas and Poss Poldark is a promising start to Poldark series. I definitely plan t read next books very soon!
VERDICT?
First book in Poldark series is definitely a winner is this "battle" of backlist historical romances. I look forward to watching TV show as well!
DO YOU READ HISTORICAL ROMANCES?
WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE?
I AM OPEN TO RECOMMENDATIONS!
