Filed under: A Review Category, A- Reviews, Reviews
We have the good fortune to give away 4 ARCs (one copy gently read) and 5 finished copies. The four ARCs will be mailed on Saturday with the five finished copies to be sent out when I receive them (probably at the end of next week). Goodman is one of my favorite authors and I am thrilled to do a giveaway of her books. Not because I like Goodman (I don’t know her from Adam) but because I think readers who love a) historical romances and b) wonderful love stories with damaged characters are missing out if they haven’t read her.
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Dear Ms. Goodman:
There are some books that you gulp down and there are some that you savor. Your works are those that I like to savor, like an expensive bit of chocolate that I open carefully, making sure that I do not mar even the wrapper before tasting the delicacy the wrapper holds. These books are languorous and half the pleasure is seeing the story unfold like an early morning flower. This book does not have alot of snappy exchanges but what it does have is characterizations that are so vibrant that I felt I was inside the book, following the characters around, watching them become vulnerable to love.
Griffin Wright-Jones, Viscount of Breckenridge, lives a life on the fringe of society owning a gambling hell. It is rumored that he murdered his wife. She has been missing for over five years. Many a young men pass through Griffin’s halls, gambling away their allowances. Usually he keeps a tight rein on them, but one night Alastair Cole loses so much that he must seek an advance from his father, Sir Hadrien Cole. Griffin takes Cole’s signet ring, Cole’s father’s ring, as security. But Cole sneaks in, and takes back the ring and leaves a note telling Griffin that a certain Olivia at Jericho Mews is a rarer gem than Cole’s heirloom. Griffin takes her but wonders aloud to Olivia, gently skewering the betting trope and your own plot at once:
“I should like to hear your opinion on this matter, Miss Cole. It is Miss Cole, is it not?” When she nodded , he continued. “I’d like you to tell me in which of these three respects the gentleman is the most complete bounder. He surrenders his wife to a man he owes payment. He gives over his mistress to discharge a debt. Or he sacrifices his sister to spare himself a bad end. I confess, I cannot work it out myself, but it occurs that you might have a congent position.”
…
It’s a puzzler, isn’t it? I have been thinking that if I could arrive at some clever answer, it might make an acceptable teaser in society. Riddles are popular with a certain crowd and their parlor games. It would be a thing oft repeated. The wife. The mistress. The sister. “
Oliva Cole is Alastair’s sister and disowned daughter of Sir Hadrien. Olivia owes a great debt to Alastair and goes willingly to Griffin to be the security of the note. But the way in which Alastair’s missive is written to Griffin, Olivia wonders if she isn’t supposed to redeem the note with her body and that is not something she would do willingly.
The books, like most Goodman books, has an understated quality to them so that the actions of the characters speak loudly. Olivia, for example, is a quiet woman whose internal fortitude has been tested time and again throughout her life, particularly by her father. She survives but only by holding herself inviolate. Her defense to the world is self control and self deprecation and to some extent, escape. By belittling herself, perhaps she can take herself out the range of interest and thus harm. But underneath her quiet exterior is a spine of steel.
“Can you tell me what your brother meant by the turn of phrase: she will reward you in ways you cannot imagine.”
Olivia saw that Breckenridge did not consult her brother’s marker. Evidentily he had memorized the contents as well. She sought out a place of tranquility in her mind–this time a wheat field made golden by sunshine–and lay herself down at its very center. With panic momentarily quelled,she aswered with prenatural calm. “You must not make too much of it. It is the sort of hyperbole that Alastair is wont to make when the truth does not serve.”
“And the truth in this case would be . . . ?”
“That I am of no particular value to anyone, my lord. I have no funds, nor any hope of securing them. I have no talents. My interests are pedestrian and unlikely to change. I cannot say that I have any particular accomplishments. I do not play the pianoforte. Neither do I sing, paint, embroider, or ride. It would take considerable time to name all of the things I cannot do, do not want to do, and will not do, so I hope you will spare us both that exercise.”
Griffin is by turns arrogant and cold but with Olivia incredibly sensitive. He easily breaks matters off with his mistress but summons a doctor to attend inspect Olivia because she looks frail to him. He understands human nature and sees a kindred spirit in Olivia. He wants her, not simply because she is beautiful on the outside, but because he recognizes that something deep in her calls out to something deep in him.
“We are of a kind, you and I,” Griffin said quietly. “I think you know it’s true.”
Then he bent his head and laid his mouth over hers. There was very little pressure in the kiss, just a touch, a tender brush. Sweetness and solace.
The two of them had to grow up too fast and, as a result or due to what made them age so quickly in spirit, the two are alone. Olivia, the abandoned daughter. Griffin, the motherless boy, too soon a viscount. Olivia is alone because she has been disowned and she has forsworn her father. Griffin is alone because as the head of the household, he had to take action to save his four sisters who barely talk to him currently. Two islands in London floating about seeking anchors. Griffin recognizes that Olivia is his treasure and he seeks to keep her, disarming her with honesty. He admits that he has wanted to kiss her from the first. He tells her that his great fear is her and that he is striving to overcome it. By making himself vulnerable, he shifts power to Olivia, inviting her to trust in him.
Olivia’s brother is well nuanced. A villain, yes, but because of cowardice and not malice. He recognizes his own flaws but is unwilling to overcome them. In the end, the story has some contrivances as a danger to both Griffin and Olivia’s lives come to a head. The suspense plot is a bit extraneous and the ultimate villain isn’t as well crafted as Olivia, Griffin and Alastair.
Because Olivia and Griffin had sacrificed and been hurt and survived, their coming together, their love, and ultimately their happiness is rewarding for the reader. The best thing about this book is the leisurely way in which we watch Olivia come into her own, grappling with her demons along the way. Because it is not rushed, the reader believes in the end not only in Olivia’s personal victories but that the ever after part is authentic. A-
Best regards,
Jane
This book can be purchased in mass market from Amazon or Powells or ebook format on September 1, 2008.
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Pretty much all giveaways at Dear Author are run the same. Drop a comment, any comment, to this review and we’ll select 9 winners. The contest will run from now until Friday at midnight, CST. I am excited to giveaway
YAY! BOOKS!
Sounds interesting! Please enter me for the drawing.
I think you have a typo in paragraph 5 (Alastair instead of Griffin).
This book sounds great. Olivia and Griffin both sound like fascinating characters. I’d love to read it–please include me in the drawing!
Jo Goodman is an author I just discovered this year - I can’t wait for this new book!
I would love to read this book.
I agree with you completely that Goodman’s books are meant to savor. There is so much there that you have to be patient to find.
I just discovered her and have read 3 of her books in the last month, all wonderful. Please put my name in the the lottery for a copy of this new one, which, from your review, sounds fantastic!
This sounds like an interesting book. I’ve heard of Jo Goodman, but I’m not sure if I’ve ever read her before.
I too just discovered Jo Goodman this year and have been reading anything of her that I can find. A new one? Please drop me in the hat.
I’ve only read one of her books, but I did really like that one. Not sure why I haven’t picked up more. Must rectify that oversight!
Jo Goodman was a new find for me this year, too. I’m really looking forward to this one. Thanks for the review.
I don’t mind taking the gently read one :D
Jo Goodman is a wonderful author and I look forward to each new release. I truly think she’s under-appreciated. I’d love to win one of these.
I’d love to win this book.
So many books, So little time!!!!
I like gently read books, too. I wouldn’t mind that one.
I’ve never read Jo Goodman, but you make her sound like a very accomplished writer. Maybe I’ll have to pick one up - that is, if I don’t “magically” have one fall into my lap.
I’ll take any of them you’re willing to part with. Please enter me into the contest.
I just read my first Jo Goodman this year, If His Kiss is Wicked. The best part of the book was the dialogue and watching the romance unfold. I would love to have a copy of her new book. Thank you.
A book with some meat to it and good character development–sounds as if this would be a good read.
I too would like to be put in for the drawing. I lurve me some good historicals- and this one sounds amazing!
I’ve been enjoying Goodman books for years. I’m looking forward to this one.
I read my first Jo Goodman about 3 years ago - I think it was one of the Dennehy Sisters series - and rushed out to buy/borrow every one of her books I could put my hands on. I particularly like The Compass Club series, not only for the strong, intelligent, witty characters, but for the clever way the stories in each of the four novels weave in and out of the others, since they all take place concurrently. I’ve just re-read A Season to be Sinful, another favourite, and realize another reason I like her so much is her ability to incorporate very dark themes into intensely romantic stories without being melodramatic or gothic. I am so looking forward to the new one, and while I’d love to win an ARC, no matter what its condition, if I don’t, I’ll be at my local bookstore on release day. And if this sounds like sucking up, I totally am.
Oh I so want this . I read If His Kiss is Wicked and thorougly enjoyed it. Great review, can’t wait to read the book, please do count me in.
I’ve never read any Jo Goodman before, but she sounds intriguing. I’ll have to check her out.
So. Getting. This.
No need to enter me, but thanks for the heads up/great reveiw!
I didn’t read the review, but saw the grade. I am so freaking excited for this book.
I just discovered Jo Goodman. Please put my name in the hat for a copy of this book, it sounds wonderful.
Jo Goodman is a new author to me and, based on this review, I think I’m going to like her.
Is there anything like the thrill of finding a “new” author who comes with a nice sized back list? The promise of so many well-entertained nights…
Hey, Marsha, you stole my comment! That’s pretty much exactly what I was going to say….
I could always use another book, this looks like a good one. Thanks for offering it!
Oh, I am dying for a Goodman ARC.
Dying!
A little bit. It would really complement my collection.
Goodman is one of the few authors I am truly fangirly about, and I was particularly pleased to hear her next book will be a Western, because I prefer her American historical romances.
Jane, I haven’t read your review yet (I don’t like spoiling myself for books I’m definitely going to read), but I’m pleased and excited she got an A from you.
The book sounds wonderful. I would love to read it.
Jumping in with a comment–I have never read any of Ms Goodman’s books, but I have heard wonderful things about them, and about TPoD, so please do count me in for the giveaway! Thanks.
I read ‘If His Kiss Is Wicked’ and loved it, and I’ve been on a Jo Goodman glom ever since. I’m excited about her new title - I can’t wait! - so I’d love to win an ARC.
Oh, and she seems to have an awesome sense of humor - check out her story about the ‘flamingo wars’ between her and her neighbors. Hilarious!
Wahoo…. What is it with authors named Jo and good books. Do you think it’s a Little Women thing?
I’ve never read her, but I like that she’s skewing a trope I find annoying.
Enter me, please.
I’m dying for a half decent historical.
I’m usually not a fan of historical romances, but this book sounds lovely. I am intrigued by the excerpts you used and will be looking for more of Ms. Goodmans books in the future.
Another fan of historical romance throwing my hat in the ring.
Thank you! :)
Jane - what is your favorite Jo Goodman novel?
I’ve read a few. Once I get into her books, I can recognize that she always writes good stories featuring well-developed and likeable characters. It just takes me awhile because I find her a bit wordy.
I’ve never read a Jo Goodman book. Sounds like a good one to start with. :)
Gimme!
I’ve never read Ms. Goodman I would like the chance. Please enter me in the drawing!
Thanks
I have never read her, but I am always open to new authors - sign me up!
I am another person who has never read a Jo Goodman book but would love to try one. I have read such great things about both “The Price of Desire” and “If His Kiss Is Wicked” that my interest in this author is stirred. Thanks for the review and please include my name in the drawing.
Oh, yes please. I love her.
The book sounds wonderful, I can’t wait to read it.
I’ve just recently read two Jo Goodman novels based on Dear Author reviews and comments - a Season to be Sinful and If His Kiss is Wicked - and really enjoyed both, particularly If His Kiss is Wicked. I agree, she writes thoughtful romances about damaged characters and her writing is beautiful. And nothing in her books (at least the two I have read) seems to bear any relation to either the title or the covers of her novels. I would not have read them but for the reviews, but that’s another topic often explored and lamented elsewhere.
Thanks for the review and please enter me in the drawing!
This book sounds good. Enter me in the contest :-)
I, too, recently discovered Goodman, and she is great! Would love an advance copy!
Jo Goodman is such a wonderful and talented writer. She is one of my all time favorites. Definitely an author to savor.
Haven’t read a good historical in a long time!
Hi have been reading your reviews for some time now and this is a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Thank you for all you do here.
Oh me too please. The revew was so good it’s making me salivate for the book.
I adore her! She’s on my top ten list (yes, impossibly enough I try to maintain a list : )I’ve read all of her books that I can find, and would love, love, love to read her latest! Thanks so much!
I am very curious about this last release of mrs. Goodman, which is on of my favs too… and after this review I am more and more eager to read it!
I’m a Goodman newb, but this sounds like a good one. Can’t wait to give it a whirl.
Free Jo Goodman? Yes, please!
Thanks for this great opportunity. This book sounds fascinating and wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’ve long been singing the praises of Jo Goodman’s books. I’ve read her for years but really sat up and took notice with the Compass Club series. I’m so delighted that this amazing author is finally getting the attention she deserves!! For anyone who hasn’t read her before but is considering it, I strongly urge them to try one of her books. She’s not for everyone - she is very lush. I normally read fairly quickly but I know going into a Jo Goodman book, she’s best read slowly so I can experience the whole read, rather like a decedent, rich desert.
So, yep, add me to the list. I’ll be reading this one regardless, the but the chance to read it sooner is too good to pass up!
I’ve not read a historical in quite a while. Sounds like a good book to get back into the genre.
I haven’t read this author. Please enter me into the contest, too.
I love Jo Goodman, and am looking forward to this book. Great review.
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to win one :o)
Sounds great! Can’t wait to read it :D
I’d love to read the book, too! Sounds fun.
Aaah, yet another “new” author (to me) to try out. I have come across Jo Goodman books in the bookstore often but have yet to read her books. Please enter me in this drawing. This sounds like a good one to start. =) If I don’t win, I’ll try to run out and grab one for my own. (my TBR pile is growing more so than ever for the first time!)
Books! Sounds interesting. Free? Sounds even MORE interesting. :-D
Please tell me that “of” is a typo!
Enter me please! I’ve read If His Kiss is Wicked, and found one of the Compass Club books at the UBS, and have it on my to-do list to glom more of her books. :)
It sounds like a good read - I love romance writers who have a gift of poetic language along with good storytelling.
My first time doing this. Hope it’s true what they say, First Time’s a Charm.
I need another book to read like Michael Phelps needs another gold medal and/or world record. Yet, on the other hand, free is free! :)
I enjoyed her last book and am looking forward to this one coming out so please enter me.
Oh yes, please!
One of my best reads last year was “If His Kiss Is Wicked”, bought on the basis of the recommendations here. Please enter me in the draw.
I would love to read this author for the first time!!!
PLEASE.
This book sounds wonderful. I have never tried one of her books but I would love to try one.
Well, I probably don’t have a chance but I won and then lost a Lisa Kleypas ARC because I was on vacation and couldn’t claim it, so I think the universe owes me some historical romance by one of my favorite authors. ;-)
I love, love, love Jo Goodman… And this book sounds like her usual awesomeoness. *pick me! pick me! pick me!* :-)
Sounds like another nice Goodman read. Please enter me. :) I was hoping to meet her at RWA, but if she was there I didn’t run into her.
I love her stuff! So I’m in, please. And thanks for the opportunity to win.
I’ve been glomming Jo Goodman recently and would love the chance at a copy.
Great review! I love books that take place in gambling hells. This book sounds like a great way to initiate myself into Jo Goodman’s works. I’m very much looking forward to reading it.
I’ve never read Jo Goodman…though I’ve been seriously thinking about picking some up after all the rave reviews I’ve seen
I discovered and fell in love with Goodman’s writing after reading If His Kiss is Wicked. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this books release and your review has only made the wait that much harder! Though, I know the wait is well worth it, after all, this is Jo Goodman.
Standing in line. I’m on a book buying moratorium until I get moved to Austin and find employment. :)
Wow, what a cool book. Great review, too! I’m just now getting back into historicals, and this looks like a great one to add to my list.
I “discovered” Jo Goodman a few years ago with The Compass Club series. After I read LET ME BE THE ONE, I haunted every UBS to find the others in that series. I would love to have an ARC (gently read or otherwise). Please enter me in the contest.
I have found so many new authors based on your recommendations so please count me in for the giveaway!
I love Jo Goodman, and would definitely like to be entered in the draw!
Going straight onto my wishlist
Sounds like a wonderful read. Definitely something to look forward to.
I’ve been wanting desperately to read one of Jo Goodman’s books–not just because I crave a good historical, but because she’s apparently a superb writer. In fact, If His Kiss Is Wicked (freakin’ title alone makes me melt!) is on my library list, since current budget constraints have strangled the life out of my book-buying allotment.
Holy cow! I had no idea. I’ve been pitchin’ those arcs in the recycle bin for years because I didn’t know what to with them! To Nitpicker: Yes, the “of” in Viscount of Breckenridge is a typo, but not Dear Author’s fault. It’s on the back cover blurb that way. I told my editor when I saw it that someone would get me for it - AND I DIDN’T DO IT. I never saw the copy until it was too late to do anything about it. Wahhh!!!!
This book sounds very intriguing. I would love the chance to read it.
NitPicker: If Breckenridge is his name, then the ‘of’ is a typo. If Breckenridge is a place, then the ‘of’ is proper. A good example is the late Princess of Wales brother. Spencer is his name, so he is Earl Spencer. If Spencer had been a place, then he would be Earl of Spencer.
Oh, noes! That hurts! We would be glad to take them off your hands and I’d have no issue at all sending a SASE with enough postage on it to you to get one or two or three different ones! :)
I loved If His Kiss is Wicked, so enter me, please!
I believe I have a Jo Goodman in TBR pile…. must check it out!
SusanB
PS: Thanks for contests. Having a dull week so far, this is the most excitement to date….
Just read If His Kiss is Wicked and can’t wait to dive into another Goodman!!
sounds interesting! I look forward to reading this book!!
Please enter me.
Thanks!
(Over to Amazon.com to do some research)
I love all of her books!?!?! Especially her Compass Series — I can’t wait to read this book.