Old Book Log - Ewing, Robinson

More brief impressions from my two-week book log from 2000.

SCANDAL'S REWARD by Jean R. Ewing

Author's first book, a Regency derivative of a lot of other good books. Dorothy Dunnett is obviously an influence. Heyer too. Too studied an imitation of a lot of others. It had potential but didn't suck me in. Traditional Regency. (3 out of 5)

SCANDAL'S REWARD wasn't my first Ewing. I've been reading her since her first Regency historical, ILLUSION, w/a Jean Ross Ewing. And of course now I read her Julia Ross books. You can definitely throw the influence of Mary Balogh in there as well.

LADY GALLANT by Suzanne Robinson

Surprisingly good! Set in (pre-)Elizabethan times, a dashing courtier with secrets to hide finds himself falling in love with a "mouse" attending the queen. Lots of emotion. I actually cried at the big misunderstanding. And laughed at the witty parts. I liked the heroine very much indeed and loved the hero. I must try the next book, LADY DEFIANT, which is surely Blade's story. (5 out of 5)

These days, I'd consider LADY GALLANT to be one of my all-time favorite romances (along with a 100+ others, I'm sure, but I've read thousands.) I've heard people bitch about the hero's cruelty, but that's what made it so harrowing and unforgettable. I'd nominate this book for a best grovel award. And Blade's story was indeed good. The biggest tragedy is that Robinson's romances steadily became less interesting over time. I don't think she's even publishing romances anymore, and I've never tried her mysteries.