About this title: A temptingly beautiful woman is rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of the enigmatic and charming Grant Morgan, one of London's most eligible, and unattainable, catches. As his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to discover the truth--no matter what.
Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very Good. 0380802309 This mass market paperback book is in GREAT SHAPE---between LIKE NEW and VERY GOOD SHAPE! ! ! FIRST EDITION! ! ! FULL NUMBER LINE--10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1! ! ! Some creasing of the spine and minor signs of wear from reading--nothing major. Cover has white flower and portrait inset of couple kneeling embracing. Crisp, clean pages. Smells of storag/smoke. Do not settle for worn, torn, throwaways. Pay a few pennies more for a beautiful copy! ! ! read more
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Fine. 0380802309 This mass market paperback book is in GREAT SHAPE---between LIKE NEW and VERY GOOD SHAPE! ! ! FIRST EDITION! ! ! Minimal creasing of the spine and minor signs of wear from reading--nothing major. Crisp, clean pages. SMOKE FREE HOME! Do not settle for worn, torn, throwaways. Pay a few pennies more for a beautiful copy! ! ! read more
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very Good. 0380802309 This mass market paperback book is in GREAT SHAPE---between LIKE NEW and VERY GOOD SHAPE! ! ! FIRST EDITION! White cover with portrait inset. Minimal creasing of the spine and minor signs of wear from reading--nothing major. Crisp, clean pages. SMOKE FREE HOME! Do not settle for worn, torn, throwaways. Pay a few pennies more for a beautiful copy! ! ! read more
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very Good. 0380802309 Very Good Condition, average wear for a book that has been read 1x or 2x, some creases on spine, minor wear on the edges and corners of the cover, Great Book. ** Satisfaction Guaranteed ** Orders ship same or next business day. read more
Binding: MASS MARKET PAPERBACK
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very Good. 0380802309 Very Good Condition, average wear for a book that has been read 1x or 2x, some creases on spine, minor wear on the edges and corners of the cover, Great Book. ** Satisfaction Guaranteed ** Orders ship same or next business day. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Signed by previous owner. some wear to cover edges; no marks or writing within text; RTB1134. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 384 p. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Avon Books
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. Signed by previous owner. some wear to cover edges; no marks or writing within text; RTB1135. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 384 p. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Acceptable. Overall below average used book. May have highlighting, underlining, notes, price sticker on cover, or be an ex-library book. read more
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Good. First printing 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Book is CLEAN and appears to be FREE of markings. Slight cover wear with scuffing to edges. Minor creasing to spine. GoodwillnyBooks is committed to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service. You may return new items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: Avon
Date published: 1999
ISBN-13:9780380802302ISBN:0380802309
Description: Good. Only lightly used. Book has minimal wear to cover and binding. A few pages may have small creases and minimal underlining. Book selection as BIG as Texas. read more
"Having only been my second Lisa Kleypas novel, I am by no means an overly knowledgeable reader of this author's works. However, while I am impressed with the creative abilities of this author to create such a uniquely driven story, I was sadly not overwhelmingly impressed in the final analysis.
Within the first two hundred and something pages, I was dwelling in this story to the fullest. Every page was addictive, for I had to know the true nature behind Vivien's character, and what was going on behind the scenes of our subplot. I very much adored the character of Grant, finding him dominating and sensual, compassionate and tunneled visioned. I found the hero to be very believable and interesting. Somewhat of the same can be said for our heroine in the story, for she too was fascinating to read in her own particular way.
Largely, my disappointment with this story comes not from the characters or even the plot. I found this book to be rather average for two reasons. The first was that after reading 250 pages, I felt Kleypas couldn't find where she wanted the story to go, and once the realization came upon her, she wouldn't release the story. The climax was ridiculously drawn out, in my opinion, and the final pages after were even more so! I am by no means a reader who takes issue with a longer story, but the length has to have merit. In Someone To Watch Over Me, I honestly felt as if Kleypas couldn't simply wind down our plot.
Overall, this isn't too large of a problem all things considered. I suppose most of my negative sentimate with this book comes from the fact that it seemed the romantic story between Vivien and Grant went from cold to hot, without any in between at all. One of the best parts to romance novels, I feel, is the experiencing of the romantic falling between two characters. Put simply, I think this was greatly lacking within this novel.
The plot was rather interesting, containing a few surprises along the way. There is unquestionably an air of mysery and intrigue that encapsulates this story line. Ironically enough, one would think based on the synopsis it would be more character driven in its reading, yet it isn't. The momentum of this book most assuredly depends upon the story points revealed as the book progresses. This isn't necessarily a "bad thing," of course. However it's been my experience that, when dealing in the realms of a romance, such books should rely just as much on the character driving aspects to the story as the subplot/plot.
And yet, while there are two strikes against Someone To Watch Over Me, there are other worthy points. The characters were very well constructed, and the dialogue was very rich. I too appreciate the emphasis Kleypas places on setting the scene for the reader's imagination. The description of the inner-settings (rooms, buildings, etc.) which were relevant to the scenes at hand were very well done. Enough detail for our imagination to run with, but not so much we end up with sensory overload.
In short, I feel this book was not a waste of time by any means. The characters were both admirable and lovable, the story painted with rich brushstrokes of description over a landscape of intrigue and drama! A rather good read all the way around!"
"I enjoyed this first book in the Bow Runners series, though it doesn't reach the same level as her Hathaways or Wallflowers series. I'll still read the next two though, just to get my Kleypas fix!"
From the cover: A temptingly beautiful woman is rescued from the icy waters of the Thames, her memory gone. Told that she is Vivien Rose Duvall, one of London's most scandalous beauties, she finds herself under the protection of the enigmatic and charming Grant Morgan, one of London's most eligible, and unattainable, catches. As his love for this mysterious beauty grows, he's determined to discover the truth--no matter what.
My review: I've been indulging myself in Lisa Kleypas' books for the past few weeks and have come to appreciate her story telling talents. Perhaps because this is the first book in the Bow Street Runners series, it didn't grab me quite the way her Wallflower series did. I didn't find the characters quite as charismatic as those in her other books.
It has an interesting plot - a courtesan with amnesia being pursued by someone who is trying to killer her and the man who saved her life and is now protecting her, bent on revenge for some wrong she did him in the past. There was definitely a lot to keep the pace of the story moving quickly which is a plus because it can be tough to lay the ground work for a new series and still keep the reader's attention. There were only a couple of instances when I wanted to skip through some of the foundation details and get back down to the nitty-gritty of the story.
Someone To Watch Over Me is a story filled with likeable characters, though (with the exception of Sir Ross - but that's another story) I didn't feel a connection or attachment to any of them. Honestly it wasn't until the very end of the book that I had my first "Awwww, how sweet" *sigh* moment. It occurred when Grant showed up unexpectedly at White Rose Cottage, surprising Victoria:
"What are you doing here?" "You took too long," he muttered with a scowl. That statement brought a surprised laugh from her. "We agreed I would stay here a week." "It's been a week." "It's been precisely two and a half days," she informed him. "It seemed like a bloody year." They exchange a few more words then he asks, "And our engagement," he asked with a set face. "Do you have an answer for me?"
I loved those few sentences more than any others in the entire book because it gave me a real glimpse into him - an overgrown boy used to getting his own way and not sure what he would do if he didn't. I could really see that frown/scowl on his face as he nervously (though he masked it well) awaited her answer. I wish we had been given more candid peeks into the man who is Grant Morgan. I didn't find him exceptionally charming but the sexual tension in this book was amazing. Their intimate encounters had me *fanning myself* and checking to make sure no one was reading over my shoulder and what Grant Morgan lacked in charisma, he more than made up for in heat. He is one sensual, sexual man."
"I honestly didn't even finish this book and maybe it got better at the end, but I couldn't stomach it until then. I was so disappointed with mainly because Lisa Kleypas is my favorite romance author. However, both of the lead characters were sooo annoying. The heroine lost her memory at the beginning of the novel and as a result was so weak and feeble up to the point that I read to. She therefore needed the hero (I honestly can't remember their names) to protect her and take care of her. Additionally, he kind of abused the power that he had in their relationship which I thought was kind of douchey (I'm sure he would have turned out to be a nice guy by the end of the novel, but I couldn't make it that far). Overall, I like my heroines to be plucky and independent and I like my heroes to be gruff but ultimately a decent person. I just didn't see that in these characters."
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