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29th out of 340 books
—
110 voters
Beau Crusoe
by
Carla Kelly
Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe--a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival!
Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence--until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful
...morePaperback, Harlequin Historical Series, 304 pages
Published
March 1st 2007
by Harlequin
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I don’t normally read romance novels, let alone “historical” ones supposedly set in the Regency period, but when a friend sent me this one (thanks Melissa!) and described it as being a hysterical hot mess full of OMG and WTF moments, I knew I had to make an exception!
Oh yes, this lived up fully to its billing! I actually received my copy a year ago, but devoured it (pun intended) over the cold winter break. I agree with my friend’s original review that this must’ve been written on a bet, and add...more
Oh yes, this lived up fully to its billing! I actually received my copy a year ago, but devoured it (pun intended) over the cold winter break. I agree with my friend’s original review that this must’ve been written on a bet, and add...more
3 ½ stars. Sweet romance story. Kept my interest. Secrets are eventually brought forward.
STORY BRIEF:
James was in the British Navy. The ship hit coral and sunk. James was the sole survivor and lived on a small island for five years. For something to do he studied the crabs. Missionaries discovered him and brought him back to England. He published a book about the crabs and will receive a medal for this scientific work. James is invited to stay with Lord and Lady Watchmere in London for two weeks...more
STORY BRIEF:
James was in the British Navy. The ship hit coral and sunk. James was the sole survivor and lived on a small island for five years. For something to do he studied the crabs. Missionaries discovered him and brought him back to England. He published a book about the crabs and will receive a medal for this scientific work. James is invited to stay with Lord and Lady Watchmere in London for two weeks...more
I actually really enjoyed the beginning of this book, but it seriously went south about two thirds of the way through. The following things ruined it for me:
- I was actually rolling with the implied cannibalism because, well, that's something that probably would have happened during a shipwreck. It's also unique, and I like unique elements in my romance novels. What I really couldn't deal with was the fairly graphic flashback to the actual cannibalism. That's not what I read romance for.
- The ch...more
- I was actually rolling with the implied cannibalism because, well, that's something that probably would have happened during a shipwreck. It's also unique, and I like unique elements in my romance novels. What I really couldn't deal with was the fairly graphic flashback to the actual cannibalism. That's not what I read romance for.
- The ch...more
Beau Crusoe surprised me by being a serious look at PTSD. James had been shipwrecked on a deserted island for 5 years after being set adrift in a lifeboat with four other men after their ship sank. As the book progresses, the story of what happened to James and the other men is slowly revealed. We do know fairly early on that James is a troubled man, with several idiosyncrasies due to his trauma. There is humor in the book, as well as gentleness, but the book is not a lighthearted historical rom...more
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Another great Carla Kelly love story! And unlike many romances, the story is told primarily from the hero's point of view. James is haunted by his experiences after being shipwrecked and stranded five years on a deserted island. He studied the native crabs on the island, wrote a treatise, and now has returned to London to be awarded a medal by the royal society.
Through a series of humorous adventures, he becomes known in society as Beau Crusoe, and all of London wants his company. He, however,...more
Through a series of humorous adventures, he becomes known in society as Beau Crusoe, and all of London wants his company. He, however,...more
Yes, this is a Cinderella story, impossible, implausible almost-austen-ish and happy ending-ish. But I thought it also tackled several issues concerning shipwrecks, survivor guilt, and biology (hard core and otherwise) that I have never ever seen broached with a ten foot pole in any other regency romance. It was also a good read, kept you interested through the whole narrative, and had some twists even I didn't see coming. Kudos to Kelly for breaking out of the mold for this one!
spoiler/warning...more
spoiler/warning...more
Great storytelling and writing from the pen of Carla Kelly. This tale is truly about Beau Crusoe (real name: James Trevenen) and his journey from emotionally- and physically-isolated shipwreck survivor to bold savior of the ton to a man strengthened enough by love to face down his fears and the residual terror that lingers from his being cast away on a deserted island for five long, lonely years. The characterization is detailed and balanced, with at least half of the POV coming from James's per...more
Bu ay Harlequin Yayınlarının çıkardığı Historical Romance kitabı okuduğumuz romanlara hiç benzemiyor :) Şok edici, bazılarına göre tiksindirici gelecek ama düşününce zamanında birilerinin başına bunlar gelmiş deyipte halinize şükredeceğiniz bir hikaye. Ama karakterimiz hayata tutunmayı, akıl sağlığını ıssız adadaki tek uğraşı olan yengeçleri incelemekte bulmuş. Hikayemiz anlıcağınız üzere James Trevenen'in teğmen'i olduğu geminin batması ve bir ıssız adada geçirdiği 5 yıldan sonra şans eseri kur...more
Shipwrecked James Trevenen survives five years of isolation on a south seas island before being finally rescued. Unfortunately the ghost of one of his dead shipwrecked mates follows him all the way back to England where he finds himself rescuing so many from distress he becomes known as Beau Crusoe.
Widowed seven years Susannah Park lost her husband to cholera in India. Her embittered sister blames her for her being on the shelf instead of her own looks. (It is a great disaster for a plain sister...more
Widowed seven years Susannah Park lost her husband to cholera in India. Her embittered sister blames her for her being on the shelf instead of her own looks. (It is a great disaster for a plain sister...more
Shipwrecked!
Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe--a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival! Scandalous!
Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence--until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful widow wanted to help him heal the wounds of the past--but what secrets was this glorious man hidin...more
Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe--a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival! Scandalous!
Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence--until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful widow wanted to help him heal the wounds of the past--but what secrets was this glorious man hidin...more
I had mixed feelings. Kelly does gritty and the aftermath of trauma really well, and I liked the main characters. I was surprised by just how dark the hero's past was. Would have liked more of the secondary romance. Really disliked treatment of female antagonist--some of that was James' POV, but not all. Also didn't like the way revelation of the hero's secret was handled. Somewhere between 3 1/2 and 4 stars for me.
I am impressed. Second book by Kelly I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed. She has a gift for complex characters. An adult book, due to the graphic sex scenes, but these are not theme of the book, unlike too many other authors. Included more as an outgrowth of the relationships of the characters, and their history, rather than page-filling pornography.
I really enjoyed this book. Carla Kelly ha a way of writing her characters that make them very engaging and interesting. I was particularly interested in the outcome of this story since the problem that Beau had was kind of a difficult one to overcome. I had not heard of the Custom of the Navy, although I shouldn't be surprised, since Great Britain also has the Custom of the Army as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Carla Kelly is at her best when the story is gritty and sexy. BEAU CARUSO is sexy and gritty.
WHAT I LOVED:
- James. The best tortured, suffering hero I have read in a long time.
- Suzie. The spunkiest heroine I have read in a long time.
- The South Seas. - I could hear the ocean and smell the islands when I read this
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Nothing
One of my favorite Kelly books!! Have re-read once now - will re-read again and again!!
BEST USE OF: Crabs
ALPHA MALE 5 (but he was still a great character)
SPU...more
WHAT I LOVED:
- James. The best tortured, suffering hero I have read in a long time.
- Suzie. The spunkiest heroine I have read in a long time.
- The South Seas. - I could hear the ocean and smell the islands when I read this
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- Nothing
One of my favorite Kelly books!! Have re-read once now - will re-read again and again!!
BEST USE OF: Crabs
ALPHA MALE 5 (but he was still a great character)
SPU...more
This was a great book... another fantastic read by Carla Kelly. I don't think I would ever reread it, but I loved it. James was such a wonderfully crafted character - capable and strong and caring, yet so terribly flawed and unsure of himself. Susannah was exactly what he needed, and she was so in need of giving someone love.
Çok bunalımlı bir kitaptı . Eğlencelik olmadığını söylemeliyim , çünkü eğlenilecek hiç bir şeyi yoktu . Yazar da bunu fark etmiş olacak ki hikayeye birkaç komedi unsuru eklemiş . Eğer kitabı okursanız , bu yazılanların kendi başınıza gelmemiş olmasından sebep milyonlarca kez şükredebilirsiniz .
I always enjoy her books. Light regencies with great characters and unique stories. This one was about a naval officer who was stranded on a desert island for 5 years and the difficulty he had adjusting to life on the island of England. Of course, he is aided by a plucky heroine who has her own issues.
I usually really enjoy this author's books. Her style & humor remind me of Georgette Heyer. This book, however, was a complete departure from anything I had read. The subject matter was disturbing (yes, I read to laugh & be uplifted) &, unlike her other books that I've read, there was fairly graphic sexual passages.
Cannibalism, the effects of solitude and starvation on the mind. In a Mills & Boon publication? Believe it. Carla Kelly obviously has a soft spot for the Royal Navy, this is another seafaring hero. Very funny in parts, but with a serious side, as you may guess.
Three words: cannibal romance hero. If you're not already convinced, here are three more words: fun witty banter. If you don't think those things can be effectively combined, here are my last three words: wonderful writing technique.
As with the other Carla Kelly books I read she did a great job on the historical context and expanded the scope of a Regency Romance. Unfortunately the vulgar sex scene turned my stomach more than any other subject in the book.
Not my very favorite Carla Kelly book, but I still really loved this unusual little story.
I wrote a DIK review over at AAR back in 2007. Here's the link: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
I wrote a DIK review over at AAR back in 2007. Here's the link: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
1 like · like · see review
Wow, I really loved this book! One of the best I've read in a long time -- so original, and I love the light tone the author has taken to deal with some pretty serious subjects. This is a totally wonky, charming, convincing, compelling read. Everything a historical romance should be.
Very intense history, a fascinating book with vivid imagery and truly gruesome scenes interspersed with charm and romance. Splendid characters and settings. I couldn't set the book down; it will haunt me forever.
I've come to appreciate Kelly's gentle wit... her vulnerable characters and basically credible situations... just the thing the doctor ordered while stuck in bed under the weather.
Well, I've certainly never read another romance novel like this one. It was definitely a unique premise, and I think it was done well without too much ickiness.
Not my favorite of the books by Carla Kelly I've read, but not my least favorite, either.
Not my favorite of the books by Carla Kelly I've read, but not my least favorite, either.
Aug 21, 2012
Cherish
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorites,
historical-romance
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May 16, 2013
Mandi Ellsworth
added it
I love Carla Kelly's recent works, but this was the biggest disappointment. It's grossly sexual. I'm so sorry to say I can't recommend it.
My first Carla Kelly. A fun tale with some dark elements. Loved the hero. Highly recommended.
Entertaining and different, heartwarming, exactly what I expect from CK. *happy sigh*
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Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National P...more
More about Carla Kelly...
Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America's Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National P...more
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