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Always a Stranger
When two worlds collide, anything is possible. . . An international affair, London's Great Exhibition has taken the city by storm. As its newest Royal Commissioner, Lord Skyler Ridgemont must ensure the performers are properly contracted. Among them is the delicate and graceful Hanako Sumaki. Draped in vivid silk robes, Hanako's exotic Japanese fan dance captivates Skyler--and he longs to learn more about her. . . But Hanako's enigmatic employer keeps his exquisite charge very close. The consummate artist, she shows the handsome nobleman many faces, but never her true heart, which holds a desperate secret. When Skyler learns the real reason Hanako has been brought to London, he will risk his entire world to win her trust--and save her from losing both body and soul. It's a feat that will require the type of courage only love can give. . .
238 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Amara Royce
4 books123 followersHappy endings. Historical research. Put me in massive library with my laptop, and I'm in heaven.
I write historical romance set mainly in Victorian Britain. Currently, I'm focusing on the mid-nineteenth century (the 1850s), a period of social, political, industrial, technological and personal transformation.
In my other life, I'm a community college professor of English literature and composition.
And I have a wonderfully supportive family that occasionally reminds me there's more to life than words.
I write historical romance set mainly in Victorian Britain. Currently, I'm focusing on the mid-nineteenth century (the 1850s), a period of social, political, industrial, technological and personal transformation.
In my other life, I'm a community college professor of English literature and composition.
And I have a wonderfully supportive family that occasionally reminds me there's more to life than words.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 13, 2014
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Framed by the Great Exhibition, Skyler Roderick, Earl of Ridgemont, and Hanako Sumaki confront the prejudices of the time as well as those within themselves. Comfortable as the second son, eager to embrace his gifts of architectural vision, his lordship struggles to fulfill his new obligations and still remain true to his own nature. Hana juggles the knives of a horrifying situation while admitting "one can only climb so high before running out of mountain." Like embroidered silk, these characters and their story dazzle even as it snags at your sensitivities.
I devoured Always a Stranger in under five hours. The story drew me in, gently enticing me to turn the page then compelling me to continue. Evocative writing, characters with many dimensions and genuine development held me throughout the story. The dialog was believable, humor very subtle, the historical accuracy impressive and Ridgemont's mother's temper tantrum entirely credible. Secondary characters were well drawn and essential to the story without usurping the narrative. The villains were despicable but not over the top and the conflicts felt genuine. Hana's ability to swallow her fears and reach out for help was a moment to cheer; that it didn't turn out perfectly was a twist I applauded!
Be warned, this is not a light and fluffy read, not a glittering ball or giggling debutante to be endured. The rake is a villain (yippee!) The hero is disgusted by the thought of brothels, the risk of disease and the facts of degradation engender by both the whores and those that use them (more yippee!). The heroine is trapped by her manipulated sense of duty, family ties and poverty. There are mature themes that do not bear glossing over.
I felt Ms. Royce handled the reality of the times with regard for a romance reader's general expectation. She does not shove prose down your throat but allows her characters to give you a glimpse of what it felt like being exotic property without a voice or ability to believe in more than rare moments of peace. The psychological contradictions of being "held" by a protector that manipulates everyone with hints and suggestions then fists, and ultimately abandonment in the middle of no and where, were a bit too realistic at times, but made this story a unique romance.
Considering the times, I felt the characters were in a hopeless situation then an improbable one. However, as I considered the fact Lord Ridgemont spent several years in America and must have been somewhat influenced by the differences of society, improbable faded to possible. Due to family dynamics, he comprehended the outsider feeling in spite of his wealth and position, knew what it was to be an alien in a foreign land and someone in his youth had cultivated his sense of looking at the world through another's eyes. Where he was challenged by understanding utter dependence, poverty and hunger, his heart was able to fill in the blanks. If only this enlightened age could bother to do the same. Skyler was a man with an uncomfortable awareness of what was expected of him and what he felt to be right that was finding his way. I liked him.
Hana was heart breakingly honest, sad and brave. She teetered dangerously near the Mary Sue zone on several occasions (Twenty languages? A mistress of disguises and the only public performer for the Exhibition?) and that is my only complaint. For the most part, despite her many talents and abused sense of duty, she was a determined woman with touching foibles and endearing contradictions. Her desperation to foil the villain's plans and have one happy memory mutates to absolute terror with a post coital crash that was, in my jaded old biddy opinion, entirely believable. And yet ... I was touched by both Hana and Skyler's very different fears. No story momentum was lost as they came to grips with afterburn instead of afterglow. Frustrating as that was, I appreciated that sex didn't comfort her as she expected and Skyler floundered and questioned not only her, but himself.
There is no magic wand in this story, rather a steady pace to reach the acceptance that being together is worth enduring what is and will be. I don't generally like epilogues and this one was not an exception for me. However, I think most folks like their romance secured by a bow and a dangly piece of foil wrapped chocolate and this one should please them. Always a Stranger was a rare read for me because it held my complete attention from start to finish. I'm not sure I will ever have the stamina to re-read it. Some tales are like that, so thoroughly disconcerting at first read, you close the book with a shaking hand and dazed re-entry to real life. I highly recommend this book for those looking for more than the usual 'Earl and unacceptable love' story.
Read more of my reviews at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
Framed by the Great Exhibition, Skyler Roderick, Earl of Ridgemont, and Hanako Sumaki confront the prejudices of the time as well as those within themselves. Comfortable as the second son, eager to embrace his gifts of architectural vision, his lordship struggles to fulfill his new obligations and still remain true to his own nature. Hana juggles the knives of a horrifying situation while admitting "one can only climb so high before running out of mountain." Like embroidered silk, these characters and their story dazzle even as it snags at your sensitivities.
I devoured Always a Stranger in under five hours. The story drew me in, gently enticing me to turn the page then compelling me to continue. Evocative writing, characters with many dimensions and genuine development held me throughout the story. The dialog was believable, humor very subtle, the historical accuracy impressive and Ridgemont's mother's temper tantrum entirely credible. Secondary characters were well drawn and essential to the story without usurping the narrative. The villains were despicable but not over the top and the conflicts felt genuine. Hana's ability to swallow her fears and reach out for help was a moment to cheer; that it didn't turn out perfectly was a twist I applauded!
Be warned, this is not a light and fluffy read, not a glittering ball or giggling debutante to be endured. The rake is a villain (yippee!) The hero is disgusted by the thought of brothels, the risk of disease and the facts of degradation engender by both the whores and those that use them (more yippee!). The heroine is trapped by her manipulated sense of duty, family ties and poverty. There are mature themes that do not bear glossing over.
I felt Ms. Royce handled the reality of the times with regard for a romance reader's general expectation. She does not shove prose down your throat but allows her characters to give you a glimpse of what it felt like being exotic property without a voice or ability to believe in more than rare moments of peace. The psychological contradictions of being "held" by a protector that manipulates everyone with hints and suggestions then fists, and ultimately abandonment in the middle of no and where, were a bit too realistic at times, but made this story a unique romance.
Considering the times, I felt the characters were in a hopeless situation then an improbable one. However, as I considered the fact Lord Ridgemont spent several years in America and must have been somewhat influenced by the differences of society, improbable faded to possible. Due to family dynamics, he comprehended the outsider feeling in spite of his wealth and position, knew what it was to be an alien in a foreign land and someone in his youth had cultivated his sense of looking at the world through another's eyes. Where he was challenged by understanding utter dependence, poverty and hunger, his heart was able to fill in the blanks. If only this enlightened age could bother to do the same. Skyler was a man with an uncomfortable awareness of what was expected of him and what he felt to be right that was finding his way. I liked him.
Hana was heart breakingly honest, sad and brave. She teetered dangerously near the Mary Sue zone on several occasions (Twenty languages? A mistress of disguises and the only public performer for the Exhibition?) and that is my only complaint. For the most part, despite her many talents and abused sense of duty, she was a determined woman with touching foibles and endearing contradictions. Her desperation to foil the villain's plans and have one happy memory mutates to absolute terror with a post coital crash that was, in my jaded old biddy opinion, entirely believable. And yet ... I was touched by both Hana and Skyler's very different fears. No story momentum was lost as they came to grips with afterburn instead of afterglow. Frustrating as that was, I appreciated that sex didn't comfort her as she expected and Skyler floundered and questioned not only her, but himself.
There is no magic wand in this story, rather a steady pace to reach the acceptance that being together is worth enduring what is and will be. I don't generally like epilogues and this one was not an exception for me. However, I think most folks like their romance secured by a bow and a dangly piece of foil wrapped chocolate and this one should please them. Always a Stranger was a rare read for me because it held my complete attention from start to finish. I'm not sure I will ever have the stamina to re-read it. Some tales are like that, so thoroughly disconcerting at first read, you close the book with a shaking hand and dazed re-entry to real life. I highly recommend this book for those looking for more than the usual 'Earl and unacceptable love' story.
Read more of my reviews at Page Traveler E-Book Reviews
May 25, 2014
I thought the idea of a book set against the backdrop of the Victorian Great Exhibition involving an English Earl and a Japanese Entertainer at the Exhibit was unique and I wanted to read it. The story grabbed me from the beginning with the exotic fan dance scene and the mystery of Hana's circumstances.
This one is not listed as a sequel to my knowledge, but in truth it is a follow-up/parallel story to Never Too Late about Skyler's cousin. The two books have connections, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone story.
The story opens with Skyler, the new Earl of Ridgemont being named a Royal Commissioner for the Great Exhibition with his duties being to make sure the exhibitors are all on the up and up. He receives word that one of the Asian acts does not appear to have been contracted so he goes to investigate. He arrives in time to observe a beautiful mysterious woman perform a breath-taking fan dance. Across the space between them, he feels a strong connection when their gazes meet. When he goes to the backstage area to question her about her act and her manager, she has disappeared and in her place is a boy with a smudged face and tattered clothes without the ability to speak English.
Hanako Sumaki is concerned about the arrival of this observant, yet kind Englishman who seems very interested in her act. Because of the nature of her master's shady business, she cannot afford for him to learn anything more. He is persistent, but not in the way of most men who want her. He seems genuinely concerned each time they meet and it drives her to confide more than she wishes to him and desire to be near him though that can go nowhere.
Skyler can't figure out the woman who has bewitched him. He knows she is hiding so much and she is a great deal more than she seems. She is bright, well-informed, cultured and patient in the face of ignorance. Not that he misses that spark in her eyes and stiffening of her spine when she does hear crushing words and remarks from his fellow Englishman. As gentle and caring as he is with Hana, she still insists in keeping him outside her trust and won't let him help until Sky figures out what is going on and then he takes matters into his own hands.
Sky and Hana are drawing closely together, but Hana can't trust that his feelings are constant or that he will hold up under peer pressure. She has taken care of herself and others for so long. Sky has to decide if he is strong enough to go up against Society, against family expectation and against Hana's own stubbornness.
The plot on this one was a complicated forbidden romance that managed to convey what it was like for an interracial romance that also had the difficulty of class issues too. The balance of historical backdrop and the plot was good. The story was at the forefront, but details were there to fill in the gaps and paint a richer picture. The plot is very much romance-driven though there are spikes of action. The first two-thirds are better paced than the latter third it never gets boring. There is a sort of waiting time for the dust to settle and people to establish a new normal after all that came before that which slowed stuff down. I was mostly impatient just because I really liked the couple and wanted them to have their chance, but it totally made sense that things couldn't be rushed because of the nature of the barriers.
As to the main players, Hana was written in such away that she was all mystery at first and slowly her secrets are revealed a bit at a time. Even with getting her as one of the narrators, she keeps so much back until later. Her story kept me so fascinated throughout the book. Her background make her see things from a totally different perspective from Sky and she is so suspicious of him at first. That being said, she knew he was a good man. She only really disappointed me once when she came at Sky hard for him to take her, he hesitated to take up what she was offering, but eventually he gave in when she begged and then she threw it up in his face when she had regrets and guilt. Her reasons made sense and she was experiencing a near crisis at the time so I let it go. But yeah, regret or not, when you did the seducing, you own it in my book.
As to Sky, he is Hana's opposite completely in that he is open, hopeful, and trusting. He didn't see love coming, but he didn't deny it. I was so impressed that his love was so strong and confident that not once did he take the easy way out and offer her anything less than marriage. He totally valued her as his equal.
All in all, I really enjoyed my first time reading this authors books, the unique storyline of this historical and its inter-racial romance. I definitely plan to go back to the first one for Devin and Honoria's story that I have sitting on my Kindle waiting for an opportune moment.
I would recommend this one for those who like slightly spicy Historical Romance particularly set in the Victorian period.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
This one is not listed as a sequel to my knowledge, but in truth it is a follow-up/parallel story to Never Too Late about Skyler's cousin. The two books have connections, but this one can definitely be read as a standalone story.
The story opens with Skyler, the new Earl of Ridgemont being named a Royal Commissioner for the Great Exhibition with his duties being to make sure the exhibitors are all on the up and up. He receives word that one of the Asian acts does not appear to have been contracted so he goes to investigate. He arrives in time to observe a beautiful mysterious woman perform a breath-taking fan dance. Across the space between them, he feels a strong connection when their gazes meet. When he goes to the backstage area to question her about her act and her manager, she has disappeared and in her place is a boy with a smudged face and tattered clothes without the ability to speak English.
Hanako Sumaki is concerned about the arrival of this observant, yet kind Englishman who seems very interested in her act. Because of the nature of her master's shady business, she cannot afford for him to learn anything more. He is persistent, but not in the way of most men who want her. He seems genuinely concerned each time they meet and it drives her to confide more than she wishes to him and desire to be near him though that can go nowhere.
Skyler can't figure out the woman who has bewitched him. He knows she is hiding so much and she is a great deal more than she seems. She is bright, well-informed, cultured and patient in the face of ignorance. Not that he misses that spark in her eyes and stiffening of her spine when she does hear crushing words and remarks from his fellow Englishman. As gentle and caring as he is with Hana, she still insists in keeping him outside her trust and won't let him help until Sky figures out what is going on and then he takes matters into his own hands.
Sky and Hana are drawing closely together, but Hana can't trust that his feelings are constant or that he will hold up under peer pressure. She has taken care of herself and others for so long. Sky has to decide if he is strong enough to go up against Society, against family expectation and against Hana's own stubbornness.
The plot on this one was a complicated forbidden romance that managed to convey what it was like for an interracial romance that also had the difficulty of class issues too. The balance of historical backdrop and the plot was good. The story was at the forefront, but details were there to fill in the gaps and paint a richer picture. The plot is very much romance-driven though there are spikes of action. The first two-thirds are better paced than the latter third it never gets boring. There is a sort of waiting time for the dust to settle and people to establish a new normal after all that came before that which slowed stuff down. I was mostly impatient just because I really liked the couple and wanted them to have their chance, but it totally made sense that things couldn't be rushed because of the nature of the barriers.
As to the main players, Hana was written in such away that she was all mystery at first and slowly her secrets are revealed a bit at a time. Even with getting her as one of the narrators, she keeps so much back until later. Her story kept me so fascinated throughout the book. Her background make her see things from a totally different perspective from Sky and she is so suspicious of him at first. That being said, she knew he was a good man. She only really disappointed me once when she came at Sky hard for him to take her, he hesitated to take up what she was offering, but eventually he gave in when she begged and then she threw it up in his face when she had regrets and guilt. Her reasons made sense and she was experiencing a near crisis at the time so I let it go. But yeah, regret or not, when you did the seducing, you own it in my book.
As to Sky, he is Hana's opposite completely in that he is open, hopeful, and trusting. He didn't see love coming, but he didn't deny it. I was so impressed that his love was so strong and confident that not once did he take the easy way out and offer her anything less than marriage. He totally valued her as his equal.
All in all, I really enjoyed my first time reading this authors books, the unique storyline of this historical and its inter-racial romance. I definitely plan to go back to the first one for Devin and Honoria's story that I have sitting on my Kindle waiting for an opportune moment.
I would recommend this one for those who like slightly spicy Historical Romance particularly set in the Victorian period.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2014
Amara Royce
East meets West in this romance of forbidden passions & love between an enslaved heroine & a Lord of honor & love!
Hanako Sumaki is a rare gift of womanhood that should be treasured, but in London at the Great Exhibition, she is treated as a freak of nature & an oddity. She is a Asian woman who is held in the struggling hold of the evil & money grubby hands of Mr. Broek, the owner of the Jade Gardens. Hanako & her young sister, Takara, had been left at the mercy of Mr. Broek after their Father's death. Hanako knows over 20 languages, is the mother hen of all the Jade Gardens' women who are basically slaves, a performer of Asian entertainment, a translator & protector of her sister, but she has outlasted her usefulness & is going to be sold as a man's toy. She will do it all, so that she can take her sister with her & protect her from Mr. Broek's perverse hands.
Skyler Roderick was a happy 2nd son & engineering student abroad, when he learned that he was the new Earl of Richmond, after the tragic death of both his father & older brother. Syke was never to be the heir, but he accepts all the responsibilities, like being the new Royal Commissioner of the Great Exhibition. His boss is the Duke of Carleton & the Duke wants all corruptions rooted out of the Exhibition, so Syke is inspecting all exhibits, performers, checking all contracts & looking anything out of place.
As Syke is investigating, he sees this red shimmer of silk reveal this exotic Far East flower & is mesmerized by her. Hanako looks into the chaos of the Exhibition & sees this proud & golden Lord & is entranced by all the emotions flowing thru her, but knows he is trouble. Syke waits outside of the curtain to wait to talk with this lotus flower, but when he goes behind the curtain, all he sees a dirty small child. That child is actually Hanako in one of her many disguises & pretends to not understand English. They play this cat & mouse game until Sykes goes to his Aunt's, Lady Devlin, dinner party & Hanako is there as a translator for a handsy client. They share 1 dazzlingly kiss, but Hanako feels his warmth, kindness, security & maybe trust, things she has always wanted, but has always been denied!
It's East meets West in this journey of unchecked desire & utter decadent passions between Hanako & Syke as her auction becomes closer, but she will protect her sister & maybe Syke, too. When he closes his eyes, he sees her in the red silk, but she will never be accepted as his Countess. Things become very complex with Mr. Broek greed, the protection of the Jade women, a helpful Lord Devlin, the do gooder Mrs. Duchamp, an outraged Dowager Countess, Tanaka's future protection, the bruised & battered heart & soul of Hanako & the endless loving just for her from Syke. Will Syke free Hanako from her bondage? Can Hanako realized that she is worthy of his love? How will Syke heal her tormented soul? If they break the hold of Mr. Broek, can they save her sister & all the in prisoned Jade women? When will Mr. Broek get his justice reward?
This is my 1st Amara Royce romance & she blends all the exotic Far East with the English world of rules & up tight society to make an unforgettable tale. Hanako was a performer 24/7 & I believe she hide inside her many disguises to hide her own pain. She is so strong & always took responsibility for everyone in her world, but she lost herself along the way. Syke is a different kind of hero, who used his head in the begin, but that man's heart was so full of love that it was like a damn breaking open! He didn't get it from his mom & I was bad & made a little pillow doll of the Dowager Countess & stabbed her multiple times with pins because I didn't want to put holes in my Kindle. Ms. Royce filled this book with a cast of lively Jade ladies who were Hanako & her sister's chosen family. This book made smile, crave a little Far East just for me, cry my eyes out (it's not a pretty sight), anger for the injustices of females everywhere, beat up & pin to death certain characters (which earned me just a little chocolate happiness) & I wanted to steal Syke & his overflowing heart from Hanako. Ms. Royce created a different & heart wrenching romance with a Far East flair that totally deserves my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
April 2, 2014
*What Meghna Sarkar Thought*
**ARC provided by Netgalley**
“She twirled and flipped the fans with a mastery that transformed them, wielding them with more audacity than he had ever seen in a ballroom.”
Lord Skyler has a new position as the Royal Commissioner and his first assignment is to enquire whether the oriental performers at London’s Great Exhibitions are all properly contracted. There he discovers a jade maiden and he is captivated by the lady’s grace and elegance while performing a fan-dance. But attempting to find out more about her threatens to land him into more trouble than he can handle. He is ably supported by his cousin Lord Devin and his partner Mrs.Duchamp.
Hana aka Hanako aka Miss Sumaki aka Miss Johannsen is a beautiful half-Japanese, half-Dutch performer struggling to find a way out of servitude and to free her younger sister. She is also proficient in twenty odd languages and a master of disguises. When she meets this handsome Englishman with kind eyes, she dares to dream of a different future but is aware that such a union is forbidden and will be considered dishonorable by Sky’s family and the rigid English society. The story narrates how she finally decides to believe that their love will overcome all obstacles and prevail.
The background is different but the story remains the same cliché. A wealthy aristocrat rescues a “fallen” woman and despite societal censure chooses to marry her. Ms. Royce has tried very hard to make us sympathize with her heroine but she fails. She wants us to see Hanako as an unwilling servant of her circumstances. Though Hana wants to be strong, she comes across as more confused. She changes her decisions at such a rapid pace that it becomes quite exasperating. Moreover, the dialogues and some of the scenes are too much in-your-face racist. Everything could have been more subdued and yet would have achieved the desired effect.
“But, miss, they all look the same. It is impossible to distinguish one Oriental from another.” Sky has a more-defined role, he wants to save his beautiful jade-maiden and will not let anything or anybody harm her. The secondary characters seem to be stereotypical and hastily sketched, all except perhaps Mrs.Duchamp.
The story is like a Hollywood starrer with a big-name star-cast but it just does not reach its potential. I would recommend this only to people looking for “old wine in a different bottle” in Historical Romance.
Characters: 3
Writing: 2
Plot: 3
Cover : 5
Overall – 3
**ARC provided by Netgalley**
“She twirled and flipped the fans with a mastery that transformed them, wielding them with more audacity than he had ever seen in a ballroom.”
Lord Skyler has a new position as the Royal Commissioner and his first assignment is to enquire whether the oriental performers at London’s Great Exhibitions are all properly contracted. There he discovers a jade maiden and he is captivated by the lady’s grace and elegance while performing a fan-dance. But attempting to find out more about her threatens to land him into more trouble than he can handle. He is ably supported by his cousin Lord Devin and his partner Mrs.Duchamp.
Hana aka Hanako aka Miss Sumaki aka Miss Johannsen is a beautiful half-Japanese, half-Dutch performer struggling to find a way out of servitude and to free her younger sister. She is also proficient in twenty odd languages and a master of disguises. When she meets this handsome Englishman with kind eyes, she dares to dream of a different future but is aware that such a union is forbidden and will be considered dishonorable by Sky’s family and the rigid English society. The story narrates how she finally decides to believe that their love will overcome all obstacles and prevail.
The background is different but the story remains the same cliché. A wealthy aristocrat rescues a “fallen” woman and despite societal censure chooses to marry her. Ms. Royce has tried very hard to make us sympathize with her heroine but she fails. She wants us to see Hanako as an unwilling servant of her circumstances. Though Hana wants to be strong, she comes across as more confused. She changes her decisions at such a rapid pace that it becomes quite exasperating. Moreover, the dialogues and some of the scenes are too much in-your-face racist. Everything could have been more subdued and yet would have achieved the desired effect.
“But, miss, they all look the same. It is impossible to distinguish one Oriental from another.” Sky has a more-defined role, he wants to save his beautiful jade-maiden and will not let anything or anybody harm her. The secondary characters seem to be stereotypical and hastily sketched, all except perhaps Mrs.Duchamp.
The story is like a Hollywood starrer with a big-name star-cast but it just does not reach its potential. I would recommend this only to people looking for “old wine in a different bottle” in Historical Romance.
Characters: 3
Writing: 2
Plot: 3
Cover : 5
Overall – 3
September 6, 2016
3.5 stars
I was intrigued by the premise: a Victorian-era setting against the Great Exhibition of 1851 in which a titled Lord involves himself with a Japanese Fan Dancer and the intrigue that comes with both the uniqueness of the relationship and the secrets held by Hanako. Royce presents a world that feels very real and is easy to imagine the wonders, as if seeing them for the first time as Londoner’s did. The Victorian era was beginning to exert influence on social and societal customs and with Albert’s insatiable fascination with new technologies and scientific advancement, a new era of industrial, scientific and exploratory discoveries are being integrated into the public eye. A scant ten years before Albert’s death and Victoria’s subsequent retirement from public life, the mood and curiosity of the public was insatiable.
Lord Skyler Ridgemont is in service to the crown, seeing to the contractual needs and intricacies of performances, and tying up the loose ends. While he is intrigued by the unique presence and approach of the Japanese woman, Hanako, he feels a connection that surprises him. Hanako finds him uniquely different, her vacillation between reticence and proper behavior mixing with a very forward display not acceptable in polite society at that time.
The story has several different sub-plot points that need to be worked through: the interracial relationship, Hanako’s inability to find a solid behavioral pattern that would not bring shame on Skyler, even as she won’t be accepted, and Hanako’s big secret. Each unfolds slowly, with plenty of back and forth and diversions of setting and place that help the reader to enjoy the scenery. While there is a romance, it’s very slow to develop and most of the story is consumed with the reveals from Hanako while Skyler is far more open and easy to know. I will say that the pacing is stronger in the earlier chapters of the book, while it never gains the level of fast moving, must turn the page, the steady unsteadiness of the pacing did allow time to revel in the descriptions and feel – although less emotionally visceral than I would have hoped,. Romance in this story did take a backseat for me to the luxe descriptions and scene setting.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I was intrigued by the premise: a Victorian-era setting against the Great Exhibition of 1851 in which a titled Lord involves himself with a Japanese Fan Dancer and the intrigue that comes with both the uniqueness of the relationship and the secrets held by Hanako. Royce presents a world that feels very real and is easy to imagine the wonders, as if seeing them for the first time as Londoner’s did. The Victorian era was beginning to exert influence on social and societal customs and with Albert’s insatiable fascination with new technologies and scientific advancement, a new era of industrial, scientific and exploratory discoveries are being integrated into the public eye. A scant ten years before Albert’s death and Victoria’s subsequent retirement from public life, the mood and curiosity of the public was insatiable.
Lord Skyler Ridgemont is in service to the crown, seeing to the contractual needs and intricacies of performances, and tying up the loose ends. While he is intrigued by the unique presence and approach of the Japanese woman, Hanako, he feels a connection that surprises him. Hanako finds him uniquely different, her vacillation between reticence and proper behavior mixing with a very forward display not acceptable in polite society at that time.
The story has several different sub-plot points that need to be worked through: the interracial relationship, Hanako’s inability to find a solid behavioral pattern that would not bring shame on Skyler, even as she won’t be accepted, and Hanako’s big secret. Each unfolds slowly, with plenty of back and forth and diversions of setting and place that help the reader to enjoy the scenery. While there is a romance, it’s very slow to develop and most of the story is consumed with the reveals from Hanako while Skyler is far more open and easy to know. I will say that the pacing is stronger in the earlier chapters of the book, while it never gains the level of fast moving, must turn the page, the steady unsteadiness of the pacing did allow time to revel in the descriptions and feel – although less emotionally visceral than I would have hoped,. Romance in this story did take a backseat for me to the luxe descriptions and scene setting.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
September 28, 2015
A very nicely written follow-up to her first book, Never Too Late. Solid writing and interesting characters complement this unusual storyline. It focuses on an intercultural relationship (surely unusual in Victorian times) and human trafficking. Both are challenging subjects, but were handled very well. A very nice book.
May 22, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lord Skyler (Skyler? Really?) Ridgemont has accepted a position as a commissioner of the London Great Exhibition in 1851, and encounters a lovely Japanese fan dancer there. He is smitten, and in the process of trying to learn more about her, essentially ends up stumbling upon a 19th century human trafficking organization.
I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I really dislike the hero's name Skyler, as it sounds far too modern to fit in with the era. The heroine, Hana, comes off as a very weak character, despite the author's efforts to portray her as conflicted and torn between two worlds.
On a positive note, this is the second book I've read by Amara Royce, and both have been a bit different from other historical romance reads - this one with the human trafficking aspect, and her last one with a child pornography ring. The romance between hero and heroine is nice, although a bit cliche (hero saves disreputable woman and marries her despite what anyone else thinks). I liked seeing Lord Devin and Honoria again, from her last book, and I still adored them. All in all, I would give this book a solid 3.5 stars for effort. I love books set in Victorian times, rather than just a slew of Regency romances all the time, and I hope Ms. Royce keeps writing.
Lord Skyler (Skyler? Really?) Ridgemont has accepted a position as a commissioner of the London Great Exhibition in 1851, and encounters a lovely Japanese fan dancer there. He is smitten, and in the process of trying to learn more about her, essentially ends up stumbling upon a 19th century human trafficking organization.
I wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I really dislike the hero's name Skyler, as it sounds far too modern to fit in with the era. The heroine, Hana, comes off as a very weak character, despite the author's efforts to portray her as conflicted and torn between two worlds.
On a positive note, this is the second book I've read by Amara Royce, and both have been a bit different from other historical romance reads - this one with the human trafficking aspect, and her last one with a child pornography ring. The romance between hero and heroine is nice, although a bit cliche (hero saves disreputable woman and marries her despite what anyone else thinks). I liked seeing Lord Devin and Honoria again, from her last book, and I still adored them. All in all, I would give this book a solid 3.5 stars for effort. I love books set in Victorian times, rather than just a slew of Regency romances all the time, and I hope Ms. Royce keeps writing.
May 14, 2014
Just couldn't connect to it, hard as I tried!
Couldn't connect to it...
I had the toughest time finishing this book, I've put it down so many times in the hope that I would see it in a different light. But each and every time was no different from the last, because I've committed myself and the determination to see it through, propelled me to the finish line at last.
I find the heroine ( funny that I just finished it but couldn't remember her name ) so inconsistent, somewhat too forward when it comes to her many encounters with the hero. During that era, the women are so docile, timid and ever so conscious of the do's and don't's, adhering to society's propriety. Considering those times especially her heritage, being Japanese descent, I thought her constant touching and kissing the hero is brass, inappropriate and unacceptable. The hero is the one who is always considering and careful of her reputation, how she would be perceived by the ton's watchful eye by some of her actions. Ever so careful he doesn't do anything to tarnish the heroine's reputation that he comes out like cold, almost unfeeling kind of a man. I think you can get more reaction from a toad, their sexual encounter is as erotic and hot as wet paper towels.
I really did not find anything I can recommend about this book except that the writing is good.
*** An ARC was provided by NetGalley ***
Couldn't connect to it...
I had the toughest time finishing this book, I've put it down so many times in the hope that I would see it in a different light. But each and every time was no different from the last, because I've committed myself and the determination to see it through, propelled me to the finish line at last.
I find the heroine ( funny that I just finished it but couldn't remember her name ) so inconsistent, somewhat too forward when it comes to her many encounters with the hero. During that era, the women are so docile, timid and ever so conscious of the do's and don't's, adhering to society's propriety. Considering those times especially her heritage, being Japanese descent, I thought her constant touching and kissing the hero is brass, inappropriate and unacceptable. The hero is the one who is always considering and careful of her reputation, how she would be perceived by the ton's watchful eye by some of her actions. Ever so careful he doesn't do anything to tarnish the heroine's reputation that he comes out like cold, almost unfeeling kind of a man. I think you can get more reaction from a toad, their sexual encounter is as erotic and hot as wet paper towels.
I really did not find anything I can recommend about this book except that the writing is good.
*** An ARC was provided by NetGalley ***
September 8, 2014
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable things about this book is the atmosphere. Ms. Royce has the skill to pull the reader into the world of the Great Exhibition, and the subtle nature of social standing in Victorian London. By using her characters, both major and minor, Ms. Royce easily shows just how stratified the society was, and how many people were trying desperately to transform it while still operating in the dictated confines of society.
Personally, I would have liked to see a little more background material, much of which was hinted at throughout the book. How did Skylar and his relationship with his cousin develop? How did Hanako survive her travels from Japan? How did her father come to give her up? Exploring any of these questions, and a few more would certainly add to the depth and scope of the story beautifully.
The story overall is fast paced, and an easy weekend read. If you’re looking for a book to enjoy while enjoying the outdoor sun, this is a good choice.
Personally, I would have liked to see a little more background material, much of which was hinted at throughout the book. How did Skylar and his relationship with his cousin develop? How did Hanako survive her travels from Japan? How did her father come to give her up? Exploring any of these questions, and a few more would certainly add to the depth and scope of the story beautifully.
The story overall is fast paced, and an easy weekend read. If you’re looking for a book to enjoy while enjoying the outdoor sun, this is a good choice.
April 14, 2016
If I could I'd give this 4.5 stars. I very much enjoyed this book, however there were times where I found it needlessly complex. The book is almost entirely from the hero's perspective, which is unusual in romance. I didn't mind because I quite liked the hero. I did notice that the heroine spent an awful lot of time explaining things to the hero. it worked though as the hero had to deal with culture shock and the underlying racism that he was inculcated with. There were several points in the book where I didn't know how the couple was going to overcome the obstacles, but they managed a very satisfying ending after all.
flounced
May 30, 2014DNF at 30%
I just couldn't read anymore. This was very slow moving for me, and to be honest, it made me a bit ill that Hanako When Ridgemont's cousin was all boastful about being I wanted to throw up.
Since this was my first novel by this author, I'd be willing to try something else by her because truly, the writing wasn't bad at all. The storyline is what I had trouble with.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
I just couldn't read anymore. This was very slow moving for me, and to be honest, it made me a bit ill that Hanako When Ridgemont's cousin was all boastful about being I wanted to throw up.
Since this was my first novel by this author, I'd be willing to try something else by her because truly, the writing wasn't bad at all. The storyline is what I had trouble with.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
May 15, 2014
Historical romance set in Victorian London with a suspense sub plot. Loved the outsider heroine, thought the villain was convincing, and appreciated that this story felt Victorian. The author doesn't write it as a pseudo-Regency (gah, I HATE that! If you're writing a Victorian era story I want to read a Victorian!). The romance itself just ended up being OK for me. I think I needed a little more fire in the hero. Around a B- for me.
March 31, 2014
2.5 stars, I could have been a beautiful story for me but some plot twists left me disappointed.
April 28, 2014
I really wish that I could say that I enjoyed this book. I tried but I just didn't care for it. I didn't enjoy the story nor it's characters.
Read
October 18, 2014"Lord Skyler Ridgemont". His name is Skyler! Facepalm x 1000. Unless this abomination is a travel novel... and even then, it would still be an abomination.
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