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Fair is the Rose
(Van Alen Sisters #2)
by
The beauty behind the black veil...
Christal Van Alen was wanted from Maine to Missouri. Swathed in widow's weeds, she was running to Wyoming Territory...when the outlaw, Macaulay Cain, captured their stagecoach, and the aristocratic New Yorker was prisoner again. She couldn't trust the infamous outlaw; she couldn't share her real name or her secret past. Yet he was her onl ...more
Christal Van Alen was wanted from Maine to Missouri. Swathed in widow's weeds, she was running to Wyoming Territory...when the outlaw, Macaulay Cain, captured their stagecoach, and the aristocratic New Yorker was prisoner again. She couldn't trust the infamous outlaw; she couldn't share her real name or her secret past. Yet he was her onl ...more
Mass Market Paperback, 386 pages
Published
November 1993
by Island Books
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Meagan McKinney is one of my FAVORITE authors but her books can really be hit or miss. WHEN ANGELS FALL and LIONS AND LACE are two of my favorite romances of all time, but THE GROUND SHE WALKS UPON made me angry because it was bad, and TIL DAWN TAMES THE NIGHT made me even angrier because it was bad and it was so close to being good. FAIR IS THE ROSE had big boots to fill right out of the gate because it's the "sequel" to LIONS AND LACE, ...more
Let's start off with the stepback courtesy of saturnalia:
Fair is the Rose is a follow up to McKinney's Lions And Lace, although it can be read as a stand-alone. As the book starts, Christal Van Alen has been on the run from the law for about three years, after escaping from the insane asylum her uncle put her in after she allegedly murdered her parents (it's too hard to explain it all without spoiling). Anyhoo, she's currently dressed in widow's weeds and in Wyoming Territory when the stage coac ...more
Fair is the Rose is a follow up to McKinney's Lions And Lace, although it can be read as a stand-alone. As the book starts, Christal Van Alen has been on the run from the law for about three years, after escaping from the insane asylum her uncle put her in after she allegedly murdered her parents (it's too hard to explain it all without spoiling). Anyhoo, she's currently dressed in widow's weeds and in Wyoming Territory when the stage coac ...more
This was a great sequel to Lions And Lace. The setting was totally different, but equally as interesting. Lions and Lace took place in post-Civil War New York high society while Fair is the Rose took place out west where Crystal had fled to avoid her evil uncle from the first book. (She was the younger sister of the h in Lions and Lace)
The hero was pretty delicious. He was an ex Confederate soldier with a lot of emotional baggage. The experience had made him hard, but not mean. He was totally in ...more
The hero was pretty delicious. He was an ex Confederate soldier with a lot of emotional baggage. The experience had made him hard, but not mean. He was totally in ...more
Aug 28, 2019
Andrea (Catsos Person) is a Compulsive eBook Hoarder
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
The first book of this duology, Lions and Lace had a really good premise, but this author had problems executing her vision in a way that made certain behaviors and actions logical. Well, I enjoyed this more because there were fewer of those instances, but she used a rather big one to hinge the story upon.
Chrystal was born into the elite 400 of old New York City. A family of high social status and wealth. The story takes place in the late 19th C. At a very young age, she is declared insane and c ...more
Chrystal was born into the elite 400 of old New York City. A family of high social status and wealth. The story takes place in the late 19th C. At a very young age, she is declared insane and c ...more
"Fair is the Rose" is the story of Christal and Cain.
So I stayed up ALL night reading this, and though I am sleepy AF at work, I have no regrets.
Our heroine is Christal Van Alen, sister to Alana and a fugitive on the run. Framed by her evil uncle for murdering her parents, she has spent years in an asylum until she finally gets her chance to escape..and has since been fleeing from the law.
Things take a turn when on the way to Wyoming Territory, her coach is captured by the infamous outlaw Macaul ...more
So I stayed up ALL night reading this, and though I am sleepy AF at work, I have no regrets.
Our heroine is Christal Van Alen, sister to Alana and a fugitive on the run. Framed by her evil uncle for murdering her parents, she has spent years in an asylum until she finally gets her chance to escape..and has since been fleeing from the law.
Things take a turn when on the way to Wyoming Territory, her coach is captured by the infamous outlaw Macaul ...more
"Yes, I love you." The answer and, more so, his delivery caught her by surprise. He used the same tone as when he cursed. She looked up. Her gaze locked with his. His eyes were angry and crystalline cold. "Don't ever ask me that question again."
BAM! I adore Macaulay Cain. Dare I say he's my favorite hero yet? He's crude, rude, a scoundrel, and utterly and completely in love with Christal. He will stop at nothing to protect her and win her love.
Alright, I should back it up a little. Christal is o ...more
BAM! I adore Macaulay Cain. Dare I say he's my favorite hero yet? He's crude, rude, a scoundrel, and utterly and completely in love with Christal. He will stop at nothing to protect her and win her love.
Alright, I should back it up a little. Christal is o ...more
Fair Is The Rose is a story that is the second in the series and it continues the series —four years after “Lions and Lace” takes place. This is Christal’s book. In the first book we see where she escapes from the mental facility she was being held in and is now on the run from her uncle who seeks to kill her. But then she finds herself in a situation she never imagined….she is being kidnapped but her captor is none like any other man she has ever met. Despite the circumstances there is a deep c
...more
Apr 25, 2016
Naksed
marked it as dnf
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
After Nenia's glowing review of Lions and Lace, I knew I had to read it. I loved it so much I bought a copy. This book is the sequel, and while the premise didn't grab me, I decided to give it a try anyway for the sake of buddy-reading it with Nenia.
I'm continuing my trend of DNFing books that don't grab me though. I really started that this past year, and it was so freeing not to have books I'm not into hanging over my head. Sure, there's a bit of guilt, but I don't have time for books that are ...more
I'm continuing my trend of DNFing books that don't grab me though. I really started that this past year, and it was so freeing not to have books I'm not into hanging over my head. Sure, there's a bit of guilt, but I don't have time for books that are ...more
4 and 1/2 Stars: Wonderful Wyoming Historical with Great Twists and Turns!
I am a huge fan of McKinney’s historical romances, but this was my first Western romance by her. I was not disappointed and I don’t think you will be either.
Set in 1875, this second in the Van Alan sisters duology tells the story of Christal Van Alan, who was raised as a prominent Knickerbocker of Manhattan until the day she was accused of a terrible crime she didn’t commit. Three years on the run, she finally flees to Wyo ...more
I am a huge fan of McKinney’s historical romances, but this was my first Western romance by her. I was not disappointed and I don’t think you will be either.
Set in 1875, this second in the Van Alan sisters duology tells the story of Christal Van Alan, who was raised as a prominent Knickerbocker of Manhattan until the day she was accused of a terrible crime she didn’t commit. Three years on the run, she finally flees to Wyo ...more
I really loved this book,it was a fun read!
Crystal (h) is on the run, she escaped the asylum in New York were she was being held for years after wrongly accused and convicted of murdering her parents. She has been traveling as a widow and working hard to earn and save enough money to someday return to New York, hire a lawyer and prove her innocence.
Macaulay Cain (H) has just survived a hanging, how many outlaws can say that?? Now he's on the run with a ruthless gang and though he's not the name ...more
Crystal (h) is on the run, she escaped the asylum in New York were she was being held for years after wrongly accused and convicted of murdering her parents. She has been traveling as a widow and working hard to earn and save enough money to someday return to New York, hire a lawyer and prove her innocence.
Macaulay Cain (H) has just survived a hanging, how many outlaws can say that?? Now he's on the run with a ruthless gang and though he's not the name ...more
Oh good lord, I just couldn’t get into this one. Not that it wasn’t a good story, but there was no chemistry and all the two main characters did was fight and lie. I didn’t care at all if they ended up together. She could have ended up with Pete and I would have been fine. Where was the passion from Lions and Lace?! It began great but then went nowhere.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Apr 29, 2012
Jane Stewart
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-western-romance
2 ½ stars. Heroine was no fun to watch. She was a wimp, a weak victim with feelings of desperation throughout the book.
STORY BRIEF:
Christal’s parents were wealthy. Her uncle killed them, accused her, and had her placed in an asylum. She escaped and has been on the run working as a waitress and selling dances. Her uncle wants her dead. Christal is riding in a stage coach. An outlaw gang takes her and other passengers as hostages to collect ransom money. Cain is a member of the gang. The story is ...more
STORY BRIEF:
Christal’s parents were wealthy. Her uncle killed them, accused her, and had her placed in an asylum. She escaped and has been on the run working as a waitress and selling dances. Her uncle wants her dead. Christal is riding in a stage coach. An outlaw gang takes her and other passengers as hostages to collect ransom money. Cain is a member of the gang. The story is ...more
Love, love, love this book! This is the sequel to McKinney's novel "Lions and Lace", and it's much, much better. Christal Van Alen is on the run when the "outlaw" Macaulay Cain kidnaps her. There's more than meets the eye, however, for both Christal and Macaulay. Neither are who they seem to be. The sparks fly in this novel. It's a great love story. This is McKinney at her best!
...more
Not as good as the first. I was very disappointed.
The hero was yummy and I loved him, but I just didn’t like this book as much as loved its predecessor. It was written well and the lead characters shared amazing chemistry. I will be seeking out more of McKinney’s books.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Lions and Lace.. IMO, the first half was better than the second, but there wasn't enough angst to make it as wonderful as Alana's story.. I did however enjoy Macaulay:-) 3.5 - 4 stars
...more
I liked it.
Even though the atmosphere between first book and this one's quite different, I still liked it. Though it's not exactly my favorite.
Christabel didn't really get big portion in the first book, so I didn't really know her back then. But apparently she's a strong girl. I don't really like Cain though, he's a bit scary. But overall I enjoyed reading this book. :) ...more
Even though the atmosphere between first book and this one's quite different, I still liked it. Though it's not exactly my favorite.
Christabel didn't really get big portion in the first book, so I didn't really know her back then. But apparently she's a strong girl. I don't really like Cain though, he's a bit scary. But overall I enjoyed reading this book. :) ...more
I kind of wished there would've been an epilogue. Nonetheless, a great story!
...more
...more
Not sure about this one. No idea if it is just that I am not in the mood or I just don't click with the author. I know there are scenes that are supposed to stir.me but I just cannot be invested enough in the characters to bother.
The first part I love. I suspected what will pan out but I do adore the living in the enemy camp thrill, the H is protective of the h right from the start and he is he typical dark and brooding type that I love. Same with another reader, I have a huge problem with the h ...more
The first part I love. I suspected what will pan out but I do adore the living in the enemy camp thrill, the H is protective of the h right from the start and he is he typical dark and brooding type that I love. Same with another reader, I have a huge problem with the h ...more
I read this book many years later after I read Lion and Lace, the first Van Alan Sisters story. I like Alana, the first book, much better than Fair is the Rose.
The writing is very good. Plots are ok. Hero is a US marshall but was doing undercover playing a villain when he met the heroin. Instant attraction and a fake rape and of course hero tried to protect the heroin. Heroin runs away because of her past, hides in another town and hero comes after her.
I cannot quite pinpoint my dissatisfactino ...more
The writing is very good. Plots are ok. Hero is a US marshall but was doing undercover playing a villain when he met the heroin. Instant attraction and a fake rape and of course hero tried to protect the heroin. Heroin runs away because of her past, hides in another town and hero comes after her.
I cannot quite pinpoint my dissatisfactino ...more
Oct 03, 2010
Smita Magar
added it
I am dying to read this book...
have been searching for like years!
Asmi has been trying to send the book from US but, taking too long...if anybody has this book...would love to borrow for time being...:)
have been searching for like years!
Asmi has been trying to send the book from US but, taking too long...if anybody has this book...would love to borrow for time being...:)
Feb 22, 2012
Tango
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Tango by:
Sweetie
Shelves:
revenge,
murder,
romance,
romantic-adventure,
slightly-steamy,
childhood-memories,
cowboy,
widow,
trauma,
humorous
A good solid "(good) guy gets (traumatized) girl" story. Some good "chuckle" bits; a very little "family drama" involving an evil uncle; and a "happily ever after." Not quite a page-turner, but kept me going as I read to my wife.
...more
Jan 21, 2014
Susan (the other Susan)
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance,
his-throbbing-euphemism
It's been a while, but I recall liking this more than the angstier offerings by this author. If you're gonna get kidnapped by a gang of stagecoach robbers, it's got to be a relief that one of them is a hunk with a protective streak.
...more
3.5-4 stars
Liked how it started the action from the beginning. Interesting enough hold my interest even though it's a fluffy romance novel. ...more
Liked how it started the action from the beginning. Interesting enough hold my interest even though it's a fluffy romance novel. ...more
This is the way I like my books- so immersed in the characters and storyline it takes me a day to read. I loved this book!
Tho I enjoyed it a lot the heroine is kind of a disappointment for me... I don't require a heroine in a book to be always that smart woman, nor pretty, not even rich or brave ones actually I love meek and sometimes those quite and yes I like those scared ones too I can even appreciate a totally weak almost (or really) dormant of a heroine... I don't mind it at all as long as she won't be stupid (too stupid), overly stubborn, someone who won't seem to grow up or someone who always runaway from pe
...more
I hated the heroine
The only reason I rate this 4 stars is because of the hero Cain, he is intense, rugged and handsome and above all focused on his love for the heroine
I hate that despite all he does to earn her trust, it takes her almost the end of the book to trust him
Author could have done better
Sex scenes are not as steamy as I would like
Aside all, it's a pretty decent read ...more
The only reason I rate this 4 stars is because of the hero Cain, he is intense, rugged and handsome and above all focused on his love for the heroine
I hate that despite all he does to earn her trust, it takes her almost the end of the book to trust him
Author could have done better
Sex scenes are not as steamy as I would like
Aside all, it's a pretty decent read ...more
3.5 Stars
I don't know what it is about this series but I liked it. I had the same issue with the second novel as I did the first - I don't understand why the Heroine felt a connection and falls in love with the Hero. I just don't see where it came from. I still enjoyed the story despite that. ...more
I don't know what it is about this series but I liked it. I had the same issue with the second novel as I did the first - I don't understand why the Heroine felt a connection and falls in love with the Hero. I just don't see where it came from. I still enjoyed the story despite that. ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Historical - Girl pretending to be a widow is kidnapped after a train robbery. [s] | 4 | 24 | Mar 20, 2018 02:12PM |
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