Jane Feather

For the sake of a Re-Readathon I only read the Sabrina Jeffries story (also I have vague memories of not being terribly interested in either of the other two). For anyone who has a first edition of Let Sleeping Rogues Lie you might notice that the short excerpt in the back of that features Martin and Elinor of this story 'When Sparks Fly' but is entitled 'Once A Rake, Always a Rake'. I can only guess that the title changed at some point between the publication of Rogues and Snowy Night. And to be truthful the new title is definitely more fitting anyhow.

Remember rather shy Elinor from Rogues? She was Lucy's best friend and the one that Anthony proved to the class that scoundrels would tailor their behavior to their target? The one helping to get Madeline hooked up with Anthony. Yes that one! Anyhow she proves her mettle in this story. I didn't think she was a retiring person, shy, but not retiring and she proved she could speak up for herself in this story...so long as she keeps her glasses off when talking.

Even though this was a short story I found the characters of Elinor and Martin to be well-rounded out. Not so much the other characters, but they weren't the central focus. Her Aunt Alyss is bed ridden for much of the story, the kids are...kids and Elinor's father at the end is so busy misunderstanding and blustering that he doesn't really show off well. Elinor grows a bit--in confidence and handling situations mostly, but I think Martin had the most growth. Blockheaded as he was, it didn't take him long to need Elinor in his life--not just in a lustful sense, but in a 'she makes life worth living' sort of way. In the simplest terms, she makes him smile.

All things considered this didn't feel like a short story, but rather a novel that had unnecessary filler taken out.… (més)

This book was lacking in a few things:

a) A likeable hero - Alex didn't appeal at all. It just seemed like he always had ulterior motives and didn't care about Livia at all. Not a believable character.

b) Development of romance/love - I read these books for one reason, and that is the romance. There was none in this book. The characters didn't have that lightning bolt moment when they realize they are in love, and any lead-up type moments were very very boring.

It was just a very unsatisfying novel, which is dissapointing as I usually like Jane Feather books.… (més)