What do You think about Castles (1996)?
This book. Castles by Julie Garwood is one of my favorite historical romances. I've read it a zillion times, and I'll probably read it another zillion times during my lifetime. I never, ever get sick of it. But I decided to switch things up and listen to this via Audio, and it was super fun, although I prefer reading the print version the best.Castles features a princess, you guys. A princess! Did I ever tell you that I was obsessed with princesses as a kid (okay I still am). So anyway, Alesandra, the heroine, is a princess. Alesandra is very intelligent, especially when it comes to numbers and money and investing. But, of course, that isn't acceptable for women during this time period. So Alesandra finds a way around this because she is freaking awesome. Alesandra is just one of my favorite heroines in romance. She's a list maker, she's nice and thoughtful, but not against a little deceit when need be.Colin, the hero, is totally swoony. He's my kind of guy. He's trying to build his shipping business with her partner. He's works hard and doesn't really accept help all that well. He's stubborn, especially when it comes to his severely injured leg. He has a plan, and marriage and children don't come into the picture for at least 5 years. But the best laid plans never work out like you expect them too.From the very beginning, I was rooting for Colin and Alesandra to get together. There is absolutely no doubt that they belong together. Although there has to be conflict that prevents them from getting together immediately, it was never the back and forth stuff that I get frustrated with. And then when they do get together, it's just so darn amazing.There's a suspense angle to Castles, that also brings some tension into the story. As usual with romance, the suspense angle isn't all that mysterious, but seriously I just don't care. Because Colin and Alesandra are just amazing and I can never get enough of their story. I can say for sure that I will be reading Castles again sometime relatively soon.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
—Quinn's Book Nook
Castles was such an endearing story. It wasn't my favorite in the Crown's Spies series (those would be The Gift, then Guardian Angel), but I did like it quite a lot. I tend to enjoy a good marriage-of-convenience story, particularly when the circumstances aren't contrived. Colin was a grumpy but honorable man, and I'm glad he got his happy ending. Alesandra was a lot tamer than the other ladies in the series, and I loved that she had a great head for business (and a bod for sin - sorry, couldn't help myself). They were a charming couple. Having said that. Despite my enjoyment, I can't help but note that pieces of their story seemed to rely on more tell than show. I felt that, yes, I was being told that they really loved each other,but I never felt the spark that the previous couples had. I also have to say that the mystery was very creepy, a bit rushed at the end, but compelling. Despite my hangups, I did truly enjoy Castles. It was a nice way to round out the Crown's Spies series, and I do recommend them all.
—Andrea
Castles by Julie Garwood is a story about innocent, orphaned Princess Alessandra who has grown up in a convent. She receives a letter from the Evil General Ivan who wants to marry her for political reasons and to get his hands on her very well endowed inheritance. To save herself from the horrible fate of marrying the evil general, she travels to England in search of a husband. She only has three weeks to find him. She meets Collin, the hardworking, independent second son of her guardian, the Duke of Williamshire. Alessandra and Collin misunderstand each other from their first meeting and reject each other. However, after they are thrown together in marriage, they share passion and discover love. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the prowl in London and women are missing. One of these women is Alessandra’s good friend and Alessandra is determined to find her.This is my first Julie Garwood novel. Her writing style is entertaining, humorous,and fun. The story itself is fast paced. I do generally prefer more historical detail in my fiction and more depth in the characters, however this genre is often less detailed, and I accept that as a reader. I found the naïve virgin versus the experienced emotionless male to be a bit overdone, but overall I was entertained. If you are looking for a quick, entertaining, slightly breathless romance, then pick up this novel.
—Susie Brooks
