I love author Karen Hawkins. Her books are almost always a fresh glimpse into days past, light and funny romances with a smattering of history that make me wish I was wearing a ball gown and dancing with an earl. This book, however, was something of a disappointment. Tristan Levanthe is the typical reclusive, rough-and-tumble personality you might find living alone on the cliffs of the sea. He is of course dashingly handsome, and reveals himself to have a soft heart as well by caring for all the former sailors who wander to his home in search of sanctuary.Prudence Thistlewaite is the classic neighborly woman. Widowed, living in shame, her only company is her mother and a housekeeper who spouts Bible quotes in favor of lectures. The women desire to build a school for the comportment of young ladies, and are in search of the funds to do so.In the beginning, the budding attraction between Prudence and Tristan is good. They each spend time trying to convince themselves they do not feel anything for the other, but when they are alone they cannot resist taking forbidden liberties. Even Reeves, the imperturbable butler sent to watch over Tristan by his late father, cannot keep them apart for long.The ending of the book came as a surprise to me, and I found it to be rushed. One minute I felt like I was somewhere in the middle of the story, and the next minute Tristan was declaring undying love and proposing marriage. Less than 20 pages later the book was finished, and I was left feeling like a lot of the story was left out.All in all the book is ok for a quick read. Typically, most of my historical romance novels are read in between longer historical fiction series or fantasy series books, to sort of give my brain a rest. Reading this book felt somewhat like running across a large field, sitting for ten seconds, then running again. The saving grace is that this book is one of Hawkins' older stories, so I already know her newer writing is much, much better than this. It will not deter me in the least from buying the rest of her books. If you are looking for a book to distract you on the long bus ride or to keep in your desk drawer for lunchtime reading at work, then this is a good one.
Tristan Llevanth loved the sea and being aboard his ship, but when he is injured fighting side by side with Admiral Nelson, he has to give up what he loves, and his men come with him. Tristan settles in a house in the countryside that overlooks the ocean. And despite the peace he desires, he never manages to hold onto it. A neighbor widow, Prudence Thistlewaite, is definitely the bane of his existence and they tend to get on each other's nerves. Then Reeves (his late father's butler) tells him that he is the new earl, he needs to learn all the pompous rituals that come with the title and the money, which he desperately needs for his men. So Reeves has Prudence endeavor to teach Tristan, which is a sore trial in and of itself. And the more time they are alone together, passions ignite between the two of them, with the future uncertain if they could end up together in the end.As much as I love this author, this is probably my least favorite book of Karen Hawkins. It took me a while to get into the story, and had to force myself to keep reading until I got into the story, which thankfully I did, but it seemed to take a while. There were certain aspects of the story that I really fell in love with though. The characters I found intriguing and utterly fascinating, and all of them had me at the very beginning. The plot was very mystery packed and filled with surprises, that will delight you. However I just found at the beginning the interaction between Prudence and Tristan, leaves much to be desired, however once the story really got going, then it started to even out, and I started to enjoy the story. But overall it was a good romance and was glad to finally read Tristan's story.
What do You think about Her Master And Commander (2006)?
The first book in the Just Ask Reeves series by Karen Hawkins. If you are looking for something light and amusing this might be it. It was a pleasant read but nothing really special for me. Tristan, the hero, is a hero and ex-pirate. Injured and unable to return to the sea, he is living in a small cottage by the sea with a houseful of other injured sailors/ex-pirates. Lady Prudence has come to the remote area in hopes of opening a school. Unfortunately, the pirate's sheep keeps getting into her garden and that dratted pirate won't do anything about it.Enter Reeves. Reeves has been assigned the task of getting Tristan ready to take over the position of earl. Not an easy task.
—Pamela(AllHoney)
More like 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the book but there were several places that got a little boring and I put the book down for a while. I also found myself skipping some scenes (and didn't miss anything). Honestly, I found Reeves finding Christian and everything to do with that more interesting than Tristan and Prudence's (what a terrible name for a heroine) "dilemma".
—Jessica Grogan
Dying without legitimate "issue",the late Earl of Roochester sends out his butler "extraordinare" Reeves to find his wild "other side of the blanket" twin sons to civilize them.The first one a Captain Tristan Lievanth. first off the cover & the back description lead me to think the story would have lots of "pirate" action going on..when in fact the only action that was going on was with the sheep..they were having a hay-day (excuse the pun) And civilize children you havent raised yourself bu
—Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*
