Not even worth writing my own words. I copied and pasted fro two others I thought fitting:The characters were very dull and uncaptivating. There is nothing in Emma to arouse any interest; she's just a society girl who is completely content with her frivolous life. Augustus, meanwhile, has the most tiresome dialogue, continually speaking in enough rhymes and alliterations to drive a reader mad. This book also featured a close-up look at the Bonapartes, and even they seemed to be lacking.The fact that I checked this out of our library yesterday and finished it today is testimony to Willig's increasing predictability: I skimmed a LOT. The characters, the predicaments, and the action were wooden. The love story was a snooze, with way too much tortured conversation, and the villains so unthreatening that they posed no threat at all. Ok. I'll add my own. The dialog was torturous. Waaaaay, way too many words and thoughts and debates and uncertainties. Just go! Lauren Willig has come through again! The heroine, Emma Delagardie, has been a background character in the last few books and other than being Jane's friend, that's all the readers know about her. She was a blank slate to be developed in this story, and she really did...blossom. She wasn't as annoying or crass as she had been painted in the previous books. She wasn't as flighty as the early heroines either as she is a widow and has done the love thing before. A woman scorned, but too young to swear off men forever she meets Augustus Whittlesby, poet extraordinaire! He was just as goofy as he's been portrayed but then offered a more serious, romantic side as the story developed. The romance was a slow-build which I liked...however, it may have been a bit too slow as in the last 40-ish papers there was a rush to tie up both story lines. The only complaint I have is the way Jane's character is changed. She isn't that level-headed sweet-ass spy anymore, but a cold-hearted bitch that only thinks about work and doesn't have any concern for the emotions of others. She blows off her partner and best friends in a very un-Jane-like way. Let's not forget the modern era couple. Eloise and Colin had a bit of drama with the start of the movie but then resorted to their fluffy nonsense. I hope the next book offers some variety...like a fight or something? I mean, Willig sets up a plot for them that could make things interesting, but Eloise and Colin are always so happy and perfect that is is a total snore. So, Pink Carnation fans rejoice in yet another success. Newbies to the series or fans of regency books, enjoy a slow-build romance.
What do You think about The Garden Intrigue (2012)?
Interesting enough that I need to go back and read the first 8 books in the series.
—zoee18
Absolutely loved till the last page! Can't wait for what is to come next!
—Anna
