Rating: Summary: Had the makings of a good story but it fizzled Review: In 1899, divorcee Ellen Cornelius accompanies her octogenarian Aunt Augusta to London. The wealthy, crusty senior citizen seeks an elixir that will allow her to live forever. In England, the two Americans meet medicine salesman Steve Cory and his associate Padjan, allegedly an Anazasi. Steve and Padjan agree to escort Augusta to the latter's Indian village where they insist a fountain of youth can be found. Ellen believes Steve and his cohort are clever con artists, shilling her aunt. However, the quartet travels to and across America. On the journey, Steve begins THE SEDUCTION OF ELLEN and soon they make love several times during the trek in places that will hurt the back. Still, though attracted to him, she hates him for what he is doing to her aunt and to her. THE SEDUCTION OF ELLEN is an amusing historical romance that never decides whether to be a satire or a serious work. The story line succeeds when the plot winks at the sub-genre and Nan Ryan's previous novels, but ironically falls short when the tale turns serious as with the graphic sex scenes. A key secondary plot never ties back to the main theme leaving the audience wondering why Ellen's visit to the Citadel is included. Though often humorous, award winning Nan Ryan's latest novel is not at the level expected from this superstar. Harriet Klausner
Rating: Summary: Unrealistic , fuzzy charatcer depth..don't bother buying it Review: Nan Ryan is usually one of my favorite authors but I was disappointed with her new book, The Seduction of Ellen. The characters wer one-dimensional and boring. The love scenes, which are usually a Ryan specialty, were phony and even downright perverted at some parts. The details were scare and I often shook my head in incredulousness at the plot. If you want a good historical romance, this isn't the book to get. Try another Nan Ryan novel such as "Wanting You".
Rating: Summary: Just be seduced by Ms. Ryan's prose Review: Nan Ryan's historical romances set against the lush western frontier is definite to please- and with a story of Ellen Corneius as a spinster bound to her spoiled aunt Alexandra embarking on a quest to immortality, Ellen finds a taunting challenge especially Steve Corey whom she believes is a charlatan. They embark on an expedition to the Lost City in search of magic water to prolong Alexandra's youth. Rest assured, sensuality and full-blown passion is her triumph in this novel but with an exquisite tenderness and compunction for the characters as well - it is though difficult to accept the drastic change of demeanour towards the end when her aunt gains redemption, and the lovers treating each other with mutual respect. Ellen as a prim spinster and she matches well and feisty as the leading lady; Steve is equally enigmatic and dark as a hero. As a romance, logic is cast aside - just be seduced by Ms. Ryan's passionate writing.
Rating: Summary: The Seduction OF Ellen Review: Once again, Nan Ryan raises the bar for the genre. With an adventurous tale, she blends cultures, characters and folklore and takes the reader several steps beyond passion. Ellen meets her match in the sensual hero, Mr. Corey. The attraction is mutual and sends the reader into a searing look at intimacy. Do not plan to curl up with the intent of being lulled to sleep. This is some of Nan Ryan's finest work to date.
Rating: Summary: The Seduction OF Ellen Review: Once again, Nan Ryan raises the bar for the genre. With an adventurous tale, she blends cultures, characters and folklore and takes the reader several steps beyond passion. Ellen meets her match in the sensual hero, Mr. Corey. The attraction is mutual and sends the reader into a searing look at intimacy. Do not plan to curl up with the intent of being lulled to sleep. This is some of Nan Ryan's finest work to date.
Rating: Summary: Don't waste your money, get it from the library! Review: The love scenes were great, and the plot was doing fairly well until the end. Then things got silly and downright predictable. Not Ms. Ryan's best effort.
Rating: Summary: Don't waste your money, get it from the library! Review: The love scenes were great, and the plot was doing fairly well until the end. Then things got silly and downright predictable. Not Ms. Ryan's best effort.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing! Review: This was my first book by Nan Ryan. For the first 300 pages, I thought I had found another decent author (there are not very many). Then, the last 77 pages happened. Wow, what a disappointment. It became a very silly and unrealistic story. I will not risk spending money on another Nan Ryan books.
Rating: Summary: Ellen and Steve, what a romance! Review: This was my first Nan Ryan book, I loved it. Ellen was a sad, lonely woman until she met Steve. Steve, not even being interested in the cold, plain, widow, surprises you with his eventual interest in Ellen, even to the point of (Well you know what I mean...). The love scenes are sensual. This book is well written and the characters keep you interested. I look forward to reading her other books!
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