Rating: 
Summary: HER WRITING BLOSSOMS LIKE RED ROSES
Review: JACQUIE D'ALESSANDRO has proved herself a stunning debut with her romantic novel, ROSES MEAN LOVE that defies categorization. From the start of the book, the mystery and suspense element enshrouded the book with Lord Stephen Barrett eluding his murderer.The uplifting romance dawns when Hayley Albright rescues this stranger and offers him a shelter. There is a buoyant exuberance in Hayley's family with memorable characters such as her angelic sister, Callie and Pamela. Lord Stephen is unexpectedly attracted to Hayley, who is one of the most resilient and yet vulnerable heroine I have ever read, and writes for a gentleman's magazine to support her family. The attraction is cast; the mystery and deceit thickens as Stephen is hunted by the killer and keeps his identity as a marquis a secret from Hayley. Initially I did have reservations about the lack of rich historical details in the book, but the plot is just engaging and the chemistry between Hayley and Stephen is wondrous. It is at once tender when the flawed Stephen admits love and seeks redemption from Hayley; it is a satirical parody with the irony of having to hold their affections at bay and scintillating with the sparring of quirky dialogue; it is at once poignant and heart-ravaging with Stephen abandoning Hayley for her sake. The side characters such as Justin, Grimsley and Pierre are exceptionally well-characterized. The side-plot of mystery and who-dun-it injects the story with overwhelming excitement. She is one of the few writers who can trigger such emotional roller-coasters with her detailed descriptions at Hayley's and Stephen's inner thoughts.It is one exquisite love story that charges undercurrent of hope and faith in readers as Stephen learns to dispel his cyncism and let an abiding love bind him to the lovely and intelligent Hayley. RED ROSES MEAN LOVE showcases her versatile and visceral grip with nuanced emotions, which is extremely unexpected and delightful for a debut. If JACQUIE D' ALESSANDRO could enhance her stories with even richer historical detail, it would be a bonus to her gifts in writing. Nevertheless, kudos to her for giving us a great romance treat that promises more than flowery proses. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating: 
Summary: A Tear, A Smile and a sigh
Review: Jacquie D'Allesandro is one of my new favorite authors. I read Whirlwind Wedding some time ago and am only now realizing that it was written by Ms. D'Allesandro. I should have known. I loved Whirlwind Wedding so much, but I just finished Red Roses Mean Love and I had to go right to my computer and tell you all how much I loved it!! This was a three kleenex book for me. It's been a long time since a book has brought me to tears. Red Roses Mean Love is such a beautifully written book. The characters, I'm certain, will stay with me for weeks. Haley has such unerring strength and love and Stephen is the brooding nobleman I just love to read about. In the end of the book, he opens his heart so magically I honestly could not stop crying. Thank you Ms D'Allesandro for writing this book. I hope to read another of your books soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Basically Good ¿ Despite Flaws
Review: Hayley Albright had all but given up on ever settling down and getting married. Her fiancé jilted her after her father's death left behind the responsibility of raising her four younger siblings. Not only that, but her father also left debts which took most of the inheritance to pay off. Hayley found a way to support her family, but if society ever discovers her secret employment, it would be quite the scandal. Returning home from London one evening, she finds an unconscious man who has been shot and left for dead. She takes him home and under her care, he slowly recovers. Stephen Barrett, the Marquess of Glenfield, and heir to a duke, woke to the conclusion someone is indeed trying to kill him. Therefore, it would be in his best interest to not divulge his identity, in case the killer tries to find him to finish him off. So, Hayley comes to know him as the tutor, Stephen Barrettson. Stephen is cynical, not used to displays of love and affection, and believes anyone being nice to him must have a hidden agenda. But he's baffled by Hayley's compassion, and selflessness, when she has no idea of his noble status. He finds himself unwittingly drawn to, and captivated by her, even though she and her household are unconventional to say the least. Hayley also finds herself attracted to this too proper, but ultimately kind man. What will happen when Stephen has to leave and return to his London home? And what will she think if she finds out he's lied about his true identity? This was the debut novel for Ms. D'Alessandro, and I found it a little difficult to rate, because while it was good, I didn't feel it was great. However, taking into account this is her first published book, I see great potential for growth. Certain phrases and plot devices seemed overused in the portrayal of this story. Some examples would be, Stephen and Hayley would have an encounter with each other, and then each would separately vow to steer clear of the other. But of course, by that evening or the next day, they were spending time together again. Now, we want them to be together, but I did tire of hearing the same mental battle over and over. These women also blushed way too much. It became distracting that one of them always had "color staining her cheeks". That phrase was overused. Hayley saved Stephen's life not once, but twice. That plot device seemed overused. Stephen also treated Hayley unkindly too many times, and that became tiresome as well. Overall, the writing was good, but these things I've mentioned became a distraction. The characters were all likeable, and the humor made it much more enjoyable for me. In summary, even though this book was only average in my opinion, I will read another by this author, because I see real potential for her future work.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Loveable
Review: This book ist absolutely wonderful. I have barely read such a wonderful heartwarming love-story with such funny characters. You'll not only find beautiful Hayley and handsome Stephen great, you'll fall in love with the complete Albright househould, which includes an almost deaf aunt, two former sailors (one of them cusses at everything - even chicken !), two hyperactive boys, a little girl (who charms every men - even the stiff ones - to sit in tiny chairs to join her and her doll's tea party), an unique french cook and 3 stinking dogs. This combination might not give the impression of a great romantic story - but believe me, it makes it even better. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Jacquie D'Alessandro makes a stunning debut
Review: When I read "Red Roses Mean Love," I couldn't wait to email the author to tell her how much I loved it. When I heard this is a first book, I couldn't believe it. Ms. D'Alessandro writes as well or better than most of the veteran historical writers. The characters are vivid, the story is exceptionally satisfying, and the writing is stylish and fresh. Talk about a hero to die for! I've read tons of Regencies and other historicals and I have a short list of writers whose books I always buy. Jacquie D'Alessandro is now at the top of that list!
Rating:
Summary: Basically Good ¿ Despite Flaws
Review: Hayley Albright had all but given up on ever settling down and getting married. Her fiancé jilted her after her father's death left behind the responsibility of raising her four younger siblings. Not only that, but her father also left debts which took most of the inheritance to pay off. Hayley found a way to support her family, but if society ever discovers her secret employment, it would be quite the scandal. Returning home from London one evening, she finds an unconscious man who has been shot and left for dead. She takes him home and under her care, he slowly recovers. Stephen Barrett, the Marquess of Glenfield, and heir to a duke, woke to the conclusion someone is indeed trying to kill him. Therefore, it would be in his best interest to not divulge his identity, in case the killer tries to find him to finish him off. So, Hayley comes to know him as the tutor, Stephen Barrettson. Stephen is cynical, not used to displays of love and affection, and believes anyone being nice to him must have a hidden agenda. But he's baffled by Hayley's compassion, and selflessness, when she has no idea of his noble status. He finds himself unwittingly drawn to, and captivated by her, even though she and her household are unconventional to say the least. Hayley also finds herself attracted to this too proper, but ultimately kind man. What will happen when Stephen has to leave and return to his London home? And what will she think if she finds out he's lied about his true identity? This was the debut novel for Ms. D'Alessandro, and I found it a little difficult to rate, because while it was good, I didn't feel it was great. However, taking into account this is her first published book, I see great potential for growth. Certain phrases and plot devices seemed overused in the portrayal of this story. Some examples would be, Stephen and Hayley would have an encounter with each other, and then each would separately vow to steer clear of the other. But of course, by that evening or the next day, they were spending time together again. Now, we want them to be together, but I did tire of hearing the same mental battle over and over. These women also blushed way too much. It became distracting that one of them always had "color staining her cheeks". That phrase was overused. Hayley saved Stephen's life not once, but twice. That plot device seemed overused. Stephen also treated Hayley unkindly too many times, and that became tiresome as well. Overall, the writing was good, but these things I've mentioned became a distraction. The characters were all likeable, and the humor made it much more enjoyable for me. In summary, even though this book was only average in my opinion, I will read another by this author, because I see real potential for her future work.
Rating:
Summary: Really liked this book. A great read
Review: For my first D'Alessandro book, it was an enjoyable read. Nice hero, heroine. Wonderful secondary characters. I look forward to reading her other works.
Rating:
Summary: Very Charming
Review: I read this book after reading some of the author's later novels. This was a very nice story with a good H/H and fabulous secondary characters. Hayley's siblings are adorable, her servants are a riot (Pierre zee cook is my fave!)and Stephen's best friend is an absolute doll. The author did a great job with tugging the heartstrings. My only problem is how neatly things were wrapped up. It felt a little anticlimactic once Hayley discovered Stephen's true identity and a little disbelievable that his family reformed so quickly after he references numerous times throughout the story how horrible they are. But don't let those quibbles stop you from reading this book. It's a lovely and heartwarming read!
Rating:
Summary: Fun and Endearing First Novel
Review: Red Roses Mean Love is a fun and endearing first novel from promising author Jacquie D'Alessandro. After being jilted by her fiancé, orphan Hayley Albright has given up any dreams of romance to care for her younger siblings. When she rescues Lord Stephen Barrett from a failed assassination attempt, she hardly expects to fall for the handsome man who claims to be penniless tutor Stephen Barrettson. But as he convalesces in the warm family environment Hayley has created, he soon seems like an indispensable family member. Wealthy and powerful Lord Barrett thinks it a fine idea to convalesce undercover at Hayley's modest but charming country home while he investigates who could be trying to kill him. A jaded rake who doesn't trust any woman, Stephen believes himself immune to Hayley's innocent charm and especially to her loopy family's unconventional way of doing things. Convincing himself that he feels nothing, he nevertheless falls under the spell of the delightful Albright family while discovering feelings he never knew he had. Hayley is in love with Stephen but her own secret makes her hold back at first. Then the revelation of Stephen's true identity and his deceit is devastating. Stephen storms back to London. How will they be reunited? D'Alessandro treats us to several inventive plot twists that surprise and entertain. It is lovely to watch Stephen transform from a cynical nobleman to a down to earth person finally able to trust in another person's goodness. Hayley, however, is too angelic. She needs a flaw, however minor, to humanize her. Supporting characters are funny and charming, like Hayley's outspoken little sister Callie and the family's hilarious motley servants Grimsley and Winston. Former sailor Winston always has a funny phrase to express his surprise, such as 'Drop me from the crow's nest and feed me to the fishes!' Other comic elements include Stephen's inability to ever get his romantic rival Jeremy Popplemore's name right. Popplemore becomes Poppledard, Popplepuss, Popplecart, etc., depending on how annoyed with him Stephen is at the moment. This is a funny, very entertaining first novel with colorful characters, heartfelt love and a nice plot that holds the reader's interest.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the time to read...
Review: There is a review of this book below that I read pointing out all of the errors in this book. I personally don't pick out historical errors throughout the romance books that I read. I just want a nice, flowing storyline that makes me feel satisfied when I am done reading it.
Sure, this book has it's faults, but it more than makes up for it with a cast of lovable characters. You can pick it apart if you like, but try reading it without loving it!!
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