Amethyst

Rating:
Summary: Amethyst
Review: A wonderfully satisfying read. Rich in historical detail without bogging down the story. Colin and Amy's story is one of individuals willing to privately ignore society's conventions, fighting those same rules both publicly and internally. It takes near disaster to pull them together, even then they must overcome traditional roles, values, and promises made to have their happily ever after ending. The compromise and self-sacrifice each makes warms your heart.

Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful debut!
Review: Almost from the instant I started reading AMETHYST, I felt transported back in time. Lauren Royal lists FOREVER AMBER as one of her inspirations, and it shows. The pageantry and superficiality of Charles II's court, as well as the individual tragedies of the Great Fire of London come alive in this novel.

Not only is the historical basis of AMETHYST extremely accurate, but the character development and interaction is superb. Many romance novelists tend to focus solely on the main couple, leaving me to wonder how happy-ever-after they would truly be when the villian is vanquished and the real world intrudes. Not so for Amy and Colin. They interact with the extraordinary and the everyday -- family, fellow disaster victims, and the king. There is a real sense that their story takes place in the world, not separate from it on some utopia-like plane. There is true chemistry and emotion between them, but you see their true character as well -- their unswerving loyalty, Amy's insecurities, Colin's sense of humor...it all has a very 'real' feel to it.

Based on this book alone, I would pick up any Lauren Royal novel, sight unseen. I just know I would not be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: This book is PRECIOUS
Review: Amethyst "Amy" Goldsmith, daughter of a jeweler, is an accomplished and talented jewelry maker who loves her craft and has a great passion for her work but her personal life is hardly as fulfilling. In just two weeks she will be wed to a man whom she does not love - a man who plans to keep her away from her work to make babies and keep his house. Amy longs for love but will not hurt her father by backing out of the unwanted marriage. One day Colin Chase "Earl of Greystone" walks into her family's store and they make an immediate connection but, sadly, he is far out of her league.

These first few chapters are wonderful and really hooked me. The historic details are interesting and plentiful and Amy is presented as a likable and compassionate character full of life, dreams and motivation. Then a devastating fire destroys her life and changes everything. She now has the opportunity to take charge of her life but first is rescued by Colin who takes her to his home so she can heal from her physical and emotional wounds. She quickly finds love and acceptance amongst Colin's siblings but receives only the cold shoulder from Colin who wants her gone as soon as possible. Amy decides she wants Colin and comes up with one excuse after another to stick around.

It was Colin's attraction to Amy that impelled him to rescue her and it is that same attraction that makes him want her out of his sight as soon as possible. Colin is betrothed to a "titled" woman and has already spent a good portion of the woman's dowry and sees no way to get out of it. And, lets be real, he doesn't want to. For the majority of the story money and titles are more important to Colin than love and it's here that the book lost the most of its appeal for me.

Colin and Amy are wildly attracted to each other and obviously belong together but he stubbornly refuses to break off his betrothal. This makes him come across as extremely selfish. Amy deserved so much better. Amy, unfortunately, loses some of her charm because she is forced into the role of pining away for the stubborn Colin instead of concentrating on getting back on her feet. The jewelry crafting, which was such a huge part of her life, takes a back to seat to thoughts of Colin and this was very disappointing.

This story is a good choice if you like your books steeped in historic detail and don't mind love-stubborn heroes. The author has an obvious love for her time period and weaves in interesting tidbits whenever possible. Although Colin didn't turn out to be my idea of a hero I do look forward to the forthcoming stories about Colin's siblings who were lovable characters.

Rating:
Summary: Top notch debut, GEM of a book!
Review: Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it.

Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty.

The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite.

The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Rating:
Summary: Top notch debut, GEM of a book!
Review: Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it.

Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty.

The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite.

The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Rating:
Summary: Glimer in the sky
Review: I found this book to be very real. You can picture what is going on in the book, in your head, while you are reading it. It is very capturing. I love the character Amythyst. I also like the way how, the auhor used a name appropriate to the heroine's background. It is very enjoyable. One of the best books I have read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Glimer in the sky
Review: I found this book to be very real. You can picture what is going on in the book, in your head, while you are reading it. It is very capturing. I love the character Amythyst. I also like the way how, the auhor used a name appropriate to the heroine's background. It is very enjoyable. One of the best books I have read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I want to commend Lauren on her book! So often, I find that first-time author's books lack something: witty dialogue, well-developed plotlines; you know the type. But Lauren's book is clever, romantic, and fulfilling! I can't wait for her next book!

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful romance
Review: Once you start reading this book, expect to stay up all night. It's a page-turner, with vivid descriptions, emotional depth and characters who touch the heart. I fell in love with Colin Chase and falling in love with the hero of romance is a must for me. Lauren Royal is a talented author--a true rising star. She swept me back in time, to England in the 1600s. Her research was incredible. For 387 pages, I lived with Colin and Amethyst, felt what they felt, saw what they saw, loved what they loved. What more could a romance reader ask for?

Rating:
Summary: Nicely Written
Review: This book has strong characters and a strong plot line. It is paced well, and you can see everything that is happening. You are there with the characters. I found myself rooting for the hero and heroine. Amethyst is engaged to a man her father has chosen to further their jewel-making business. Tragedy strikes during the fire in London and she is fatefully driven together with Colin, a man she'd laid eyes on a few years before. They cannot deny their attraction to eachother as a deep love grows between them. Colin is engaged to a woman of his own station and is caught between fulfilling his duty in marrying his betrothed and pursuing a life with the one woman he loves and knows he cannot live without. There is plenty of humor, and the characters are refreshing. I really liked Colin. He made a strong yet gentle and reasonable hero. He did not have too much unbearable ego, and he was chivalrous in just the right ways.