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Rating: 
Summary: Heavenly
Review: Being my first Patricia Ryan I was duly impressed by her gift for storytelling....Hugh and Phillipa were people with problems that could have existed and their discovery of love was credible. I found only Phillipa's thwarted sacrifice slightly fantastic, other than that it was an amazing story and a book I would recommend to my friends! Can't wait to read more of Ryan's books!
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing, Delightful, Suspense and Finally Love
Review: Hugh the Warrior/Cynic and Phillipa, the academic,are worlds apart in their thinking and philosphies, but are thrown together in an effort to thwart the plans of a devious cleric and even more devious queen, Eleanor of Aquitane, to overthrow King Henry. Hugh and Phillipa join forces to discover the plot against the king and attempt to abort it. Believing that Phillipa has freely given her favors to other men, the plan is for Phillipa to seduce the cleric to obtain the required information; however, Hugh soon discovers that Phillipa is a virgin and thus the intrigue begins. Meanwhile, being thrown together has brought out feelings in the couple that they did not know existed so this is another problem with which they have to deal. The story held my interest where I reached the point I could not put the book down. I highly recommend this book. Patricia Ryan has done it again.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Work From a Good Writer.
Review: I read this book based on the wonderful Silken Threads, the previous book in the series. While that book was a truly stunning example of historical romance at its finest, this one is less successful. Hugh of Wexford is a believable character with a good deal of potential, but just about every other person populating this book is a caricature, which is a pity. I began by doubting the authenticity of allowing a 12th century maiden to be as well-educated as Phillippa was, and still being allowed to live alone (regardless of her reasons) at age 25. All of the side characters were over the top; in particular Clare, who just came off as an underhanded witch without a lot of brains and an out of control libido. And while I'm not a prude, I found the sexual scenes that involved the characters other than the main couple to be unbelievable and too freely imbued with fetishes. Because I did like the actual romance of Hugh and Phillippa, I give this book 3 stars. But if you're looking for a book as well-done as Silken Threads, this is not it.
Rating:
Summary: Great Characters - if somewhat unbelievable
Review: I'll still give this 5 stars - the writing is terrific, the characters are ones you'll love. I'd recommend starting with "Silken Threads" first (I didn't, read this one first, "Silken Threads" second, and came back and re-read this one!)Yes, some of the baddies are over the top - and I found the staged "coincidental" meeting on the bridge (early in the book) very unbelievable. But Hugh and Phillipa are written with such warmth and passion, the story ultimately succeeds. Hugh is especially well-done - he's not at all what he appears to be on the surface (typical of Ryan's characters).
Rating:
Summary: Heavenly
Review: Part romance, part spy-mystery story, this book grabs your attention and hold on to the end. While some of the enemies of our hero and heroine seem a little one-dimensional, the main characters themselves are well-drawn and believable. The romantic tension between them works. The historical setting, too, is well done. One note of caution, though: the sex scenes include some mild S&M and although there were plot reasons for this, this book might not be best for younger readers.
Rating:
Summary: Above average romance
Review: Part romance, part spy-mystery story, this book grabs your attention and hold on to the end. While some of the enemies of our hero and heroine seem a little one-dimensional, the main characters themselves are well-drawn and believable. The romantic tension between them works. The historical setting, too, is well done. One note of caution, though: the sex scenes include some mild S&M and although there were plot reasons for this, this book might not be best for younger readers.
Rating:
Summary: Big fan of Patricia Ryan.....unfortunately,not her best.
Review: The characters are introduced and an interesting storyline is set up in Ms. Ryan's usual elegant style. But halfway thru the book, the plot becomes predictable and the secondary characters are unbelievably cartoonish. I kept picturing the villainess as Cruella de Ville! I'm not offended by the more "erotic" romances, but found the S&M scenes here somewhat distasteful/phony? The mystery would have been a good twist except you can see it coming a hundred pages from the end. As usual, the period detail is original and very well done, fitting in seamlessly with the storyline...one of the reasons Patricia Ryan is right up there with Kinsale and Judy Ceuvas on my list. I will continue to collect her books; I just wish they'd gone to spy on a different cast of characters in this one.
Rating:
Summary: Quality Reading
Review: While the beginning of the book left me wondering if I should continue (it could have been the mood I was in upon starting this novel), I stuck with it and was not disappointed! I was struck by the strong characters within the story -- I loved both Hugh and Phillipa, and rooted them on as I moved from chapter to chapter. Despite Hugh's stubbornness, I found him endearing and likable. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to venture into his thoughts about Phillipa, as well as her thoughts about him. I found them both strong, enjoyable characters. I encourage anyone who enjoys adventure, spying, and romance to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Quality Reading
Review: While the beginning of the book left me wondering if I should continue (it could have been the mood I was in upon starting this novel), I stuck with it and was not disappointed! I was struck by the strong characters within the story -- I loved both Hugh and Phillipa, and rooted them on as I moved from chapter to chapter. Despite Hugh's stubbornness, I found him endearing and likable. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to venture into his thoughts about Phillipa, as well as her thoughts about him. I found them both strong, enjoyable characters. I encourage anyone who enjoys adventure, spying, and romance to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
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