Rating: 
Summary: Truly a DELIGHT
Review: I must say that of all the historical romance books I've read - and believe me there have been plenty - Judith Ivory has come up with some Lulu's! This was definitely a first as she took a handsome and stuttering Viscount who inherits a vast fortune only to have it tied up in a Victorian type of probate because of an uncle who had him declared dead in an attempt to rob him blind before he could return to England from Russia. Talk about complicating one's life! So you think that's not enough of a problem? Toss in a very lovely, bouncy reformed confidence lady, who is now trying to live an honest life as a sheep farmer but because the Viscount's coach runs over her 'only' male sheep - the one who would restore her to some sort of solvency...... well, life does get complicated as Emma tries to recoup her losses.This was a fabulous story, as the new Viscount runs afoul of the very angry Emma Hotchkiss, who again was not your svelte, gorgeous heroine. The characters were so delightfully different from your normal leads in a romance novel that I had difficulty in putting this one down. Where I found the previous Ivory novel "Black Silk" to be on the slow side - this was a totally different experience with fast action and lots of anticipation for what they were going to do next. Just the thought of a confidence game taking place in this era was interesting. Truly, this was a delightful read that I highly recommend.
Rating:
Summary: Almost perfect book
Review: I'm only writing this because someone gave this three stars and it would be a shame to miss this book because it didn't get universal rave reviews. It is one of Judith Ivory's finest books, and all of them (including the ones she wrote under Judy Cuervas) are exceptional in the writing, the characters, the desciptions and details. She is a master story-teller and this book is hard to put down and hard to forget. Go with it. Go with the Chair Incident. Enjoy it. The characters are charming, interesting, complex and delightful.
Rating: 
Summary: strong late Victorian romance
Review: In 1892, English expatriate Stuart Aysgarth is living in Russia when he belatedly received the telegram informing him that his father died and he was now a viscount with a wealthy estate. The next telegram stated that his Uncle Leonard insisted Stuart was dead, claiming the estates as his, and raided them. Stuart worries mostly about a statue. When he arrives his fears prove real, as all he sees is the empty niche in the wall. Stuart driving his coach at breakneck speed runs over a lamb belonging to Emma Hitchhikes. She demands remittance, but he refuses so she moves his money from his account to hers, but he catches her. Stuart blackmails Emma into helping him regain some of the items, especially that statue that his uncle stole. As they work a sting together, Stuart and Emma fall in love, but though quite avaricious, Leonard is not going to go away quietly. The key to the strong Victorian romance, UNTIE MY HEART, is the ability of Judith Ivory to persuade readers of a relationship between the aristocratic Stuart and the sheep farmer Emma at a time where social classes still ran in different circles. The story line is amusing, sensual, but filled with suspense on two levels. Will Stuart and Emma untie each other's heart and will the sting succeed. Though Leonard is too greedy to take seriously, fans will take pleasure from this astonishingly good late nineteenth century historical. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: FABULOUS, Witty Book with a Wonderful Hero and Heroine!
Review: It *amazes* me that anyone who enjoys historical romance would give this book anything less than 5 stars, but I guess that everyone has his or her own taste. In my humble opinion, Judith Ivory is a nonpareil as a writer in this genre, and this book is one of my favorites.
Judith Ivory is a master at drawing sexy, memorable, three-dimensional heros and Stuart Aysgarth, the new Viscount Mount Villiars, is no exception. Gorgeous, bright, mysterious and *imperfect*, Stuart returns home from self-imposed exile in Russia after his estranged father's death in an effort to keep his inheritance from being usurped by his uncle. When his carriage accidently runs over widow Emma Hotchkiss's prize ram, she relentlessly seeks economic compensation--and the fun begins!
Emma is a delightful heroine--clever, funny, vulnerable and attractive without being physically perfect. The sexual attraction between Stuart and Emma crackles off the page from their first meeting and the romance between the two is beautifully and believably developed.
Judith Ivory definitely pushes the envelope of historical romance, and clearly (from some of the reviews here) is not for everyone. Her writing is far more intelligent and polished than that found in the average historical romance, her characters are more complex and her plot lines are unusual and uncompromising. If you like Laura Kinsale and Julia Ross, you will probably like Judith Ivory's work.
A FABULOUS, well-written book that is a delight to read (and re-read!) My favorite of Judith Ivory/Judy Cuevas's since "Sleeping Beauty".
Very, very highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Another winner from Judith Ivory!
Review: Ivory continues to write beautifully crafted stories with unusual, complicated characters and believable love stories. She manages to create unique stories in a genre that thrives on formula and hackneyed story lines; the imperfections of her characters (both in body and in character--a refreshing change from overwrought femme fatales with 18-inch waists and bounteous, heaving bosoms!) make them more real and endearing to the reader. She even manages to make the developing relationship between Emma and Stuart believable, despite the signficant class/social differences. A few criticisms, however: I have to agree that Leonard was too one-sided (too greedy, too lecherous and too gullible) to be believable. It was hard to believe that anyone would fall for such a half-baked scheme--especially someone that is as bright as Leonard purportedly is--and then flee overseas when told to go. I guess I prefer my "villains" with some redeeming qualities. Still, overall, a very satisfying read that I was sorry to see end. I can't wait for her next effort!
Rating:
Summary: Chemistry 101: Combustion
Review: Judith Ivory's UNTIE MY HEART is a historical romance set in the late Victorian period. Emma Hotchkiss, the delightful heroine, is a former con artist. She is also the widow of the local vicar [who was also on the game] and a sheep farmer. Emma is described as 'short and rounded,' 'pudgy' in a certain light; she is smart, sassy, and unconventional. And she is determined to force the local lord to repay her for the sheep his coach and eight accidentallly dispatched. Stuart Aysgarth, the new Viscount Mount Villiars, has financial trouble since his uncle has stolen most of his assets, and he brushes Emma's claims for her sheep aside. This is a mistake, since Emma is then forced to resort to a con to get her compensation, and the chase is on. Emma and Stuart have a delightful chemistry; at times kinky and at times thoughtful, they are forced to deal with immediate physical attraction and a more slowly developing love. Neither is a conventional stock romantic lead: Emma is a woman with a past and Stuart deals daily with a stutter. Ivory very ably catches the nuances of an adult stutter who copes successfully with his problem, hiding it in shifts in rhythm and phrasing. Neither character completely trusts the other nor wants to open themselves to love. Watchting Emma and Stuart together is just plain fun. And I will never view chairs in quite the same light. This book not only makes my keeper shelf [used bookstore eat your heart out], I have made it my #1 book in my Top 10 List. What more can I say?
Rating:
Summary: Fun and romantic
Review: Judith Ivory, is by far one of my best discoveries of 2002. My first book purchase of 2003 was "Untie My Heart" and as per usual Ms. Ivory weaves the type of unusual romantic tale that is both humorous and passionate, sweet and enthrallingly erotic. Once again, her skill at creating unique characters (that are entirely different from those in her previous books) who are intriguingly flawed and still completely likeable make her books a joy to read. "Untie My Heart" is a great deal of fun from beginning to end where the accidental killing of a sheep sets off a string of events that kept me grinning from ear to ear. Likewise, the somewhat nefarious history of the female lead, Emma, adds a twist that I'm sure many readers will greatly enjoy. My review would not be complete if I failed to mention that Ms. Ivory has once again created a male character to make one's heart beat double time. Dashing, uninhibited, powerful and simultenously vulnerable at the same time, Stuart has you imagining all the fun and pleasures of nudity! Ms. Ivory writes the prose of romance between these two, quirky yet charming characters, in a fashion that convinces you that you're watching her prose play out on the big screen. Her execution of romantic love scenes will leave one absolutely breathless, and her talent for writing a character's thoughts puts the scene directly in the reader's mind. With such exceptional talent at her disposal, Ms. Ivory had me riding the same emotional wave that swept up the characters. She does this with such ease it's impossible not to notice the quality of her writing is not that which is typically found in the Romance section of your local book store. I enthusiastically look forward to her next- sure to be fantastic- novel.
Rating:
Summary: I Will Never Be Right Without You...(5+ stars)
Review: Perfect, heartwrenching, exquisite...All of these words could be used to describe "Untie My Heart", but truly - None of them are enough. This book simply blew me away.
Stuart Aysgarth, a stranger to his country - England, has through the death of his father become the new Viscount Mount Villiars. While en route to his newly inherited home, he unknowingly offends Miss Emma Hotchkiss.
Emma Hotchkiss is not one to take offense lightly. However,when she comes to Stuart, demanding justice for the wrong he has done her, Stuart learns that this is no ordinary woman...Emma has a colorful past and some surprising talents that Stuart realizes could be quite useful to him.
After some inventive persuasion, Emma reluctantly agrees to help Stuart with a personal problem he has been struggling with and the two of them cook up a clever scheme of revenge that forces them together and ends in the sweetest way possible.
"Untie My Heart" is without a doubt one of the most entertaining books I have ever gotten my hands on. I was hooked from page one.
Stuart - ooooooohhhh Stuart. The man was to die for with is funny little ways and his beautiful-sad eyes. He was so taken with Emma. And the things he said to her! O-M-G.
And Emma. She was hysterical. She was such a strong character. I adored her. I havent loved a couple as much as I loved Stuart and Emma in forever.
Judith Ivory..My God, can the woman ever write. The first kiss that Stuart and Emma shared was so wildly erotic I almost died right then and there. Truly - RUN out and get this book. There is not one thing I can find to complain about except that I wanted more more more...oh and wow...the ending...
A DEFINITE Keeper. Read it.
Rating:
Summary: Stuart--I love thee!!!
Review: Stuart, the hero, was a wonderful character. I loved him! He was strong and sexy, but able to see his flaws. I agree that there were some strings left hanging, but it was a lot of fun to read. My stomach flip-flops just thinking about Stuart. Oh boy!
Rating:
Summary: ATTENTION FANS OF HARLEQUIN BLAZE!
Review: This book was fabulous--the characters were unique, the situations unique, the sex unique (and hot!!). It's hard to believe anyone would rate this less than five stars, but for those who have, I would only guess they just didn't get it. This heroine is emotionally tied to the past; the hero is also haunted by his past, but has learned to control his environment as a method of coping. It makes some sense that their sexual encounters would progress the way they have--bound, half-bound, free--with each character learning to shake off the ties to the past and the need to control as they discover more about themselves and fall in love with one another. That's the underlying text as I see it. Add to this beautiful concept two very interesting characters--a former confidence-player, turned sheep farmer, and a stuttering viscount who loves his wild horses and a mysterious, old, ugly (and stolen) statue from his childhood--a unique plot--wild horse kills lamb, confidence player uses old skills to get viscount to pay up--and fabulous writing--this author is a RITA-award winner--and you've found yourself a keeper.
If you're not a fan of sexy scenes, this is probably not a book for you, because the sex is not something you can run from in this book. It's a THEME, and I, personally, think it was beautifully done.
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