The Stargazer

Rating:
Summary: A+! One of my favorite romances ever!
Review: This book was scruptious. The mystery kept me guessing, the setting kept me drooling, and I don't think I will ever forget Bianca and Ian. I can't wait to read more enchanting books from this wonderful new author--I only hope they can all maintain this high caliber of excellence.

Rating:
Summary: I stayed up all night to finish it!
Review: What a wonderful book! A real breath of fresh air in the historical romance genre. The setting, dialog, and characters were all unique and well-developed. I can't wait to read about the rest of the Arboretti -- keep writing, Ms. Jaffe!

Rating:
Summary: Just a bad romance
Review: I expected a great deal when I purchased this book, but I was greatly disappointed. The prose is dry, the plot contrived and basically ridiculous, the dialog boring. It reads like a medical textbook. I started to read it by skipping ten pages at a time, but then realized that I'd have to ignore the whole book just to get to the last page.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping romance set in Venice at its historical peak.
Review: Few romance novels get and keep your interest the way this one does. The city if Venice in its heyday is the perfect setting for this tango of two hearts. Well written and fast paced. Two thumbs up from this reader!

Rating:
Summary: One of this years best historical romances!
Review: The Stargazer is a fantastic book. It is suspenseful and romantic and it draws you in on the first page. The main characters are particularly engaging and the clever and witty dialogue is one of my favorite parts. This is also the first historical romance my husband ever read and he loves it too, proving that it is a book that can appeal to a broad audience. I can't wait to read more by this talented new author!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed.
Review: After seeing all the adds for this book, I couldn't wait to read it. Maybe it was because my hopes were too high that I was disappointed. I felt the plot was implausible. The two main characters are presumably very intelligent people. Then why do they come up with the silly scheme of the heroine pretending to be the hero's betrothed while he tries to figure out if she's a murderer? Since the whole book was based on this premise, I could never get into the rest of the plot. And, unfortunately, their love scenes weren't romantic. In fact, I felt the plot was manipulated so that more sex scenes could be added. Ms. Jaffe did do a good job with the seamy scenes with the villains, but I'm afraid these well-drawn characters didn't make up for what was lacking in the hero and heroine. I'll probably wait until I get some feedback from other readers before reading the next book.

Rating:
Summary: Mixed feelings--could have been much better.
Review: Now I know why you should always read real reader's reviews before buying. The concept of this book is great. The lush setting and potentially interesting characters all made me eager to read STARGAZER, but, much to my chagrin, it turned out to be a bodice ripper in disguise. Nevertheless, I couldn't put it down. Jaffe has a way of pulling you in, making you need to know the outcome of the story, despite the annoying "love" scenes that appear at every turn. If Jaffe had kept to the mystery (or even left a bit more to the imagination withthe lvoe scenes), it would have been a much better novel. We "get" that Ian and Bianca are sexually compatable--let's move on!

Rating:
Summary: STARGAZER makes Renaissance Venice come alive with romance.
Review: I had such a good time reading STARGAZER! I am a big fan of historical novels and this one, like the best of them, really transports the reader to another time and place. It doesn't hurt that this one's setting is so fabulous! As the murder mystery unfolded, I couldn't help but turn pages faster and faster. I enjoyed the characters, especially Bianca, Ian and little Nilo. There is sophistication, wit, and historical integrity behind the twists and turns, making STARGAZER all the more fun. Clearly, some other reviewers can't read very deeply. This book went great with my summer holiday by the pool. Next vacation? Venice, for sure! When does Jaffe's next novel come out? Can I pre-order?

Rating:
Summary: A Star-Struck Romance of The Highest Order
Review: I just finised reading an advance copy of THE STARGAZER. What a great romance. The pace of the story was steady and the characters likable and a joy to read. the locale of the story dazzling. The locale of the story, set in Venice, the year 1585, is the crown jewel of this novel. The story also blends equal amounts of murder mystery AND star fated lovers. I more than recommend this novel for those who like their romance brimming with brillant stars, Venetian glass goblets full of Tuscan Chianti and humorous but loving characters.

Rating:
Summary: La Dolce Vita!
Review: What great summer fun!! Both clever and fantastic, Jaffe's characters swept me away for a much needed vacation from the real world. I particularly enjoyed Bianca's combination of independence and innocence. Jaffe clearly has a remarkable handle on the time and the place. I can't wait to visit again. That's amore!