Violet

Rating:
Summary: I never liked romance until I read Lauren Royal!
Review: I don't know what it is about Lauren Royal's books -- is it the historical aspects mixed with characters I care about? Is it the steamy scenes that are evocative without being trashy? Is it the interesting plot lines that don't condescend to the reader and are actually interesting? -- but she's the first romance writer whose work I've actually enjoyed reading. The characters in the books are complex and yet easy to relate to, and there are funny scenes as well as thrilling ones. I usually opt for complex fiction titles and was happy to find that in many ways, Royal's books ARE complex fiction titles. I can't wait for the next book in the "flower" trilogy!

Rating:
Summary: Violet
Review: I enjoyed Lauren Royal's "Jewel" trilogy, and was excited to learn that a new series was in the works. But after reading Violet, I was rather disappointed. The story focuses on the developing relationship between the scientific, but eccentric Ford Chase and his neighbor's (also) eccentric daughter, Violet. The story revolves around the two as they discover their similar interests and and passion for matters scientific.

Overall, I found the novel to be drawn out and dull. There is little sexual tension between the two lead characters, and they often became downright annoying in their encounters with each other. The three star rating is for Ms. Royal's historical research, which is evident throughout the story. I can only hope that the next book, Lily, is better.

Rating:
Summary: mediocre
Review: I enjoyed the historical and scientific research in this story, I also liked Ford, but I felt that Violet was a drip. Also, the overuse of the expression "Faith" (20 + times), and the constant intermingling of period and modern (slang) language really annoyed and distracted me, and prevented me from enjoying the story. I've never read any other of Lauren Royal's books, so I'm not sure I would continue with this author. I feel it odd that her research did not include the language of the time.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story!
Review: I loved Violet. This book was amazing. I have never read anything by Lauren Royal, but that is going to change. She is definitely a rising star in the romance genre. Violet is the story of Violet Ashcroft, the oldest of the three Ashcroft daughters. She believes herself to be unmarriageable, because she is average. Not tall and beautiful like Rose, her middle sister, or Lily, who is a kind hearted soul, just plain average Violet.

When Lord Lakefield, Ford Chase, comes to stay at his property for awhile with his niece Jewel, she gets the chance to meet a scientist, because her youngest sibling, Rowan, becomes fast friends with Jewel. Ford shows Violet things she has never seen before, and he does some of the sweetest things in the world for her, such as making her glasses so she can see correctly. Unfortunately, both the protagonists have doubts though: Violet doesn't believe a man could ever love her without wanting her money, and Ford doesn't believe he is good enough for Violet because he doesn't have enough money.

As they find their way to love, the reader will be enthralled with the amazing research that went into this novel, and some surprising guest appearances such as Sir Isaac Newton, Robert Hooke, John Locke, and some other notable 18th century scientists. Lauren Royal definitely did her research on the Restoration Period, and it shows as historical information is weaved seamlessly into the characters' lives and interactions with each other. The reader even gets a tantalizing glimpse of her next novel, Lily, and what is in store for her.

All in all, a great historical romance novel. I picked this novel up on a whim, thinking it sounded somewhat interesting, and I was right. It was great! I am going to go back and read her Jewel trilogy now. If you are looking for a interesting, fresh perspective on the romance genre, then Lauren Royal is your ticket.

Rating:
Summary: Great series, another great book!
Review: I've been following Lauren Royal with her Chase family series and am delighted to find her branching off with a delightful new, yet equally intersting, historical family in Violet. And how wonderful that she starts off this trilogy with Ford Chase, the eccentric studious brother from her previous books. Violet is a delightful read, true to Royal form, and I'm thrilled that she's continuing the thread in Restoration England. Don't miss any of these books!

Rating:
Summary: Violet is the best one yet
Review: In 1673 Violet Ashcroft lives up to her family motto "Question convention" perhaps more than any of her siblings do. The studious Violet prefers learning and expanding her mind with a book than attending aristocratic parties. Even Violet admits to herself that her plain looks would never send any male panting as much as wealth would anyway.

Violet and her brother Rowan visit their neighbor inventor Ford Chase to help him with caring for his niece. Violet finds Ford quite handsome, but is really intrigued by his work on astronomy and especially his construction of a watch. Ford, whose "girlfriend" of six years finally gave up on his absent minded ways and eloped, enjoys his discussions and debates with Violet. As they fall in love with one another, she still has nagging doubts that any man would want her except for her money.

Though readers lose patience with Violet for her inability to believe in Rowan's love, simultaneously the audience will admire her thirst for learning that makes her feel more like a modern woman. The story line engages fans interested in how the intellectual couple finds the way to the heart is through the brain. Lauren Royal furbishes fans of seventeenth century historical romances with a delightful story starring two for the most part endearing brilliant eccentrics.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: delightful seventeenth century historical romance
Review: In 1673 Violet Ashcroft lives up to her family motto "Question convention" perhaps more than any of her siblings do. The studious Violet prefers learning and expanding her mind with a book than attending aristocratic parties. Even Violet admits to herself that her plain looks would never send any male panting as much as wealth would anyway.

Violet and her brother Rowan visit their neighbor inventor Ford Chase to help him with caring for his niece. Violet finds Ford quite handsome, but is really intrigued by his work on astronomy and especially his construction of a watch. Ford, whose "girlfriend" of six years finally gave up on his absent minded ways and eloped, enjoys his discussions and debates with Violet. As they fall in love with one another, she still has nagging doubts that any man would want her except for her money.

Though readers lose patience with Violet for her inability to believe in Rowan's love, simultaneously the audience will admire her thirst for learning that makes her feel more like a modern woman. The story line engages fans interested in how the intellectual couple finds the way to the heart is through the brain. Lauren Royal furbishes fans of seventeenth century historical romances with a delightful story starring two for the most part endearing brilliant eccentrics.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Boring!
Review: It sounded like an interesting premise: bookish, plain girl and handsome aristocrat fall in love in Restoration England. Some scenes were amusing, such as any scene with the adorable Jewel involved. But romantic/sexual tension? Non existant. Story line? Other than having her (Violet's)mother throw her together with Ford and her hopes of them winding up together, there was no plot to speak of. Oh, there was a worry on Violet's part that Ford would marry her for her money only and Ford's financial concerns, but it felt as if it were added as an afterthought, as if the author thought the book she was writing was too thin. This book dragged on for pages and I had to force myself to finish reading it (Once I start a book, I finish it!). It, if it were given more sexual tension and a better plot line with more obstacles would have been a better book. I'll be selling mine on Ebay or at a used book store as soon as possible.

Rating:
Summary: Violet is the best one yet
Review: Lauren Royal knows what she's doing. Every one of her books has been tremendous and she keeps on getting better. I enjoyed Violet very, very much. Even if you're not a huge romance fan, this is good reading. There's history, science, geography, gardening and adventure all disguised as a love story. Who could ask for more?

Rating:
Summary: Violet
Review: Though he is a genius, Ford Chase has no idea how to be a father to his niece when he is given care of her to prevent her from contracting the measles from her siblings. Being an uncle for a little while at a time is one thing, but full time care quite another. His luck improves when his neighbor, Violet Ashcroft, gets sent over to see him, and has her brother, Rowan, who is close in age to the niece, Jewel, along.

While the two children become playmates and fast friends, Ford and Violet find they have much in common. Though neither ever thought to find love, favoring more intellectual pursuits, love begins to find them. However, Violet can not believe that anyone, especially not a handsome man as Ford is, could prefer a schlorly, plain Jane as she to her lovely sisters. Yet, he does, and shows it in little ways, like inventing glasses for her.

Ford is indeed a genius ahead of his time, and Violet can see this. She therefore tries to help him by getting his watch design patented and attempting to sell it for him. Will he be able to accept her help? Will she be able to believe in his love and put aside her determination to never wed?

This light hearted book about two people who are able to see the true beauty in others is a quick read. Like many historical romance heroines, Violet is unconventional and forward thinking who requires a special man, like Ford, to see her as someone worthy of love. Fans of Amanda Quick will find this romantic pair to be exactly their cup of tea. The story is in no way bogged down by the child element, as some books tend to be; in fact, the "romance" between Lady Jewel and Rowan is charming. Also delightful is Violet's mother; and readers will look forward to seeing her matchmaking plans for the other two daughters in upcoming books LILY and ROSE.