The Suitor

Rating:
Summary: Not too bad but a little tedious
Review: I've never read anything by this author before and I was impressed with some of her skills, but the lack of attention to the way people really spoke in the Regency era was bothersome. Some of the turns of phrase were just too "today". Also, there were longish stretches that were somewhat boring and I found myself "skimming". I found the plot pretty unrealistic (even a Romance novel must be SOMEWHAT based in reality!); it was only the will to find out what would become of Katherine & Alain drove me on. But this is definitely not a keeper for me. If you're a die-hard fan of this author, get it, but if not, wait for the bargain bin.

Rating:
Summary: amusing Regency romance
Review: In 1813, the Regent of snobbery is Katherine Deveraux, daughter of a marriage between a duke and an heiress to a dukedom. Her superior airs turn ugly when she avenges a slight from a fellow student at Mrs. Treadwell's Academy for the Elevation of Young Ladies. Though her actions could have ended tragically, Katherine shows no remorse. The school's secret partner Countess Christiane d'Oliveri worries about her charge's indifference while Katherine's father and stepmother visit Russia.

A

s she heads home from London after rectifying Katherine's actions, Christiane notices Alain Montclair enter a gentleman's gambling hall. She asks for his help with bringing Katherine down a couple of pegs by getting her to fall in love with him before he deserts her. Kent sounds perfect for the part when an irate spouse decides to skewer Alain for cuckolding him.

Alain turns on his charm on Katherine, but she ignores him. Soon he realizes that the superiority complex hides a lonely woman seeking the love she lost when her father stopped mourning her mother with her. The French wastrel and the English parvenu fall in love, but can he can overcome her formidable mental defenses?

THE SUITOR is an amusing Regency romance that cleverly provides a subtle message on the strengths of women intertwined into the plot. The lead couple is a delight and the return of Treadwell and d'Oliveri (see HOW TO KISS A HERO)add a feel of homecoming to the humorous story line. If any Regency author has a right to act snobbish it is Sandy Hingston who always furnishes superior novels.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: The Suitor
Review: Once I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down! It was smart and steamy and full of crazy twists and turns. I'd say that Sandy Hingston is the best in the biz. I can't wait for her next one!

Rating:
Summary: Chill out, everyone, this book is fab
Review: Reading other people's critical reviews of The Suitor made me realize why many romance writers/readers get on my nerves - they act like The Rest Of Us have to KNOW AND CARE DEEPLY about all kinds of history in order to allow ourseives to enjoy a damn fine book. What a competitive, prissy horde horde they are. When I read their sniping reviews, I feel taken aback and a little bad, like someone is chiding me for being hoodwinked into allowing myself to be swept away by a truly good yarn.
What a bunch of pedantic, joyless scolds. It's a BOOK, gang.
So, fine, call me an dolt for not much caring whether the language I found so entertaining, real and accessible in Hingston's book may (or may not ) be lacking in historical accuracy. I loved the story, and I love Hingston's writing. I want characters that draw me in, plot lines that surprise and love scenes that rivet. This book has it all. I adored it.

Rating:
Summary: I AGREE WITH "CHILL OUT" FROM CANTON
Review: Romance readers who turn romance reading into an academic exercise, a hunt for historical accuracy, are missing the whole point of romance reading--it's to escape the drudgery of day-to-day life and who cares if one or two minor details aren't true to the Regency period? What matters is that THE SUITOR is great reading, fast reading and juicy on top of all that. Hingston really creates three-dimensional characters and a hero you just want to, well, take a bite out of. Yummy yummy is right.

Rating:
Summary: My Summer Romance Choice
Review: Sandy Hingston is the only romance writer I read because she treats romantic subjects with humour, the appropriate level of steaminess, and keeps me turning the pages until the end. I read everyone I can get my hands on. She is also the only romance writer I know with legitimate literary merit. I confess to partiality on this particular book, as it encompasses both countries I call home. Don't miss it!

Rating:
Summary: A Feel Good Book!!
Review: Sandy Hingstons, The Suitor, was her best yet! The story line made you want to read on. I enjoyed the transformation of the characters and their relationships. I didn't want to put it down and it kept a smile on my face! Keep them coming!

Rating:
Summary: A Regency Period Romance With Depth and Angst!!!
Review: Spin-offs often are a letdown, but Ms Hingston has out done herself with THE SUITOR. The reader, who was introduced to Katherine in HOW TO KISS A HERO, will realize it will take an incredible talent to make this snobby 'deb' not only a heroine, but a likeable one. Yet Ms Hingston's latest offering, THE SUITOR, is "THE" finest example of character transformation a romance reader will find in today's titles. This can only happen because of Ms Hingston's strong ability to keep this element (the transformation) before the reader. In doing so she provides an incredible experience for the reader who sees our spoiled brat experience her first pangs of love, a love that grows to provide not only a journey of adventure, but one of self discovery. That this journey is rich with disappointment yet laced with enough hope to keep the reader turning page after page toward a deliciously satisfying end.

Ms Hingston's hero is a wonderful compliment for our heroine. He is strong, deliciously sexy and yet quite vulnerable. This element of vulnerability and added mystery as to whom he really is, is what makes this such a wonderful read on a number of levels. There is one scene sure to evoke images from the movie A WALK IN THE CLOUDS. Yummy, Yummy!!!

Brava to Ms Hingston for actually convincing a romance publisher to allow her to create a sweeping tale that takes the reader from England to France, a setting we romance readers have been told is taboo, and back again on a wonderful rich journey. That this book is over 400 pages should alert the reader they are going to be treated to a multi-layered tale with twists and turns sure to move the reader toward a most satisfying end.

Ms Hingston, one of the often forgotten mid-list authors, consistently provides her readers with richly complex stories driven by characters and plots readers care about well after the last page is turned. THE SUITOR is a new breed of Regency period offerings which are giving new life to a subgenre which has become stale and predictable. What makes her approach fresh is she isn't caught up in the culture of the period at the expense of her story or characters. THE SUITOR will stand alone as keeper read, but why shortchange your enjoyment of Ms Hingston's talent by not reading the first in this series, HOW TO KISS A HERO as well .

Rating:
Summary: What Fun!
Review: The Suitor is the first Sandy Hingston novel I've read--but I'll definitely read more! The hero, Alain, has the passion we all want more of, in our men. Lord Dalrymple turns out to be such a lout, and in such a conventionally acceptable way. And Katherine-- well, she has to find her heart before she finds her heart's desire! I loved this book because the characters are real.I have no idea whether they're speaking as people would speak in 1813--but who wants that? If that were the case, wouldn't they seem like wax figures behind a velvet rope in some museum?

The plot really moves along. Just when Alain has literally carted off Katherine to the Cote d'Or, and you're wondering what's going on back in Paris... Back we go to Paris. As for the ending, all I can say is, I was hanging on for dear life. You won't regret picking up The Suitor.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent historical romance
Review: This review is way overdue. I read this wonderful book earlier this year and loved it. I thought the book was very original and a breath of fresh air as far as romance is concerned. The characters were interesting and I loved the twists and turns of the story. I loved Hingston's writing style and I look forward to reading her next book, The Affair. This was a great romance with memorable characters, highly recommend this book.

Keishon