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Rating: 
Summary: Original
Review: A previous reviewer took Ms Cook to task for historical implausibility. I would call it originality. For one thing, women wouldn't have made the progress we have if it hadn't been for our foremothers bucking the system. The fact that the secondary characters resist Lucy's dream so forcefully makes the story believable. Also, she's pretty low on the ton's totem pole, so she can afford to be different. I liked this aspect of the book--it took it beyond the same-old, same-old tea party to ballroom, idle gossip, scandal! of many Regencies. If you like Regencies but want a little something new, this book is for you!
Rating: 
Summary: Blah 2 1/2 stars at most
Review: I have to take issue with the reviews being offered here. The plot is historically implausible at best. Members of the gentry or upper class didn't want to work for a living if there was an option. Status was vital to survival, and such a huge step down in the world wasn't something people did lightly. Have a hobby? Yes. Have a job? No. It would have been more plausible if the heroine wanted to marry the neighbor who was attending the Vet College in hopes of being allowed to help with his practice (or if she was on the catch for a man who bred race horses or coursing dogs as a hobby). Her zeal to set up her own practice just seemed stupid. She was never going to be a vet, so refusing to marry because she wanted to be one was simply ridiculous. I wish authors who want to write HISTORICAL romances would actually stick to historic premises and mores.
And the heroine, Lucy, rather than being plucky and forceful as described by others is hands down the most lachrymose heroine I've ever encountered. The woman is always either in tears, or fighting back the tears. Ugh! The hero is worth a look (even if he's busy prattling about how his honor demands he marry some other woman he's been courting after he's already made an offer for Lucy, but not bothered to stick around and find out what her answer is; can you say "breach of promise suit"?).
Overall I found the book a bit on dull side.
Rating:
Summary: delightful debut tale from Cook
Review: I love arrogant Alpha males, when they learn the realities of love, and Kristina Cook gives you just that in her new debut tale from Kensington - Unlaced. Twenty-one year old Miss Lucy Abbington, granddaughter of a baron, is not looking forward to having a season in London. She's not adverse to the dazzling parties, but feels this life is not for the likes of her, a simple country lass. She is practical and feels no matter the fancy togs, she will betray her country raisings. She's apt to be found wearing her younger brother's bitches and riding a horse astride. She'd love a man who loves her, but she feels that man is not to be found in the ton. So she decides to spend her time studying veterinarian arts. She has a natural way with animals and healing. She hopes she can use the time while in London to further her studies.Cynical Henry Aston, Marquis of Manderville, is pure Alpha male. He was engaged to the ton's "pearl of the first water", Miss Cecilia Layton, but mere weeks before the marriage was to take place, Miss Layton was caught in a compromising position with a Mr. Ridgeley. Since Mr. Ridgeley was far beneath the Marquis, it was quite the on-dit, embarrassing Henry. Henry has vowed never to open himself to this sort of embarrassment again. Thus, he's determined not to marry for love. His mother is pushing him to marry. This makes him dig in his spurs even more. Hating his mother, he tends to look down on her. His father spurned marrying a proper lady to marry a parson's daughter, a woman unworthy of his father's love. She was grasping, unfaithful and hated her son from the moment he was born, so it's small wonder Henry lacks a good understanding of love. He's never known it. Rather coldly, Henry equates her lower birth as the problem rather than just his cold mother. His intentions to marry a woman of superior breeding is a knee jerk reaction, which will make the reader slow in warming to him, and at times you want to smack him - really hard! But hang in there... After Henry has an argument with his mother, he is riding to his neighbors when his mount begins to step oddly. Lucy rides up in her brother's clothes and says the horse has hurt its tendon, and leads the animal away. A short time later, he is introduced to Lucy, all dressed up, he finds it hard to believe she is the same woman who was running around in pants. She treats his horse (though I did wonder where all the ice came from in the country at that time of the year in 1817? At several points, this plays more like a Victorian rather than a Regency.). She next meets Henry when his prize mare goes into foal and there are complications. He sends for her and she saves the foal. In the excitement of saving the mare and filly, Henry kisses her, and then callously accuses her of trying to trap him into marriage. Naturally, their paths keep crossing in London. At times, Henry is quite boorish with his arrogant insistence he will only marry a woman "of superior breeding" - while he keeps pawing Lucy really - starts to tax ones patience. When he nearly has his wicked way with Lucy in his carriage, we are "treated" to his thoughts, of how Almack's refused Lucy admittance. He despised them for it, but still knows he is planning to go to Almack's seeking a well pedigreed wife. Henry comes across very unsympathetic. Just as you really want to smack this guy, he redeems himself with worry over a puppy his carriage accidentally hit or when he picks wild flowers for Lucy. Ah, nothing like one of those arrogant rogues to learn the lessons of love! It's a charming tale, a very strong debut book, promising Kristina Cook will, hopefully, gift us with more wonderful, fun tales in the near future.
Rating: 
Summary: engaging Regency romance
Review: In 1817, his widow mother tries to pressure her son the Marquess Henry Ashton to marry and sire the heir and the spare. He refuses to allow his cold mom any say in his life though he agrees with her assessment that he needs to marry. However, Henry rejects her mother's choice of a wife Charlotte Haverford though her pedigree is perfect and she is pretty.
While out riding, Henry's horse goes lame. A woman in breeches notices his steed's gait faltering and provides assistance to the horse. Henry learns that the unique Lady Lucy Abbinstall wants to become a veterinarian, a male only occupation performed exclusively by non aristocrats. As he begins to see Lucy at Ton events, they fall in love, but she knows she is beneath his status and besides he fears love following how his intelligent father married the termagant he calls mother.
This engaging Regency romance will have the audience rooting for the delightfully refreshing heroine (not just feisty and independent she has ambitions) to rope in her Marquess. The story line is fun to follow as Henry has issues involving love and relationships and Lucy has goals that set her up for ridicule by her peers. Though his mom is the mother from a frozen hell, fans will appreciate this finely cooked repast.
Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Great Debut Novel - Fresh and Original 4-1/2*
Review: Setting - Essex and London, England, 1817 --- Henry Ashton, the Marquess of Mandeville, is certainly in no rush to marry, although in his mind the perfect bride would be a perfectly biddable lady, wealthy and from enough of a powerful enough family to enhance his own rising political career. Handsome, wealthy, titled - he could have his pick of the crop of the season's eligible misses, so why does one very unconventional golden haired lass with brilliant green eyes, and sassy mouth confound his senses?
Miss Lucy Abbington, is indeed an unconventional Miss, in spite of her outstanding success in her first season debut, Lucy has no intention of marrying. She agreed to a `season' in London only to have access to and be able to attend some lectures on veterinarian medicine. Her grand passion was to one day hang out her shingle and care for the animals she loved - at least that was what she thought her passion was, until she met and kissed the Marquess of Mandeville.
I found this to be an exceptional debut regency that captured my attention from the very first pages. Between causing a fight at the opera, then almost getting ravished in a carriage, Lucy didn't lack for excitement as she got her first and lasting taste of the ton. In this I was treated to fresh writing, witty and intelligent dialogs, and believable plot lines. If I could offer any critiques it would be a lost opportunity for the author to develop a sub-plot of revenge against Henry when he publicly saved Lucy from the clutches of Lord Sinclair. It seemed as though that insult to Sinclair could have had something to do with a later attack on Henry, but that was never fully explained away. In any case, neither of these small points in any way hindered the outcome or total enjoyment of this delightful debut and this tale certainly whetted my appetite for the sequels to this proposed quartet of related novels. BOTTOM LINE - This is a great read to savor for lovers of historical romance. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Romance!
Review: Sometimes it's hard to identify with a romance from the Regency Era (or any other historical period with restrictions we don't experience today), but Kristina Cook has given us a timeless story with characters you can recognize in today's world, if not in yourself. I got lost in this wonderful romance, which is beautifully written! The historical details are so vivid I felt like I was wearing the dresses and riding in the carriages. The protagonist, Lucy, is just as vivid and well written as a strong woman with a unique outlook on the world, and her goals for life. The man she loves, Henry, is terribly sexy - yet at times selfish and at others vulnerable and noble - making for a well-rounded character, not just a faceless "knight in shining armor". Both of these characters, as well as the supporting cast, draw deep emotions and reactions from the reader as you follow them through discoveries in society and loyalty (not only to the one you love, but to yourself). I once wanted to throw the book across the room because of Henry, laughed out loud several times, and even as a 21st centruy woman, learned a lot from how Lucy reacted to her situation - the mark of truly a talented writer. Overall, this story is a classic romantic escape not only for its time period and characters, but also for its belief in true love that so many of us still hold today! I very much look forward to Kristina Cook's next volume in the series!
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