Tags: historical romanceOverall Rating: 4 out of 5
When her sister Mellana tearfully needs money for her dowry, the feisty and independent Finnula has no choice but to kidnap a rich man and hold him for ransom to get the money. She finds Sir Hugh Fitzwilliam, a knight just returning from the Holy Wars, and makes him her hostage. Perfect.
Summary
However, her hostage is hiding a few secrets. For one, his real name is Lord Hugo Fitzstephen, and he is the heir to Stephensgate Manor, the town where Finnula resides as the miller’s sister. Hugo has had his fair share of women, but not capture his attention so much as the Fair Finn, whose acerbic manner and complete unawareness of her beauty make him practically unable to keep his hands off her.
There are more than a few reasons why Finnula wants nothing to do with the future Earl of Stephensgate, though, because of a disturbing past that may threaten to destroy everyone’s present and future happiness if someone doesn’t do something about it…
Review
If you want a light, frothy, and fun historical romance, look no further than RANSOM MY HEART. I’m not a big romance novel reader, but this book completely won me over with the strong of the attraction between Finnula and Hugo. They are arresting and appealing, if somewhat stereotypical, characters—Finnula is the willful free spirit, Hugo the dangerously sexy royalty guy. However, that didn’t bother me much at all, simply because their story was so fun to read.
This novel is actually the senior project of Mia Thermopolis (from The Princess Diaries), and so of course there are some aspects of it that are rather amateurish and cliché: the romance-y terms, the faux-Olde English speech. Additionally, the second half of the novel drags a bit, and the ending felt a bit too well wrapped up. Overall, however, RANSOM MY HEART is a truly enjoyable and fun romantic romp, and it’s going to stay on my bookshelf when I need a lighthearted and sexy escapism read.
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Cover discussion: 3.5 out of 5 - With author names like Meg Cabot and Mia Thermopolis on the cover, who needs anything else? Haha, okay, I exaggerate. I do love the font they chose for the title, and I'm really glad they didn't put one of those racy seduction pictures on the cover. I like the mutedness of the colors... but the title treatment is still the best!
This book seems like such a clever idea...I think I'll read it just based on that!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book! It sounds great. And the cover is beautiful! In the Princess Diaries books Mia always wants to become a writer, its nice that Meg Cabot made it so she ended up being published! :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds different from other books by Meg. I'll check it out someday. Loving the cover too!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I'm a huge Meg Cabot fan. Thanx
ReplyDeleteSounds somewhat like Mia/Micheal relationship.
ReplyDeleteA knight returning home, eh?
I love this book! I think Meg & Mia did a wonderful job - very frothy as long as you're not looking for a "serious" romance :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Usually inaccurate historical fiction annoys me so much I can't read it, but this sounds good fun. I might try it.
ReplyDeleteYOu should DEFINITELY visit my blog tomorrow after NOON! You WON'T be disappointed!!
ReplyDeleteso a fictional character is now a novice authoress? this i'll have to investigate!!! sounds like a cute and quick read.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Meg Cabot maniac, and I can't believe I haven't read this one yet! :) I definitely plan on it, though, and I enjoyed your review. After finishing the last Princess Diaries book a few months ago, I'm eager to reconnect with Mia... even just briefly.
ReplyDeleteI really want this book! Your review made me want it even more. I need to get a job to feed my book addiction.
ReplyDelete