Originally written: March 23, 2006

This book was sent to me by Corinne because it is one of her favorite non-JM books. It was the story of Matthew Quinlan ad Olivia St. John. The heroine has inherited a boarding house from his uncle who spent his last years in the wilds of Africa. She needed a sort of an escort going there and his uncle's solicitor has enlisted the help of Matthew Quinlan. And thus, their story began.

Overall, it was a good read too. I love the hero - he reminds me of JM heroes too. He was hardworking, strong, brave, rich and powerful in Africa - a bigger-than-life hero. Olivia was an English governess, all prim and proper but somehow, deep inside - a passionate and fiesty woman exists. And it all came out because of Matthew.

I admit at first, their bickering irritated me because Quinn was gruffy and easily got angry, just like Clayton Westmorelan. However, toward the middle, the author elevated him to my estimation because it was only then that the author pointed out that he was normally patient with women and does not get easily angry - only Olivia has done it to him.

The story was unique in the sense that it was not set in London or America, like the stereotype romance novels. It was set in Africa - and became informative about the desert and the topography of the said country. And not to mention the information it brings about diamond mines. Very refereshing indeed.

However, the author tend to be prosy and overly detailed coz even the neck of the giraffe was described. Every litte thing - the grass, the animals, and everything were described to the detail and somehow it diverted me from the story - so yes, as usual, I skipped the unnecessary details.

Corinne, thank you for sending it and I greatly love it too.
Posted by Sharon in Thinker mode at 3/23/2006 08:54:00 PM 4 comments

Labels: Books, diamond in the rough, patricia waddell