With This Ring
 

With This Ring

by Amanda Quick

Leo Drake, the "Mad Monk of Monkcrest," is notoriously eccentric and unquestionably reclusive.  But he is also a noted antiquities expert, which is why Beatrice Poole has demanded his reluctant assistance.

The freethinking authoress of "horrid novels," Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's... (read more)

Top tags: historical romanceamanda quickromancehistorical fictionhistorical (all tags)

Overview: Amazon Reviews

Another engaging mystery by Amanda Quick
  • Rated 3 stars
Reviewed by an Amazon user, June 4, 2006
Mrs. Beatrice Poole is a woman of many mysteries--including a secret identity as Amelia York, authoress of horrid novels. Upon learning of the death of her uncle under most improper circumstances, Beatrice takes it upon herself to find out what happened. When the young widow finds herself on the verge of becoming the heroine of one of her grim and fanciful tales she looks toward the Earl of Monkford for assistance.

Leo, the Earl of Monkford, has a family history with mystery and intrigue. The men before him who held the title Earl of Monkford became known as the "Mad Monks." Leo himself is believed to have supernatural powers, including the ability to turn himself into a wolf. Followed by his trusty hound, Elf, Leo sets out to help Beatrice discover what happened to her uncle, and finds himself falling for the lady in the interim period.

This novel was an engaging read and passed the time quickly. Quick's signature mysteries rarely disappoint. One of the best things about this one is that both the hero and heroine are of a certain age (nearing 40 and 30, respectively) so there is little need for the high drama typically associated with Regency romance. This would be an excellent book to read by the pool in the summer.
toothsome but enjoyable...
  • Rated 4 stars
Reviewed by an Amazon user, April 24, 2006
I agree with another reviewer. Miss Quick's newer romances are a bit longer wordwise. But the longer length is not needed and I hope she goes back to her older writing style. That said-With This Ring's was still filled with Quick's signature humor, quirkiness, intelligent characters and sensuality. It was also refreshing to have a 40 yr old hero and 30 yr old heroine. This book seems written more of a adventure than and "I adore you" romance but is still quite enjoyable. The love scenes are well written, especially the first love scene-against the wall, woohoo-is smoking!
All in all-even a mediocre Quick book is better than most other romances out there:)
4 stars-recommended:)
Quick does it again!
  • Rated 5 stars
Reviewed by an Amazon user, October 7, 2004
Don't be fooled by bland reviews, _With This Ring_ is classic Amanda Quick. Teeming with the usual mystery, romance, adventure and passion readers have grown to love, _With This Ring_ is right on par with all of Ms. Quick's earlier works. I'd even go so far as to say it has become one of my favorites by her.

In Beatrice and Leo Ms. Quick has created two strong minded, mature and well rounded characters. Beatrice is lively, funny and intelligent. I really enjoyed reading about a heroine who was nearing thirty years old and who'd been wed and bed before. It was a nice, refreshing change of pace to see an older heroine who had a sensible head on her shoulders be swept away by desire. So many times romance authors inundate you with simpering beauties whose only attribute worth mentioning is their looks. Ms. Quick continually sets forth heroines who make you proud to be a woman and Beatrice does just that. Leo is exciting, sensual and has a magnetism that the reader feels right along with Beatrice. Watching him fall in love with Beatrice is a beautiful experience and when he gave her the legendary 'Mad Monk' token of love I cried.

As always, the plot was engaging and full of twists and turns that kept me absorbed right from the first. Another thing I really enjoyed about _With This Ring_ is the fact that Ms. Quick alludes to a character from one of her previous books. It was nice to see a name I recognized and be able to recall another extraordinary book of her's that I'd read.

Anyone who has read this book and didn't like it should give it a second read through, surely you must have missed something the first time! Anyone who hasn't read this book -- what are you waiting for? Buy it now and be prepared for a marvelous read courtesy of Amanda Quick.
A GREAT SUMMER READ
  • Rated 4 stars
Reviewed by an Amazon user, July 2, 2003
This is the first Amanda Quick book I've ever read and I have to say it will not be my last! The herione and the hero of the story blance well together, its to perfect. This is a great read for anyone who loves a good romance and a good mystery.
Loved It!
  • Rated 5 stars
Reviewed by an Amazon user, September 24, 2002
This is one of my favorite by Amanda Quick. Her stories are always original. You don't read that many romances with a 29 year old woman and a 40+ male. Beatrice is one of my favorite Quick heroines. She is no young, naive girl. She's strong, confident, stubborn, practical and intelligent. Leo is also one of my favorites. He is a recluse with no use for society, but Beatrice drags him out of his self-imposed seclusion and takes him on a wild ride that changes his life.

There was nothing dull about With This Ring. It takes off from the first page and doesn't drag. Beatrice and Leo are both strong characters, and I got a few good laughs reading about them locking horns. They also both deserve happiness and it was great to read about how they find it with each other. If you are a fan of Amanda Quick, you should definitely read this one.

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