Christine Young
Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level: 4
REVIEW:
Title: Allura Genre: Historical Author: Christine Young
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne Reviewer Email: RJChrissyDionne@yahoo.com
Christine Young’s ALLURA is a delightful historical novel full of
suspense, lovable characters, humor and a budding romance between two
characters determined not to fall in love. Allura and Hunter’s stubborn,
determined natures allowed for some interesting scenes as they attempted to get
one up on each other. As a modern day woman I felt bad for Allura because
technically her husband would dictate every aspect of her life and the freedom
she loves would be a thing of the past. Hunter is unbending as far as to how he
believes a wife should behave but falling in love changes him and his
perception of Allura. Hunter and Allura are the main focus of this story but
there are secondary characters whom I absolutely adored and would love to
revisit in future novels (hint, hint). Especially the youngest sister Aiden and
Hunter’s trusted friend Blade. He doesn’t believe in love and she’s determined
to do whatever’s necessary to get him to notice her. SNIPPET— Allura has come
to treasure her freedom and the adventures she shares with her sisters and her
cousins but her father’s decision to find her a husband threatens that freedom.
He’s placed an ad in the times in search of a man strong and smart enough to
discover where exactly it is that the girls venture when they leave the safety
of the castle.
REVIEW:
ALLURA
CHRISTINE YOUNG
ISBN # 978-1-58749-722-3
April 10, 2009
Rogue Phoenix Press
Ebook
$4.99 US
239 Pages
Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Cups
Allura McClellan’s father wants to see his daughters married
before he passes on and has decided to run a contest to see who can reveal
Allura’s secret and, if correct, the prize is her hand in marriage as well as
her land and titles. She fights her father every step of the way, clinging to
the reasoning that she does not want to submit to a man and give up who she is
because she takes pride in all she has learned and who she has become without a
husband.
All Hunter Gray's life, he has been treated horribly for being
an English earl’s bastard son and as an adult, fought for his country and
became a mighty warrior. Now, he sees a chance to get everything he feels he
deserves, money and land, and all he has to do is seduce Allura into marrying
him.
Even though a crackling fire rears itself every time Hunter and
Allura are together, they truly try to fight the attraction, but for different
reasons. As time goes by, feelings start to change and as they are in danger of
losing themselves and more, can Allura and Hunter both get what they want?
I really enjoyed this book by Christine Young. It has mystery,
humor and, whew, steamy love scenes! An awesome group of characters make this
read very entertaining, from the tough as nails Allura to her meddlesome
younger sister, Aiden. There is never a dull moment throughout this book and
you will surely not be disappointed. I can only hope that some of my favorites
get a story of their own. Well done Ms. Young.
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
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BLURB:
Allura McClellan is horrified by her father’s decision to take out an
ad in the Times awarding her to the man strong enough and smart enough to win
her hand and uncover her secrets. She’s an intelligent young woman who takes
great delight in the freedom allotted to her by her father. She’s well aware
that marriage would effectively curtail the adventures she’s shared with her
sisters and cousins.
Hunter
Gray is nothing like the other men who’ve arrived to vie for Allura’s hand in
marriage and everything that goes along with it. However, he is the first to
refuse to concede defeat and pursue her despite her attempts to disguise her
true appearance. It’s her temperament that is of more concern to him than her
looks. Hunter has worked all his life with the hope of someday owning his own
land. Now that it looks like there’s a very real possibility that everything
he’s ever wanted is within reach nothing is going to deter him – including Miss
Allura’s disagreeable disposition.
Eddington,
Scotland 1815
"You
can’t plan to wed me to that--that man down there!" Allura McClellan’s
heart thundered and lodged in her throat. Balled into fists her hands trembled.
"You promised I could marry for love. I thought when the last man failed
to discover this imaginary secret you think I have, you would stop this
craziness. I thought you would take the ad out of the Times and the other
papers."
From the
boxing ring below, fist met flesh, the sound echoing throughout. Hunter Gray
whirled and ducked. He guarded his face to block the stinging blows his
opponent rained down upon him. He spun and ducked again. The man he fought
countered the attack, but he did not move fast enough. Hunter’s next jab was so
fast and so hard the other man didn’t block the punch. The man staggered
backwards, blood running from his eye. Men yelled and cheered for the two
combatants. Hunter paused and spoke to the man he practiced with before the
match continued once more.
Allura saw her
life as she had planned it slip away as if it was grains of sand in an hour
glass. She stopped pacing and watched the men below. She turned on her father.
"The ad in the Times--giving me away to any man--you have gone too far. A
marriage of convenience is barbaric. You promised." For a moment, she
closed her eyes. She did not want to acknowledge anything that went on here. It
was not her fault she could not find a man she loved. What horrific bit of bad
luck had found her?
The laird
cleared his throat. "Perhaps I have not gone far enough or soon enough.
And the ad did not promise you to just any man. He must be strong enough and
smart enough to win your hand."
It was not
Allura’s nature to allow others to rule her fate. “These men,” she waved her
hand in the air, frustration sweeping recklessly within. "They don’t want
me. They come for one reason only. They are greedy and hungry for power. You
have taught me everything I need to know. I can run your estate and all of your
holdings. I’ve studied endless hours. I know the men who work for you. I swear
I’ll defy your wishes. At the altar I will say no."
The
McClellan’s grin faded as quickly as it had appeared and without further
thought, he said, "Perhaps not, you are beautiful lass--one with rare
promise. And," he stroked his chin, "no matter how much book learning
a woman has she cannot dictate her own life. It is up to the men in her life to
make sure she is happy and provided for."
A strained
silence followed. She sagged against the stone wall. As if sensing her
vulnerable position, she stiffened. Outraged and furious she looked upon her
father. "They are money grubbers and want your land--our land. They have
no right to any of your estate."
The McClellan
held back for a moment, seemingly aware there was more than just a little truth
in what Allura said. "How indeed?" he questioned her. Yet his smile
was tight, forced. "I grow old. I only want this land secured and my
daughters happy before I die. You are twenty-two. I have given you ample
opportunity to fall in love. I thought it time to bring new blood to this land,
a new man. I thought perhaps one would take your fancy."
"That
man," she began. Her hand shook when she pointed at the man who danced and
whirled avoiding each blow as if he dallied in child's play. She trembled so
violently she could not speak. “Is an Englishman.”
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