Undone [Paperback]

This anthology contains three novellas:

Susan Johnson: As you wish
England, 18th century
The young Earl of Albion is mostly interested in horses, sex and betting - in that order. When he makes a drunken bet to seduce Felicity Belvoid, a virgin from a wealthy noble family, he's in for a surprise: Felicity is quite willing to oblige if he agrees to take her to her aunt in Edinburgh afterwards. As it turns out, her nasty stepmother wants to marry her off to a rich old man. Both are pleased to find out that they really enjoy each other in and out of bed, since Felicity is also a horse lover. But things become difficult when the two are caught and confronted by both sets of parents...
What I liked about this Regency story was the sense of humour. What I didn't like so much was the excess of sex scenes which were sometimes way over the top. A good read, but not great.


Terri Brisbin: A storm of love
Scotland, 11th century
When Breac sees a woman almost beaten to death, he saves her and takes her with him to his home village. As it turns out, Aigneis was divorced and banished by her husband because she didn't give him children. She and Breac soon feel attracted to each other, but Aigneis has a secret she is afraid might drive Breac away...
This is a moving romance with a paranormal element and likeable, convincing characters. It can be read on its own, but is part of the author's Storm-series.

Mary Wine: Stealing the bride
Scotland, 16th century
Hayden Monroe lost his wife and children to a fever. Now he has to marry again but is less than happy with the negotiations for a bride. When a neighbouring laird offers his headstrong sister for a handfasting, he agrees to meet her. While she's insulted at the idea of not being married properly, she soon feels attracted to Hayden. He feels the same. But then she's kidnapped for ransom...
I really liked the characters, especially Hayden who had a lot more depth than usual for male heroes in historic romances. I felt that the story lost a bit of its focus when secondary characters were introruced during the kidnapping. The author obviously plans to write another story about them, but it took away from this story. Apart from that it's really good.

All in all, this is an above average anthology. It's relatively erotic, in Johnson's case maybe too much so, but with well developed characters and in the case of Brisbin and Wine also good plots.

On a different note: I wish this publisher didn't publish so many trade paperbacks instead of smaller paperbacks. They are a lot more expensive and take of much more room on the shelf. I guess they can make more money for the same book. Since it's usually just the trade paperback without a later small paperback publication, you don't have much of a choice if you like an author (in my case Mary Wine), but I'm less than happy with that policy. This doesn't take away from the quality of this book, but it's less than ideal to me.

Get in line historical romance lovers! UNDONE, an anthology by Susan Johnson, Terri Brisbin, and Mary Wine will make a welcome addition to any keeper shelf!

AS YOU WISH by Susan Johnson

Virgin Felicity Belvoir is well thought of and is able to make even the hardest of heart like her. Men find her irresistible but are too much aware of her to take her virginity. It's a good thing the Earl of Albion isn't as reserved - he plans to take her virginity. And if rumors are true, Felicity is looking forward to every single risqué moment.

Felicity is a lovely woman. She has style and grace. Her peers love her - she is everything the jaded Earl of Albion needs, even if he is too stubborn to see what is in front of his face. I adore when the intentions of the hero doesn't happen as he planned!

A STORM OF LOVE by Terri Brisbin

Breac is on his way home after searching for a healer to give him herbs to help his dying sister. As he rests for the night, he is awakened by two men throwing a bundle off of a horse. The bundle moves, and Breac is surprised to see a trussed up and very much naked woman inside. Realizing the men mean to kill her, Breac stops them by promising to make her his slave.

Terri Brisbin pleasantly surprised me with A STORM OF LOVE. With drama, flair, and sensuous love scenes, I was unable to do anything other than fall in love with this spirited story. Ms. Brisbin's characters were enchanting!

STEALING THE BRIDE by Mary Wine

Hayden Monroe needs a wife in the worst way. As laird of his clan, Hayden knows his responsibilities. And finding a wife is a priority. Hayden finds the woman he desires in Elspeth Leask. She is a beauty, and Hayden is looking forward to bedding and then wedding this lovely lady.

I am certain that no one other than Mary Wine can tell a Scottish romance with such enticing words. STEALING THE BRIDE has just the right combination of sensuality and sexuality needed to bring Hayden and Elspeth alive.

UNDONE is a great anthology by three extremely talented authors. There is simply no way I could pick a favorite so I am not going to even try. Just know that each story will grab you and keep you warm and toasty as you read. Or, like me, it might make you sweat and shiver with anticipation!

Natalie S.

"As You Wish" by Susan Johnson. On 1785 London, the bet between two friends leads to Felicity Belvoir meeting the Earl; he wants to be her first and she wants him to be her last.

"A Storm of Love" by Terri Brisbin. In 1083 Scotland, Agnes of Mull is thrown out of her home into the dangerous wild, but Breac takes her in so she does not die.

"Stealing the Bride" by Mary Wine. In 1554 Scotland Laird Hayden Monroe needs a wife so he decides to kidnap his first and last choice Elspeth Leask as they share a deep passion that he hopes will turn into an even deeper love.

These are three well written heated historicals starring strong males and even stronger females.

Harriet Klausner

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 4 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars