While the series began very charmingly, after 3 novels of very similar circumstances, Chesney's writing wears thin. Like Glen Cook, who I read earlier this year (and despite the genre difference), Chesney writes briefly and conjures drama and feeling from a few words - when Rose was being chased by Jeffrey Tremaine, I felt her fear and wariness as she crept through her Aunt's castle; unlike Cook, I did not warm to or learn much about her characters personally, and felt very detached from them.

Daisy's cheekiness and sensibility evaporated in 'Our Lady of Pain', supposedly brought on by her beating, but seemed abrupt, especially when we include Becket's sudden transformation into a strict husband and equally sudden reconciliation with their marriage. Harry is a bizarre edition, because I often feel like he is there to facilitate the action, but is redundant in the romance which revolves around Rose and her conflicting desire to be free and to be loved. I disliked Rose, more so for her spoilt nature and inability to learn - I initially cheered Chesney's portrayal of her as someone who thought herself above others, but eventually warms to become more considerate and empathetic - however, the rest of the series persists with Rose making the same mistakes of assuming her own safety and going on an adventure, or make decisions based on hearsay. As tiring as the actions of her characters are, the plot of each novel is even more so.

Scandal or murder occurs, Harry is dispatched, Rose somehow entangled and they investigate separately, stubbornly until forced to come together to rescue one or the other- in between, dealing with the requisite fighting, Harry hiding his feelings and Rose ignoring and submitting to her parents' wishes. No longer interesting after the second novel, I'd say stick with the first two for a fun, easy read. 1.9 stars.

Contrived drama, idiotic stereotypes being played out and just boring

Not the best book in the series but a satisfying end nonetheless.

I read 2/3s of this on an airplane, and it was the perfect books for that- very light and easy to put down and pick up again after a nap.