An Impossible Attraction
Author: Brenda Joyce
Publisher: HQN
Pub. Date: February 23, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0373774609
384 pages

When Passions Collide

Once a lady , she has given up everything to take care of her sisters and her wastrel father. Now, Alexandra Bolton sews the clothing of those who were once her peers to make ends meet. Yet her life is about to forever change….

He is the most powerful peer in the realm—and the most sought after bachelor. Yet the Duke of Clarewood has rejected the crème de la crème of society for over a decade. But when he first sees Alexandra, he is instantly intrigued—and he offers her a scandalous proposition. And her stunning refusal only whets his ambition….

~*~*~

An Impossible Attraction is a wonderful love story that at once broke my heart and then mended it all over again. Brenda Joyce has definitely made an impact with her latest installment of the de Warenne dynasty.

I have read a good many of Brenda’s books over the last few years and all of the previous de Warenne stories. The change in Brenda’s writing style is very evident as you go from The Conqueror to An Impossible Attraction. She writes her characters so well now that you almost feel part of the family as she describes the other de Warenne men and ladies. I felt a great connection with these characters and I advise you all to read the other books in this series. If you can’t find some of the older ones, at least start with The Prize and read on from there. A full list of all the titles is available on Brenda’s Website. Thankfully, Elysse and Alexi’ s story is next, release date later in 2010… I have been waiting for what seems like FOREVER for that book!

This book has strong character development and plot framing. Brenda gets right into the story but not so fast that you feel rushed – “here’s your hat, what’s your hurry…” An Impossible Attraction contains some beautifully intense parts that make your heart do a little flutter and a secondary love story, involving our hero’s mother, which just about melts your heart.

A troubled childhood has made our hero Stephen into an outwardly cold and stoic man with a determination towards his duty above all else. Unlike other characters with this similar bent in other books I have read, he possesses a sense of power not so much to rule over all, but to use his influence for good – such as building proper lodgings for workers and hospitals. But as you get to know him better, you will find your opinion of him changing dramatically and not always in a good way. I am still not sure if I really liked him.

Alexandra, our heroine, is a woman of profound character and great courage. She reflects the plight of so many women who must sacrifice to aid their families. Only, no women in her social class would ever dream of working for a living to support her sisters and unacceptable drunkard of a father. Hence she is a social outcast with little prospects. Can this impoverished spinster win the cold heart of a duke or will she face ruin and scandal all for the sake of her wildly impossible attraction?

The love scenes in this book were very few, not that it detracted from the book, but there could have been a few more moments of intimacy. As it is, what few there was were somewhat descriptive in language but very short lived… so I am confused on how to rate this in terms of heat.

Overall, I will say that I enjoyed this book. Actually I stayed up into the wee hours of morning to finish reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I would rate it 7 out of 10. I could have rated it higher but there was just something missing… small and impossible to put my finger on but missing none the less.

Rating: 7 (Good)

Heat Level: 3 (Sensual)

Buy Links: Book Depository ~ $6.49 | Amazon Kindle ~ $5.76

Comment to enter to win a copy of An Impossible Attraction.

historicals
By Contests, Giveaways, Reviews31 Comments on Review: An Impossible Attraction

31 Replies to “Review: An Impossible Attraction”

  5. Great review! You’ve pointed out exactly what I most want to know about the story. I love Brenda’s writing and would love the chance to read this.

  6. This book sounds very good. Brenda is a new-to-me-author. I know she has a wide fan base, but I’ve not picked up one of her books before. I’d like a chance to win, thanks.

  7. Oh, I’ve got one of her books in my tbr pile – me thinks I should read it because this one sounds great!!

    catslady5(at)aol.com

  8. I’ve never read anything by this author before. Your review makes me want to give her a try.

  9. I’ve always enjoyed Brenda Joyce’s books, and An Impossible Attraction sounds like another great one.

  10. “An Impossible Attraction is a wonderful love story that at once broke my heart and then mended it all over again”

    I’m hooked by this words. Pick Me to satisfy my curious 🙂

  11. Thanks for the chance to win! I haven’t actually picked up any Brenda Joyce’s historicals, and I’d love to start with one. 🙂

  12. Have enjoyed Brenda Joyce’s books over the years. This particular plot is appealing. Who doesn’t like to see the self-sacrificing young (or not so young) woman win the heart of the rich, powerful hero.
    I look forward to reading this book.

  13. Brenda Joyce’s books is wonderful .She is one of my all time favorite authors.Her new book sounds great .please add me to the contest.

  14. Great review. I’ve never read a book by her (I know where have I been?) and this sounds interesting.

  15. The review is very good and I heard some good things about this book aswell. Brenda is a new to me author but I would LOVE to read it! So please count me in, thanks.

  16. I haven’t read this author in some time but the book sounds interesting. Please enter me.

  22. Very good review. I’ve been reading romance for a long time…but I’ve never read Brenda Joyce. Looks like I’ll got some catching up to do. I would love to be entered in your drawing.

  26. I’m a huge fan of Brenda’s older historicals but haven’t really read the newer stuff. I’d like to give this book a try.

  28. Thanks for a great review. I love Brenda Joyce’s books. Please enter me into this contest. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  31. Sounds like an enjoyable read. Thanks for the review 🙂 I haven’t read any of her books yet either, this could be a good intro read 😉

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