Author: Jo Goodman
Publishing Date: 2002
Genre: Historical
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: Borrowed the audio book from my library.
Let Me Be the One is the first book in Jo Goodman's Compass Club. Brendan David Hampton, Earl of Northam finds himself intrigued by Libby Pinrose, who is superior Officer, has tasked him with checking up on her. Her quiet and composed demeanor compels him to dig deeper because he is certain she is hiding something. Northam's instincts are correct because she certainly is hiding a dark secret.
I really enjoy Jo Goodman's writing but I have never listened to one of her books before and wondered how it would compare. I needn’t have worried because Virginia Leishman did a wonderful job of narrating the story. She speaks with an English accent and her voice brings the Regency period alive. Goodman excels at setting up a scene and painting a picture for the reader. Hearing her words read aloud really let the reader imagine the scene unfolding.
I found Let Me Be the One a very engrossing book, but be forewarned it is all very internal. The book is a subtle one, yet with many layers that are slowly peeled away. I found the writing and plot to be very crafty and clever, yet manipulative. Those who are familiar with Goodman's writing will recognize her signature style. The action is slow and plodding, and the character's themselves take center stage.
I really enjoyed both Libby's and Brandon's personalities. Libby almost feels as if she is not worthy of Brandon, but can't seem to say no to him. Brandon feels that Libby is such a gem and can't fathom what has left her so unhappy. To him she is almost like a fragile egg that could easily be broken. The way the story unfolds and how they reach their happy ever after certainly is a wonderful, endearing story. I highly recommend Jo Goodman and Let Me Be the One is certainly a good place to start.
This book can be purchased in used print format from Amazon
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8 comments:
I love reading Jo Goodman but haven't read her in a while!!! I will definitely have to look this one up!!!!
Oh, thanks! I adore Goodman.
Oh wow, this sounds like a wonderful book. Must check my TBR pile to see if I have this one. Great review sweets!
Thanks ladies, I hope you do give it a try. It was very enjoyable!
This whole series blew me away. I don't know if you've read or listened to the other 3 books in the series, but they are all equally good. And what makes this series so fascinating is they basically all take place at the same time - only from different points of view. So you often have the exact same scene from a different angle. Makes it very interesting
I just recently read Price of Desire and loved it. It was my first Goodman, but it certainly won't be the last one. I was thinking about trying Never Love a Lawman next. Have you read it, do you recommend it?
Ah well, if I ever read this one, I'll know that there's a dark secret. That works for me. I hate to be too surprised and Ms Goodman has done it a few times in the past books ^_^;
Kristie - I haven't read the other books yet. I do have plans to though. I just love her writing!! That is neat that all the books center around the same time period.
Maija - I did read Never Love a Lawman. It is a western so if you like westerns you should like that one, but it wasn't my favorite by her. However, it's still a good story and I am glad I read it.
I also read If His Kiss is Wicked, which was my first Goodman and loved that one. Its a regency historical. Excellent and I recommend that one too.
Nath, I think it is Goodman's signature style to have a dark secret in the heroine's past. I can't seem to think of any of her recent books that haven't had that angle. Fortunately for me, it's an angle that works!
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