Patricia Waddell Reviews

Page One

Added February 3, 2003

Diamond in the Rough

Author: Patricia Waddell
Publisher: Zebra Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: December 2002
Genre: Romance: Historical
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0-8217-7325-9
Author Email/Website: www.patriciawaddell.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Set in beautiful South Africa during the great diamond rush, Diamond in the Rough is the story of Olivia St. John and Matthew Quinlan.

When her father fell ill, Olivia took on the task of writing to his brother in South Africa. Reading his leatters filled her with a desire to visit. Upon her uncle's death, she learns he named her his heir. Determined to take possession of her inheritance, she journeys to Cape Town, South Africa.

Desperate to change his life, Matthew Quinlan had come to Cape Town, South Africa at the tender age of fifteen. In need of a job, he became a diamond jackal, paid to protect diamond shipments from the Kimberley mines until they reached the purchasing house in Cape Town. On his first journey, they walked into an ambush. Thanks to his harsh upbringing, he knew how to run and so he did, still holding a bag of diamonds.

Instead of keeping the diamonds, Quinn chose to return the diamonds to the company. This one act proved he could be trusted and made him into the best diamond jackal around. His reputation made him the perfect choice to escort an unmarried proper English lady from Cape Town to her inherited boardinghouse in Kimberley. A job he thoroughly opposed, yet couldn't refuse.

Olivia was pleasantly surprised at her reaction to her escort's presence. Unaccustomed to dealing with unrefined men; she was puzzled by but couldn't deny her attraction to Quinn. An attraction he returned and tried hard to deny. Women like Olivia wanted marriage and family. Two things he couldn't give her. Yet as they journeyed, their attraction blossomed into passion and could not be quenched. Would they continue to deny what lie between them? Or would they fall prey to Africa's spell?

Nothing had prepared Olivia for the harshness of Africa's bush country. Nor had her uncle's letters prepared her for the great beauty and magnificent animals that reside there. Deep in her heart, she knew no matter what hardships or well-meaning suggestions came her way, South Africa had claimed her heart. Never again would she consider England her home. She also knew the unpredictable diamond jackal Matthew Quinlan would hold her heart forever. But would he stay after their journey was complete?

Utterly amazing! Diamond in the Rough is Ms. Waddell's best novel to date. Filled with emotion and incredibly detailed imagery, the reader is transported to the South Africa of 1880. A glorious time when man still sought to tame the wildness that is Africa. Her heroine is remarkable, enchanting and a great example of how women can be strong and still be feminine. Equally enchanting is the hero, touching the reader's heart with his hidden gentleness.

I rarely read historical novels. Most of them focus too much on the details of the period, often overwhelming the storyline. Ms. Waddell successfully blends the history, making it a part of the story. I didn't feel as if I was reading a history book, just a wonderful story set in history. Diamond in the Rough is a must own and deserves its place on every reader's keeper shelf.

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Added January 10, 2003

The Alliance

Author: Patricia Waddell
Publisher: LionHearted Publishing
Available At: www.lionhearted.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Science Fiction
Format: Ebook, Paperback and Large-Print Trade Paperback
Price: $8.00 ebook, $8.00 paperback, $10.00 trade paperback
ISBN: 1-57343-014-5 ebook; 1-57343-021-8 paperback; 1-57343-049-8 trade paperback
Author Email/Website: www.patriciawaddell.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Lord Reuel Shatar, governor of Pyrali, is bound by duty. His entire life, he's been groomed for giving the Alliance an heir. A single insect bite forces him to take an alien wife, instead of the Adarian he'd always hoped to marry. His personal advisor chooses a fiery, passionate Earthling, much to Reuel's dismay. It is only is devotion to the Alliance and duty that prompts him to even consider the match.

Christa Kirklan had always been outspoken and passionate, especially when it came to Earthling rights. Unfortunately, her outspoken nature landed her in prison and in Governor Shatar's sights. Given a choice between exile or marriage to Reuel, her first instinct was to choose exile. Only after lengthy discussions with Reuel's advisor does she choose marriage to the overbearing, pompous governor.

Their marriage is anything but peaceful. Reuel's upbringing and Christa's nature are constantly clashing, each trying unsuccessfully to change the other. When a planet-wide disaster strikes Pyrali their differences are shoved aside to aid their people. Among the ruins and rescue efforts, love blossoms.

My first initial impression of The Alliance was to firmly close the book and send it to another reviewer. The hero's overbearing nature grated heavily on my nerves yet I was determined to give him a chance. I'm glad I did. As I continued to read, I began to realize the hero acted as his culture dictated. A culture steeped in tradition. If I had let my personal prejudices force me into putting the book down, I would have missed an amazing novel.

My realization made this novel come alive for me. I was able to understand and identify with Christa, how she saw the Adarians as being tyrannical and unfair. Yet, her own prejudices colored her view, preventing her from seeing Reuel as a man she could love and even admire. Ms. Waddell has succeeded where others have not and altered my opinion of the dominant, alpha hero. Do not for any reason miss this wonderfully, amazing novel!

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