Falling for Her [Mass Market Paperback]

I hope no one takes offence at my honesty - I realise some people might think I'm overly harsh . . . I even debated giving this book 2 stars, but then changed my mind because I felt I had to be completely honest. I did not like this book. I literally had to force myself to finish it just because I hate not finishing a book - no matter how bad it is.

It's obvious that a lot of research was put into Fallin for Her, and I commend the author on it, but it simply isn't enough to make it a good read for me.

There are several things I did not like about this book.

I felt little to no connection between the hero,Varin and the heroine, Roscelyn. Varin seems to be a complete dimwit and the only thing he has going for him is his good looks. Roscelyn is a petulant whiner who really doesn't act much like an 11th century noblewoman. All they do is argue. I have no idea how their relationship blossomed. The only possible reason I could think of would be attraction, and even that is lacking. Indeed, the love scenes leave something to be desired.

But then, in my opinion, the entire book leaves many things to be desired: Romance, sexual tension . . . logic. Obviously there can be no romance or sexual tension between two people who have the chemistry of two paperweights, but it really irked me that alot of things in the book just made no sense.

For instance, at the beginning of the book, the peasants are mad at the witchwife and want to burn her hut. Roscelyn, in an attemt to stop them, climbs atop the roof only to fall through it. This scene is used to introduce the hero and the heroine as Varin walks in and discovers Ros dangling in this compromising position. This would have been an excellent intro had there been any mention afterward of the peasants hating the witchwife, but instead she is portrayed as a much needed healer whom the peasants do not dislike at all. This is just one of many things about this book that didn't have much purpose. I'd name more but it would take forever and I don't want to give away the book.

All in all, Falling For Her could have been an excellent book if only it was written better. It just didn't have any flow. But mostly, there was just too much focus on outside elements, and not nearly enough focus on the characters and their developing relationship. I bought the book expecting a romance and I was sorely disappointed.

If I could change it at all, I would take out the endless, boring pages that drone on about wheat and barley and sheep and peasants and replace them with the things I expect to find in a romance novel: Realistic, likable characters; a strong romantic core revolving around the developing relationship between the hero and the herione; well-balanced conflict and sexuall tension; sensuality; easy reading (flow); etc - none of which I found in Falling for Her.

I'm not giving Falling for Her a bad review just for the fun of it. I seriously disliked this book, and I'm not alone . . . but there are also many people who think this book is amazing, so don't just take my word for it.

I spent $1 on this book and I feel it was $1 too much, but maybe you'll buy it, read it and think it was the best "insert price here" you ever spent.

In 1066 Cyning, Saxon Lady Roscelyn cannot believe the disgusting chutzpah of her odious new husband Cerdic. On their wedding night, Cerdic tried to seduce his newlywed's nine-year-old sister. Roscelyn thinks she might just have to murder her spouse. However, before she can put a plan in motion, the Saxon battle cry erupts as Harold calls for an army to repel the invading Normans. Her family dies in the war.

To the victors go the spoils so King William gives Cyning to his loyal knight Varin de Brionne. Roscelyn wants to keep her people safe from Varin and his men. However instead of an arrogant barbarian, Varin surprises her by working hard with her people to improve their lot. To her chagrin, Roscelyn begins to fall in love with the nurturing Varin. He returns the feelings, but Cerdic still lives and demands what he believes is rightfully his: Cyning and Roscelyn.

Though the star-crossed lovers during William's reign have been told in novels almost as much as Adam and Eve's tale, FALLING FOR HER is an enjoyable medieval romance. The story line is fun because of the dichotomy of feelings that seem genuine. Roscelyn is a brave person wondering how she can fall in love with the hated Norman even though he is quite the charmer who obviously cares for her people's lot. Though Cerdic is so amoral that he is the only person that seems unreal, Sandra Lee, as she did with LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, provides fans with a fabulous reading experience.

Harriet Klausner

I'm going to have to go with the majority here. Falling for her was really bad. I couldn't even finish it. I kept losing interest in it so I just gave up. Too much focus on the historical backgroung and not enough focus on good writing and good story telling and good romance.