Blurb: Lydia, 26-year-old scholar/spinster/assistant to an Egyptologist father, becomes entwined in a mystery about fake Egyptian artifacts. Naturally there is a handsome young lord to become entwined along with her. I think Meredith Duran may be a genius. This book is GREAT - far above ordinary historical romances (and even above a number of good ones - but if it has a problem, it's that a book that is honest about the emotional realities a strong-minded spinster without any money of her own faced in this era, or how a man who's stuck in the heir's limbo might feel about things. I'm re-reading, and this book has made me cry two or three times. It's unfair to call it "angsty", because I don't ever feel that the book is manipulating me for the heck of it. It's just honest about how the three-dimensional characters that populate it would feel about various things, and goodness, some of those emotions are pretty tough. This isn't necessarily cheerful escapism (although of course everyone falls in love and all is well) but it's excellent. I really like Meredith's writing style. I would say she is going to be added to my favorite author list. She develops her character very well with intelligence and depth. I loved how she managed inner dialogue for her main characters. Normally, I grow tired of that style quickly and in most books it becomes redundant, but not so in Bound By Your Touch. MD illustrated the character's complete thought process in an almost poetic manner but with complexity of intellect, from concept to epiphany. I know by some of the reviews, many found this tedious and drawn out, but I found it excellent. I cannot say that I liked this book as well as I liked Duke of Shadows, but for me it's very close. Her description of James is the typical regency flamboyant peacock but she also illustrates him so well his masculinity and strength is undeniable. One review pinned Lydia as Evie from The Mummy and that was almost spot on, but you would have to add a great deal of insight and heart. The plot was strong, could have been a tad more conclusive when it came to the "tears", but still strong enough to carry the book. I did become totally attached to the characters, especially James. Not up at re-read level but yet very, very close in my opinion.
Do You like book Rühr Nicht An Mein Dunkles Herz (2012)?
Just the smart, well written banter between James and Lydia deserve 5 stars.
—SARAH123
