[.ca] Amethyst (ISBN 0451199510)

What a wonderful debut!:
Almost from the instant I started reading AMETHYST, I felt transported back in time. Lauren Royal lists FOREVER AMBER as one of her inspirations, and it shows. The pageantry and superficiality of Charles II's court, as well as the individual tragedies of the Great Fire of London come alive in this novel. Not only is the historical basis of AMETHYST extremely accurate, but the character development and interaction is superb. Many romance novelists tend to focus solely on the main couple, leaving me to wonder how happy-ever-after they would truly be when the villian is vanquished and the real world intrudes. Not so for Amy and Colin. They interact with the extraordinary and the everyday -- family, fellow disaster victims, and the king. There is a real sense that their story takes place in the world, not separate from it on some utopia-like plane. There is true chemistry and emotion between them, but you see their true character as well -- their unswerving loyalty, Amy's insecurities, Colin's sense of humor...it all has a very 'real' feel to it. Based on this book alone, I would pick up any Lauren Royal novel, sight unseen. I just know I would not be disappointed.

Top notch debut, GEM of a book!:
Amethyst is one definite keeper. I should have taken the reviews to heart and read only when I had time to finish, but I couldn't wait. I stayed up till 3 in the morning (and still some way to go) but had to go to work the next day. Still, it was very much worth it. Amethyst (Amy) Goldsmith is a jewelry maker who survived The Fire, aided by the hero, Colin Chase, Earl of Greystone. They had met briefly five years ago in the King's coronation parade. Although there is an instant attraction between them, Colin can't pursue it, as he's already betrothed to a highborn (albeit generously endowed) cold fish, Lady Priscilla Hobbs. He then tries all ways to get Amy off his hands as she's too distracting for his resolve to leave her alone. She, on the other hand, has other ideas and thinks of one excuse after another to put off her departure. Thus started the Earl's downfall (though he thoroughly enjoys it) as he finds himself irrevocably drawn to Amy's charms, warmth and beauty. The story is interspersed with fascinating historical snippets by a deft hand that interest buffs like me. Lauren Royal really knows her craft. Her research was thorough and I was totally immersed in the Restoration period; transported back in time to the tragedy of the great fire, the cultures and elaborate dress of its people. Of course, what made the book so memorable were all the main and equally enthralling supporting cast. Little Mary was a particular favorite. The characters were all well defined. I couldn't agree more that the amazing chemistry between Amy and Colin was a joy to watch - they were practically soul mates (except towards the end, when they were not forthcoming with each other). There were also generous doses of sparkling wit, humor and sensual scenes throughout the book, not forgetting the oneness you feel with the cast. Royal doesn't read like a debut writer at all. If this work is anything to go by, I predict bigger and better things for this bright new star. I'm off to look for the sequel starring Jason, Colin's elder brother. Thank you so much, Lauren.

Nicely Written:
This book has strong characters and a strong plot line. It is paced well, and you can see everything that is happening. You are there with the characters. I found myself rooting for the hero and heroine. Amethyst is engaged to a man her father has chosen to further their jewel-making business. Tragedy strikes during the fire in London and she is fatefully driven together with Colin, a man she'd laid eyes on a few years before. They cannot deny their attraction to eachother as a deep love grows between them. Colin is engaged to a woman of his own station and is caught between fulfilling his duty in marrying his betrothed and pursuing a life with the one woman he loves and knows he cannot live without. There is plenty of humor, and the characters are refreshing. I really liked Colin. He made a strong yet gentle and reasonable hero. He did not have too much unbearable ego, and he was chivalrous in just the right ways.

Glimer in the sky:
I found this book to be very real. You can picture what is going on in the book, in your head, while you are reading it. It is very capturing. I love the character Amythyst. I also like the way how, the auhor used a name appropriate to the heroine's background. It is very enjoyable. One of the best books I have read!!!

A jewel!:
I don't normally read romance, but this book kept me interested by the great character development as well as the believeable historical parts. Well done!