REVIEW: Stars in Your Eyes by Lynn Kurland

C2’s review of Stars in Your Eyes (de Piaget, book 15) by Lynn Kurland
Time Travel Romance published by Jove 24 Nov 15

Ah, faithful reader – you know I have often mentioned how much I enjoy Lynn Kurland’s books and think she doesn’t get the buzz she deserves. However, I admit to being underwhelmed by several of her more recent books. So I was a little bit leery when Our Fearless Leader offered me Ms. Kurland’s newest book. But, hopeful soul that I am, I said “Sure!”

Wanna know how it turned out? (Of course you do!!) Read on!

The beginning made me wonder if this book was going to be another disappointment. The last few books have had, basically, the same heroine – quirky, out-of-step with the world, financially unstable, unsure of her career path and part of a dysfunctional family that’s mean to her. Dysfunctional families stopped being funny a while ago, faithful reader.

But, somewhere along the way – pretty early on, too – she pulled back enough that this heroine doesn’t cross over into annoying. Yay! A big part of it, I think, is that we spend a lot of time in the hero’s head and the hero is lovely. Double yay!!

Our heroine (Imogen) is a 21st century gal – in this case, she works on the production side of movies. Our hero (Philip) is a medieval knight – like, really medieval, born and bred in the 14th (ish) century. Through a series of unfortunate events, Imogen touches a sword in 21st century Scotland and ends up in medieval Scotland. As it turns out, the sword belongs to Philip, but it had been held hostage (more or less) by his betrothed for years. His betrothed was a big part of the unfortunate events that sent Imogen back in time – because she’s living in modern times. The sneak.

If all this sounds convoluted, I apologize, it flows much better in the book – in all Ms. Kurland’s books, really. The world she has built – one with time “gates” scattered around England and Scotland (and a smidgen of magic in the world, regardless of century) – makes a good bit of sense. Still, how can a 21st century woman and a medieval knight have a happily ever after? Who would choose to give up modern technology, medicine and all the other conveniences we take for granted to live hundreds of years in the past? And how can a medieval knight live in modern times? No castles to lay siege to, no jousting, no quests.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It isn’t my favorite of hers (Stardust of Yesterday is, FYI – and WOW is it sadly overpriced, yo!) but it isn’t my least favorite. It is much better than the last couple, so I take that as a good sign and look forward to the next book.

So, does it stand alone? I guess…I mean, I’ve read the connected books so it’s hard for me to say. Certainly, reading the connected books would be a help – and reading the series from the beginning would help most of all, but there are a LOT of books. The ones that would help the most with this particular story? Jackson’s book, Nicholas’s book, and Robin’s book…I think. And if you are intrigued by your glimpses of Kendrick, read Stardust of Yesterday – it was Ms. Kurland’s very first book, even if it falls somewhere else in the series chronologically. It’s a little dated now but so romantic!

My grade: B-

Summary:

A sweeping romance in which true love can go beyond time…

Imogen Maxwell is on a hunt for rare, antique items to use on a period movie set. The last thing she expects to discover in the peaceful Scottish countryside is a pristine medieval sword…or to suddenly find herself facing its very vintage owner in a far too authentic castle.

Phillip de Piaget has run out of patience with his recalcitrant Scottish betrothed and is determined that she will join him, once and for all, in front of the altar. Only the lass he captures fleeing his would-be keep seems more interested in running away from him than talking to him. In fact, she seems to have no idea who he is.

But taming his reluctant bride is the least of his worries; it seems someone else wants him at the chapel…in a stone box. As for Imogen, how can he let her go, when she holds the key to not only the castle, but his heart?

No excerpt available.

Other books in series (in order of publication):