I’ve never been keen on historical romance.
Call me a party pooper but I find it a total bore. I much rather concentrate on
the problems of the rich in the present-day which, by the way, can certainly be
written by authors who write in different subgenres. I have no problem with
that. LOVERS AND LIARS (1989, Dell) is that kind
of a novel. When I picked it up at a used book store back in the day, I had no
idea that Brenda Joyce was more known for her historical efforts. Had I had a
clue I probably would have skipped it (I tend to collect the entire work of
authors), but since I was on the lookout for anything Hollywood-related I sure
as heck found myself interested. I immediately started it, connecting as if it
was a Jackie Collins novel. In fact, it did look, read and even smell like a
Jackie Collins novel and again, I had—and still have—no problem with that as
long as the tale is as juicy—and it eventually is.
LOVERS AND LIARS takes us into the privileged lifestyles of the rich and
rotten where a beautiful and independent heroine ends up having the hots for a
bad boy turned actor with a past. True to form, the path to hooking up is one
bumpy ride, but Joyce's account towards this destination is indeed a glossy,
sexually-charged roman à clef that seduces from the first page and keeps on delivering. She
evidently has fun with her subjects. (SPOILER AHEAD) Their hot and cold
attitude for one another satisfyingly builds up to a grand sparks-fly union
destined to become happily ever after. The author's world of caviar and
champagne may not always be that original but the passion and dedication with
which she writes about it make for a fun and exciting time-waster.
I wonder why Joyce never followed on her Collins-ish
attributes. She sure had the stamina for it. I guess she must have preferred to
stay in her own turf where she certainly did go on to become one of the most
highly-sought historical romance writers of the 21st century. How
fun it is, however, to have been shown a different side of this talented lady
who could have flourished just as well in contemporary settings if given more
than half a chance.
Until next post—Martin
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