Eloisa James-Kiss Me, Annabel

carolydixon · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 88

I have never read anything by Eloisa James. Is this a good place to start? Do you have a favorite by her? Thanks for any insight!
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caroly

Manda · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 520

I would suggest starting with the first book in that series, MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU. In fact, that's where I tell most EJ readers to start. Its a good book, plus it gives a feel for her intertwined stories. You could also start with any of her fairy tale stories. The best of those imho is WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST.

She's one of my favorite authors. Hope you enjoy!
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Manda Collins

Trish B · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1110 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA

I would agree with Manda and frankly, Much Ado About You is my favorite James book. I also enjoyed, and would recommend, Duchess In Love which was the first James book I ever read. But I stopped reading Ms James' books after Pleasure For Pleasure (even though they are well written) because she has too many secondary characters for my taste.
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Later that night, still 1789!
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willaful · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 1469

KM,A was actually the first book by her I read. I would say that it's easier to follow if you've read MAAY -- with the caveat that I think the first is a weaker book.
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"I say, don't read the classics -- try to discover your own classics; every life has its own." -- Rudolf Flesch, _How to Make Sense_

JaneO · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 755

I, on the other hand, think Kiss Me, Annabel is the weakest of the Essex sisters series. Much Ado About You is not only my favorite of the series but one of my all time favorite books.

sanalayla · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 280

The 4-book Essex Sisters series is what made me into a huge Eloisa James fan. (I've long since dropped her from my auto-buy list... her latest stuff is very hit-or-miss for me.)

I definitely recommend all 4 books and you should read them in order. Much Ado About You sets up a story that continues throughout the entire series. For me, MAAY was my favorite of the four as well.

PJ · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 36

I am not really a huge Eloisa James fan, but this is one of the few books by her I truly enjoyed. A keeper for me, though I realize it's not highly recommended or extremely popular.

I quite like how unrepentant Annabel is in her scorn and snobbery at the start and how she matures. I always have a soft spot for a heroine who actually comes with flaws instead of being infinitely worldly, intelligent, kind, and modest in her beautiful or humble in her plain Jane-ness while looking after every orphan and prostitute in her vicinity and penning articles on the Corn Laws for her local paper.

I think it may be a frustrating read for some (and truthfully it is nothing extraordinary), but I really adored it.

Eliza · Joined: 21 Aug 2011 Posts: 718

The Essex Sisters series is my favorite too, but I have enjoyed all of Eloisa's books, maybe some a little more than others naturally. I love her handling of language, multiple story threads, and literary allusions as much or more than anyone writing romance today.

Judyblueeyes · Joined: 06 Aug 2012 Posts: 163 Location: Great Lakes

I think the nicest thing about the Essex Sisters Series is that you see the girls in all the books. You really get to know them and by the last two you really have seen those two heroines and want them to get their HEA.

Kayne · Joined: 31 Mar 2007 Posts: 784