Stolen Charms Mass Market Paperback – Import, 1 September 1999

I've read a couple of Adele's books now and I am becoming a big fan. I love the historical romance genre but have to admit, things can get a little trite. Adele writes in such a refreshing fashion. She still ticks all the boxes with love, desire, adventure, swoon worthy men and strong, quick witted women, but this writer touches on something deeper that makes her stories all the more special. She's not afraid to reach into the characters souls and dabble with emotion. Every book I have read of hers, has the male character dealing with some very emotive things - something usually reserved for female characters. In no way does this diminish the manliness of the menfolk - it adds a depth to the story that holds you spellbound.Natalie and Jonathon's story was beautiful and poignant. My heart was in my mouth the whole time as I wondered "Can't she see?? Doesn't she realise?" Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, and check out more of Adele's work!

Wow. I've read some HR in my day and I've NEVER read such fantasy of both male and female protagonists having such open verbal expressions of their feelings. It was tedious. No man talks like this (even fantasy men) and DEFINITELY no "spy/super hunk". Even the woman was ridiculous. This was a junior high girls' dream diary made into a novel. I guess that was in keeping with the PG rated sex scenes too? This book does a disservice to the romance genre.

Natalie knows from her own family's experience of the devastation that can be caused by an unfaithful spouse, so she is determined not to fall for Jonathan's good looks and charming manner. However, she needs him to introduce her to a notorious spy-thief that he is acquainted with, so she persuades him to allow her to accompany him on a forthcoming trip to France.Jonathan knows she is not telling him everything about her motives, but it suits him to have her around, especially since he has been seriously considering the idea of marrying and settling down...and the two of them HAD shared a rather devastating romantic interlude in a garden five years ago. It piques him that she tries to hold herself aloof from him, although she responds fervishly to his passionate kisses. The surprising truth is that he wants more than passion from her...he yearns for her heart more than anything else.What I enjoyed most about this book is the wonderful description of the hero's love as he waits for Natalie to confess she loves him. You can feel the hurt he feels when she states that she could never marry him. But through it all, his love never waivers, his patience never fails, his faithfulness endures to the end. Natalie is a very lucky woman!The ease with which the gently-born Natalie managed to escape the protection of her family was a little hard to believe for the period, but this book was so memorable that I forgive the author for her little inaccuracy. Truth to tell, I'd give this book TEN STARS if I could!

I absolutely loved reading this book. OK, so it was not 100% in compliance with the strictest historical documentation. So what, it was close enough, and the superb writing and outstanding characterizations of both protagonists was pure pleasure to read. Great entertainment. I seldom have enjoyed a book more, and I'm fairly picky. Ms. Ashworth could give other authors lessons in how to write a steamy, sensual, yet loving and tasteful love scene. I believe she may be without equal in this area. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.

Stolen Charms is a lovely story to two people finding love. I believe Jonathon was in love with Natalie the first time he met her at the ball. I hope the write will write another story of these two people on marry and save her again.