June 17, 2019
DeLuca shows a strong familiarity with Renaissance faire culture but a shallow comprehension of relationship dynamics in this humorous but thin debut romance. Recently dumped Emily Parker is living with her older sister, April, and niece, Caitlyn, in Willow Creek, Md. After a car crash takes April temporarily out of commission, Emily is roped into tavern wenching at the local faire. She immediately dislikes micromanaging, pedantic killjoy Simon Graham, who has run the faire since his brother died three years earlier. But when Simon’s pirate character, Capt. Ian Blackthorn, takes to dramatically wooing Emily’s Emma as part of the show, that energy seeps into real life. In-character banter with the whole ensemble and Emily’s heart-to-heart chats with the queen (bookstore owner Christine Donovan) flow naturally with warmth and wit, and setting details will resonate with those familiar with Faire while remaining comprehensible to other readers. But the love-hate energy between Simon and Emily is both overstated and lukewarm, and it’s hard to believe their romance will last beyond August. Anyone who’s not deeply into Ren faires or nostalgic for costumed summers past should give this a miss. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary.
September 1, 2019
DEBUT Emily Parker is only in Willow Creek, MD, to look after her sister and niece while her sister recovers from a recent car accident. Sure, Emily just broke up with her boyfriend and now has no place to live, but really, her stay will be brief. Helping out means volunteering for the annual Renaissance Faire and playing the part of a tavern wench. Giving up her weekends and having to wear a corset isn't terrible if it allows her to connect with her niece, Caitlin. It's festival organizer, Simon Graham, who is the thorn in Emily's side. The faire is Simon's late brother's legacy, and he's determined to run everything the exact same way and with a severe commitment to the show. When the event begins, Simon adopts his alter ego, a confident, flirting pirate with eyes set on Emily's wench character. Emily's not sure if it's all an act or if there's something more to the tension that's building and causing them to butt heads at every turn. VERDICT DeLuca turns in an intelligent, sexy, and charming debut romance sure to resonate with Renaissance Faire enthusiasts and those looking for an upbeat, lighter read.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash
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