Review: The Shamrock and the Rose by Regan Walker

Posted February 13, 2013 by Sophia Rose in Afternoon Delight, Reviews / 0 Comments

Tags: Historical Romance, Regan Walker, The Shamrock and the Rose

The Shamrock and the Rose

by Regan Walker

Genres: Historical Romance
Published by Boroughs Publishing Group
Released on February 1, 2013
Pages: 56
Format: eBook
Source: Author

This was a delightful Regency era story that combined romance and danger all in a few pages that cover a short amount of time connecting the two holidays of St. Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day.

Morgan O’Connell, an Irishman studying to be a barrister in London’s Inns of Court, is a handsome rogue of a man that has a secret wish to find a woman much like Shakespeare’s Portia. Portia is a woman who is fierce in her beliefs, courageous and smart so Morgan feels that finding just such a real life woman is almost hopeless. That is until he sets eyes on the woman playing the part of Portia at the theater one night. Even then, he only has the short term in mind because he’s Irish and when it comes to marriage he needs an Irish bride.

Rose is newly arrived in London and staying with her mother’s friend, the dowager countess, so that she might fulfill a dream. She must conduct herself circumspectly as she chooses to take up the role of Portia because a lady doesn’t engage in a career especially not something as reputation ruining as acting. Its not a career that Rose wants or needs, but she does love playing the part of Portia, the fictitious woman that she wishes she could be like.

Rose has been getting anonymous ‘fan’ mail that grows increasingly more disturbing and it is when Morgan discovers a piece of her mail- a Valentine poem- on the ground and tries to deliver it to her that he discovers her secret. The Countess who Morgan visits to deliver the note, decides to play a bit of matchmaking for Rose and invites Morgan to join a few other eligible bachelors to a St. Valentine’s Day dinner party.

Morgan is as smitten by Rose as she is by him, but their differences keep them both leery of deeper entanglements. However, with a few unexpected circumstances thrown in their way, cupid may just have a chance with these two.

I found the story quick and heartwarming. I really liked Rose and Morgan and I really wanted them to find a way past the issues that were dividing them. Sadly, the Irish- English Catholic-Protestant stuff was a big deal back then so I did understand their reservations I found the secondary plot of the stalker almost superfluous to the romance since they already had the above mentioned barriers to be the conflict, but it did add a bit of excitement I’ll grant you. And how could I not love seeing a big brawny Irishman rescue his lady.

Enjoyable short story historical romance that I can recommend. I look forward to reading more from this author.

ABOUT REGAN WALKER

I didn’t start out as a writer of romance, oh no. Although I loved to write stories as a child, by the time I got to college, more serious pursuits were encouraged. So, naturally, I became a lawyer. Who needs adverbs as a lawyer? But after years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government, I decided it was time for a change. My work had given me a love of international travel (I’ve been to over 40 countries…) and a feel for the demands of the “Crown” on its subjects. Hence, my first novels are all about a demanding Prince Regent who thinks of his subjects as his private talent pool.

I promise my novels will always sweep you away to another time and another place. I want you to experience adventure as well as love.

I live in San Diego with my wonderful Golden Retriever “Link.” I have one son who is a young entrepreneur and, though he looks like a Highlander of old, he would never read a romance novel. So like a man, no?

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Bio
Latest Posts

Sophia Rose

I was born and raised near Sacramento, CA. I have read since I was four years old and developed tastes that run the gamut of literature. I went away to college and have a degree in education, a certificate in family history research, and a certificate in social work. I worked for a non-profit agency with low income families for 20 years which included being responsible for the children’s library and promoting/teaching adult literacy. I have lived in Southeast Michigan for the last 18 years and I am currently a book addicted homemaker with a cat and husband who keep me grounded. Recently, I made it a challenge to review each book that I have read as a favor to author friends who said reviews are important. I have done reviews for Good Reads, Amazon, eBay, and Smashwords, but mostly at Goodreads and Amazon.