Reviewed by Nikyta

TITLE: The Queen’s Librarian
SERIES: A Lucas & Alex Adventure, #1
AUTHOR: Carole Cummings
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 244 pages
BLURB: All Lucas Tripp wants is prosperity for the tenants of his family’s estate; good weather for the harvest; suitable matches for his sisters; a little money left over at the end of the month; and more quality time with his boyfriend, Alex Booker. That’s not so much to ask for, right?

Wrong. When his sister’s new suitor suddenly disappears, Lucas is drawn into an adventure of a lifetime—kicking and screaming all the way. Magical beings who were allegedly banished hundreds of years ago are coming through portals that were supposed to be shut against them—and that’s only part of Lucas’s problem. The rest consists of missing princes, breaking and entering, suspicious magicians, well-meaning women who are far too interested in Lucas’s sex life… the list goes on. Lucas is decidedly Not Amused, but he’ll get over it someday. Probably. After all, there’s always Alex.

REVIEW:

Lucas Tripp has a problem… or make that several problems. Not only does he have to worry himself to death about his family, his money and his responsibilities but now he has to worry about where his sister’s smitten suitor has disappeared to and forced to find the missing man. His only help is his gigantic dog and his boyfriend, Alex Booker. But, before he knows it, Lucas is sucked into an adventure that has him talking to strange men who speak a different language, losing his spoiled brat of a cousin and thrust into a magical mystery he had no idea even existed. The only shining part in all this? Alex. Will Lucas be able to make his life sane or will things blow up before he even has a chance to figure out just what is going on?

This is a difficult review to write. There were parts of the story I enjoyed and then parts I struggled with. I enjoyed the characters, for the most part. Lucas is very naive for the world he lives in and quite oblivious when it comes to certain things as well. He’s adorably cute when he’s flustered or nervous or upset… or, well he’s adorable all the time. Alex is very dashing and charming. I loved that he’s such a huge contrast of who Lucas is because that makes their relationship all the more appealing… especially since Alex has a jealous and possessive streak a mile long. The story doesn’t revolve around them as a couple, it’s more about the adventure, but their relationship and their chemistry is interwoven throughout the story so that you can understand their connection to this point, which helps because Alex and Lucas are already a couple when the book begins.

One of my issues with this story is that it’s a bit dry for my tastes. I’m sure Lucas’ thoughts were supposed to come off as funny or at least amusing but I found them a tad annoying, which brings me to my next issue. His inner monologue is very long-winded and runs off into multiple directions that were hard for me to follow, not to mention the repeating his monologue into dialogue sometimes grew annoying. I didn’t find him and his thoughts humorous or witty, they were just… irritating and a bit boring… and confusing. To be honest, I don’t even remember, or understand, half of what Lucas was thinking. It grew tiresome keeping up with his thoughts, which lessened my enjoyment of the book a great deal.

However, I won’t say there isn’t anything good about this book. Actually, if you can get passed Lucas’ inner monologue, the plot is somewhat suspenseful and interesting. It was intriguing trying to figure out how Lucas and his land played a part in everything that happens and even funny to see Lucas squeal or screech when he was startled… not to mention how he would swoon. One character I really enjoyed was Laurie, Lucas’ cousin. I absolutely adored the spoiled little prince and how much trouble he caused everyone.

In the end, this book had it’s good parts and it’s bad parts. I do like Ms. Cummings’ writing although Lucas’ inner monologue was just too much for me. The world that was created and the adventure that Lucas and Alex are forced to take was intriguing and fun. With the way the book ended, I’m looking forward to seeing what other mischief Lucas and Alex get themselves into… especially if Laurie ends up causing more trouble for the two. If you don’t have issues with an overabundance of inner monologue or a fantastical historical setting, give this one a try.

Nikyta rates it – 

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