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gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
This is a very slow-burn, low steam kind of book. One that takes it’s time but still manages to keep you engrossed in the story. I really need to be in a particular mood for a Tamara Allen book, but when I’m ready to patiently let a story be told, I enjoy them immensely.
Recommend.
This is a very slow-burn, low steam kind of book. One that takes it’s time but still manages to keep you engrossed in the story. I really need to be in a particular mood for a Tamara Allen book, but when I’m ready to patiently let a story be told, I enjoy them immensely.
Recommend.
linda_1410's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Reread review 7/2022:
3.5 stars
Since the second book finally came out 🥳, I decided to reread this with some book buddies since it's been over six years since I read this. Bumping it up a half star, because I do really like Darrow (after awhile) and Emlyn, and the writing is just that good.
But I still think this was too slow, especially that whole chapter at the party. It didn't really get much action until the last quarter or so, though there was an interlude early on. Although I'm not sure how I missed that Emlyn had just ended a relationship at the beginning of the book the first time I read this. Maybe because it's barely mentioned. I did like the romance a bit more on the reread. Maybe because I knew where it was going, I was able to pick up on the subtle nuances more this time around.
Original review 1/2016:
This book was sloooooow to start. Way too slow. I generally like books that take their time, but this one just plodded along for the first 60% and I actually had to put it aside for awhile. Which is a shame because it has all the elements of a great adventure story if everything else hadn't gotten in the way. Like drawing lessons. And breakfasts from kindly ladies. Far too much of this takes place on a train, with almost nothing of importance happening. You'd get one scene of action, followed by ten scenes of inaction. Thankfully, the last 40% picked up the pace and it ended one a strong note, but it's not enough to make up for that slow start. And while some of those scenes of inaction are necessary to build up the relationship between the MCs... actually, let's just address that.
I'm not sure you could really call this enemies to lovers. Emlyn Strickland was the main agent responsible for putting Darrow Gardiner behind bars for counterfeiting. While he's serving his time, Darrow swears vengeance on the man, and when he gets the opportunity to get out and secure an early release, he does... nothing at all against Emlyn. Because that would jeopardize his early release. Which makes sense! I'm not complaining about that. But I never got the feeling that he ever actually hated Emlyn. Despised him for doing his job, sure, but not hate. There was little to no animosity on either of their parts, and they go on to work rather cordially with each other from the start, even if they don't necessarily trust each other, so I never really got that sense of conflict between them. Darrow may have had some ulterior motives, but for the most part, they were both working towards the same goal. I wonder if this would've worked better if it had been told entirely from Emlyn's POV, so at least then we could have doubts on Darrow's motives and therefore some conflict and therefore an actual driving force through the first half of this book.
This is also kind of insta-love because all of this takes place in a week. (Really? Just a week? Surely it had to be more like a month. Seriously, y'all, this was sloooow.) So they go from not really liking or trusting each other to loving each other in a week. Except there's really no chemistry here at all. I mean, they barely even look at each other that way. Darrow does here and there because he's been locked up for six years and he's horny, but Emlyn doesn't do so at all, and suddenly they're just going at it hot and heavy? I wasn't even sure if Emlyn was gay until that point! I say this as someone who likes low heat and hates it when MCs do nothing but lust after each other and have sex-obsessed thoughts every other page, but this isn't low heat. It's complete lack of heat. It's subarctic. (Though while I'd usually grind my teeth at the unprofessional professionalism that Emlyn shows here, they are pretty much equals by that point in the story and it didn't bother me, so at least this book accomplished that much.)
So why three stars? It was well-written and has great attention to detail for the settings and times, and once the action did finally kick into gear, I was able to enjoy it. I know this is the start of a series, and I do usually enjoy Ms. Allen's work, so I'm still looking forward to the next one.
3.5 stars
Since the second book finally came out 🥳, I decided to reread this with some book buddies since it's been over six years since I read this. Bumping it up a half star, because I do really like Darrow (after awhile) and Emlyn, and the writing is just that good.
But I still think this was too slow, especially that whole chapter at the party. It didn't really get much action until the last quarter or so, though there was an interlude early on. Although I'm not sure how I missed that Emlyn had just ended a relationship at the beginning of the book the first time I read this. Maybe because it's barely mentioned. I did like the romance a bit more on the reread. Maybe because I knew where it was going, I was able to pick up on the subtle nuances more this time around.
Original review 1/2016:
This book was sloooooow to start. Way too slow. I generally like books that take their time, but this one just plodded along for the first 60% and I actually had to put it aside for awhile. Which is a shame because it has all the elements of a great adventure story if everything else hadn't gotten in the way. Like drawing lessons. And breakfasts from kindly ladies. Far too much of this takes place on a train, with almost nothing of importance happening. You'd get one scene of action, followed by ten scenes of inaction. Thankfully, the last 40% picked up the pace and it ended one a strong note, but it's not enough to make up for that slow start. And while some of those scenes of inaction are necessary to build up the relationship between the MCs... actually, let's just address that.
I'm not sure you could really call this enemies to lovers. Emlyn Strickland was the main agent responsible for putting Darrow Gardiner behind bars for counterfeiting. While he's serving his time, Darrow swears vengeance on the man, and when he gets the opportunity to get out and secure an early release, he does... nothing at all against Emlyn. Because that would jeopardize his early release. Which makes sense! I'm not complaining about that. But I never got the feeling that he ever actually hated Emlyn. Despised him for doing his job, sure, but not hate. There was little to no animosity on either of their parts, and they go on to work rather cordially with each other from the start, even if they don't necessarily trust each other, so I never really got that sense of conflict between them. Darrow may have had some ulterior motives, but for the most part, they were both working towards the same goal. I wonder if this would've worked better if it had been told entirely from Emlyn's POV, so at least then we could have doubts on Darrow's motives and therefore some conflict and therefore an actual driving force through the first half of this book.
This is also kind of insta-love because all of this takes place in a week. (Really? Just a week? Surely it had to be more like a month. Seriously, y'all, this was sloooow.) So they go from not really liking or trusting each other to loving each other in a week. Except there's really no chemistry here at all. I mean, they barely even look at each other that way. Darrow does here and there because he's been locked up for six years and he's horny, but Emlyn doesn't do so at all, and suddenly they're just going at it hot and heavy? I wasn't even sure if Emlyn was gay until that point! I say this as someone who likes low heat and hates it when MCs do nothing but lust after each other and have sex-obsessed thoughts every other page, but this isn't low heat. It's complete lack of heat. It's subarctic. (Though while I'd usually grind my teeth at the unprofessional professionalism that Emlyn shows here, they are pretty much equals by that point in the story and it didn't bother me, so at least this book accomplished that much.)
So why three stars? It was well-written and has great attention to detail for the settings and times, and once the action did finally kick into gear, I was able to enjoy it. I know this is the start of a series, and I do usually enjoy Ms. Allen's work, so I'm still looking forward to the next one.
books_and_cha's review against another edition
4.0
“Strickland’s attention strayed to Bishop and a fleeting grimace crossed his face. “I beg your pardon, sir. I got caught up. Those bills First National turned over to us...” He bent to scoop up the fallen books. “The artist is Edward Johnson. Just as you thought.”
Darrow snorted. “What did he misspell this time?”
Strickland looked startled—then unexpectedly laughed. “He didn’t. But he still can’t resist a flourish where nonesuch exists.” He plucked a bill from the book and raised it before their eyes. “The line engravingisn’t as steady as it should be. The shading’s lacking—”
“Might be Hill’s,” Darrow said.
Strickland hesitated. “I don’t think so...”
“Taylor?”
“Taylor’s a much better hand at the vignettes.”
“Well, it’s not one of mine.”
“Indeed, no. Your work is superior,” Strickland said ruefully. “Far superior.”
Can you tell I’m slowly going through everything Tamara Allen has written? Her books have become my lifeboats during the past year. The Road to Silver Plume has been waiting its turn on my TBR list, but I had been putting it off because honestly, Darrow Gardiner sounded like a bit of a scoundrel. Add to the fact that this is a series (has it been put off? I can’t find the sequel anywhere), and I was worried this book would leave me sad or unsatisfied.
Spoiler alert: It did neither. I was a very happy customer.
The Road to Silver Plume tells the story of previously convicted Darrow Gardiner, who was put behind bars for counterfeiting bills by Secret Service agent Emlyn Strickland. Now, Gardiner has information on August McKee, his friend and former partner in crime, which he’s ready to barter in exchange for an early release. What follows is a series of mishaps and misadventures where Gardiner and Strickland are forced to cooperate and rely on one another. Gardiner, of course, is in the game for himself, and is happily resolved to handing over Strickland to McKee in order to get his hands on a set of beautiful fifty-dollar plates that are in his friend’s possession. No one is therefore more surprised than Gardiner when he starts to realize that perhaps Strickland isn’t the cold, ruthless lawyer he had imagined. Strickland, on the other hand, is probably the only one who has the most faith in Gardiner and his future.
I adored this book. Gardiner and Strickland have a connection from the get-go that only grows over time. Whether they’re bickering over how good a counterfeit coin is, or slowly letting slip their thoughts and feelings, every interaction was meaningful and had me riveted. The pacing of this book is pure gold, filled with banter, action, and an exciting plot. The romance is, as expected, a slow, satisfying burn. There are moments of humor scattered throughout as well.
The characters were drawn well. Gardiner, it turns out, isn’t a scoundrel at all. He’s had a hard time of life, and still has a beating heart. Despite all his resolutions to turn on Emlyn, he’s a softie inside. Emlyn is soft all through (the man is a complete cinnamon roll). The character development on both sides is A+.
Allen’s story has an intriguing historical setting. From the long train journeys, discussion of counterfeiting, and thoughtful commentary on the prison system in America, I was immersed in a richly portrayed time. The book breaks stereotypes and illuminates the gap between the law and morality.
This is probably Allen’s best written book that I’ve encountered so far. Not that Downtime or Whistling in the Dark were clumsy by any means, but you can see her style, pacing and overall storytelling improve in this book and The Only Gold (another beautiful gem).
I think I’ve exhausted all the ways in which I can say that I loved this book. What on earth are you waiting for? Go read it.
Darrow snorted. “What did he misspell this time?”
Strickland looked startled—then unexpectedly laughed. “He didn’t. But he still can’t resist a flourish where nonesuch exists.” He plucked a bill from the book and raised it before their eyes. “The line engravingisn’t as steady as it should be. The shading’s lacking—”
“Might be Hill’s,” Darrow said.
Strickland hesitated. “I don’t think so...”
“Taylor?”
“Taylor’s a much better hand at the vignettes.”
“Well, it’s not one of mine.”
“Indeed, no. Your work is superior,” Strickland said ruefully. “Far superior.”
Can you tell I’m slowly going through everything Tamara Allen has written? Her books have become my lifeboats during the past year. The Road to Silver Plume has been waiting its turn on my TBR list, but I had been putting it off because honestly, Darrow Gardiner sounded like a bit of a scoundrel. Add to the fact that this is a series (has it been put off? I can’t find the sequel anywhere), and I was worried this book would leave me sad or unsatisfied.
Spoiler alert: It did neither. I was a very happy customer.
The Road to Silver Plume tells the story of previously convicted Darrow Gardiner, who was put behind bars for counterfeiting bills by Secret Service agent Emlyn Strickland. Now, Gardiner has information on August McKee, his friend and former partner in crime, which he’s ready to barter in exchange for an early release. What follows is a series of mishaps and misadventures where Gardiner and Strickland are forced to cooperate and rely on one another. Gardiner, of course, is in the game for himself, and is happily resolved to handing over Strickland to McKee in order to get his hands on a set of beautiful fifty-dollar plates that are in his friend’s possession. No one is therefore more surprised than Gardiner when he starts to realize that perhaps Strickland isn’t the cold, ruthless lawyer he had imagined. Strickland, on the other hand, is probably the only one who has the most faith in Gardiner and his future.
I adored this book. Gardiner and Strickland have a connection from the get-go that only grows over time. Whether they’re bickering over how good a counterfeit coin is, or slowly letting slip their thoughts and feelings, every interaction was meaningful and had me riveted. The pacing of this book is pure gold, filled with banter, action, and an exciting plot. The romance is, as expected, a slow, satisfying burn. There are moments of humor scattered throughout as well.
The characters were drawn well. Gardiner, it turns out, isn’t a scoundrel at all. He’s had a hard time of life, and still has a beating heart. Despite all his resolutions to turn on Emlyn, he’s a softie inside. Emlyn is soft all through (the man is a complete cinnamon roll). The character development on both sides is A+.
Allen’s story has an intriguing historical setting. From the long train journeys, discussion of counterfeiting, and thoughtful commentary on the prison system in America, I was immersed in a richly portrayed time. The book breaks stereotypes and illuminates the gap between the law and morality.
This is probably Allen’s best written book that I’ve encountered so far. Not that Downtime or Whistling in the Dark were clumsy by any means, but you can see her style, pacing and overall storytelling improve in this book and The Only Gold (another beautiful gem).
I think I’ve exhausted all the ways in which I can say that I loved this book. What on earth are you waiting for? Go read it.
missawn's review against another edition
4.0
My first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! The authors writing style is very similar to that [a:Josh Lanyon|359194|Josh Lanyon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1289326144p2/359194.jpg] whom I also love. For that reason, I am thrilled to have discouvered this author's work and look forward to reading some of her other books and I am REALLY looking forward to the next book in this series (auto buy for me!). The only issue I had with this book is the seeming invincibility of the MCs who took a "licking and still kept on ticking". The injuries sustained by these two men were not insignificant -- but I guess they were just really tough but I'm not sure how realistic it was. Otherwise, this was an incredibly lovely and engagingly indulgent read. Easily a new favorite ... loved this book ... can't wait to read more ...
scrow1022's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, I liked this. My favorite historical time period and set out West to boot. Lots to follow and think about, lovely to watch the slow pulling together of Emyln and Darrow. Pacing felt right including the end. Very satisfying.
brokenrecord's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this, although I was let down slightly by the ending, which caused me to knock down the rating half a star. I mean, it wasn't bad, it was just more of a happy for now kind of romance ending than I tend to like. That wouldn't be a problem if there was another book (which does look like is/was planned but doesn't seem to exist currently) so we could see them navigating their new relationship, but since there isn't, I would've liked just a bit more here. That being said, I did love the slow burn of their relationship, and how they started off not trusting one another (for good reason) but grew to become friends and work together – really great enemies to lovers development. I also don't tend to read a lot of historical romances set in the U.S., so it was interesting to get a different kind of setting than I'm used to. I would definitely love to read a sequel if one ever comes into being.
becka6131's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, I thought I wasn't that into this until I just found out there's a sequel scheduled to come out this year and SURPRISE, I'M INTO IT. The real issue I had with this book was Not Enough Romance, although excellent worldbuilding and good characterisation, and the next book is about the same two guys which provides a lot of scope for relationship development soooooo sign me up, thanks
hartd's review against another edition
4.0
This is an excellent novel. Sometimes I wish this system allowed only "recommended" or "not recommended," like Steam does - I could "recommend" a book and then list the things I did and didn't like, without in any way affecting the book's positive rating. Which is to say: I did have a few moments of confusion in this book that I had not experienced reading Tamara Allen's other wonderful novels. But all of the reasons I love her books were present, too, so I definitely did enjoy it.
Negatives first: I didn't feel overly connected to either of the MCs. Their character development was subtle. It's not that it wasn't there. I felt that I was letting down the book by not always correctly interpreting Darrow and Emlyn's surface thoughts and behavior. So, I reread a lot of scenes and moments until I felt I understood their dynamic. In my opinion, there could have been a middle ground between the excess of subtlety and the characters behaving in sort of tropey ways.
Aside from the developing friendship and romance, the murkiness didn't serve the plot very well either. I felt like I should have gone into reading this book with a far better understanding of economics. I got caught up on understanding what was happening to Denver because of the government's plans to stop valuing silver. Now, again, that may be idiosyncratic to me. I did understand how all that influenced the things that happened in the plot, in a broad sense. But I would need to do outside research in order to really appreciate the historical situation that influenced this plot.
But with The Only Gold, which was also written on a subject I didn't understand, there was a decent amount of information and context given. I felt by the middle of the book that I had a very good handle on the bank's situation, what the MCs' jobs entailed, etc. Then, I understood why the bad guys were planning their crime, and why they (as individuals) were doing all of it. I could not have answered any of those questions before I read the book.
Okay, back to the positives. I really liked that Darrow seemed to be a bisexual character; as a bisexual person I felt it was a positive portrayal, at least in the ways he saw himself. He realizes he could fall in love with Veda again, if circumstances were different, even though a lot of the other characters seem to think he's gay now. I also liked the character of Veda. I think it was a good choice on Tamara Allen's part to write such an outwardly emotional woman, and to do it very well, giving her a great deal of depth. All of this author's books include memorable, well-drawn female and male side characters - I reread them constantly, to visit Jonah's neighbors, landladies, and co-workers, as well as Ezra's wonderful family-of-choice in Downtime.
I suspect I will return to The Road to Silver Plume, too, in the future, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it even more on the second or tenth read. :-)
Negatives first: I didn't feel overly connected to either of the MCs. Their character development was subtle. It's not that it wasn't there. I felt that I was letting down the book by not always correctly interpreting Darrow and Emlyn's surface thoughts and behavior. So, I reread a lot of scenes and moments until I felt I understood their dynamic. In my opinion, there could have been a middle ground between the excess of subtlety and the characters behaving in sort of tropey ways.
Aside from the developing friendship and romance, the murkiness didn't serve the plot very well either. I felt like I should have gone into reading this book with a far better understanding of economics. I got caught up on understanding what was happening to Denver because of the government's plans to stop valuing silver. Now, again, that may be idiosyncratic to me. I did understand how all that influenced the things that happened in the plot, in a broad sense. But I would need to do outside research in order to really appreciate the historical situation that influenced this plot.
But with The Only Gold, which was also written on a subject I didn't understand, there was a decent amount of information and context given. I felt by the middle of the book that I had a very good handle on the bank's situation, what the MCs' jobs entailed, etc. Then, I understood why the bad guys were planning their crime, and why they (as individuals) were doing all of it. I could not have answered any of those questions before I read the book.
Okay, back to the positives. I really liked that Darrow seemed to be a bisexual character; as a bisexual person I felt it was a positive portrayal, at least in the ways he saw himself. He realizes he could fall in love with Veda again, if circumstances were different, even though a lot of the other characters seem to think he's gay now. I also liked the character of Veda. I think it was a good choice on Tamara Allen's part to write such an outwardly emotional woman, and to do it very well, giving her a great deal of depth. All of this author's books include memorable, well-drawn female and male side characters - I reread them constantly, to visit Jonah's neighbors, landladies, and co-workers, as well as Ezra's wonderful family-of-choice in Downtime.
I suspect I will return to The Road to Silver Plume, too, in the future, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it even more on the second or tenth read. :-)
suze_1624's review
4.0
I enjoyed this one, though it is a slow build to action - even when the circumstances are dangerous or when Emlyn and Darrow have their moment, the style of writing is still very laid back and relaxed. So it reads very even.
I have enjoyed other books by the author and this one again paints a very vivid picture of the times - both in locations and historical events (I had forgotten learning about the gold standard, hadn't realised there was silver standards too).
I liked the duo of Emlyn and Darrow and hope they have more adventures - I'll certainly be looking out for them!
3.75*
I have enjoyed other books by the author and this one again paints a very vivid picture of the times - both in locations and historical events (I had forgotten learning about the gold standard, hadn't realised there was silver standards too).
I liked the duo of Emlyn and Darrow and hope they have more adventures - I'll certainly be looking out for them!
3.75*
alisonalisonalison's review
4.0
So lovely. Tamara Allen writes such wonderful historicals. I really enjoyed this. It's a beautifully written road trip story about counterfeiting in 1890s America and it's so interesting and very exciting too. The level of historical detail is amazing and never overwhelming. The characters are well developed and so delightful. The love story is subtle and slow-building and very well done. Tamara Allen's books always make me feel good. She always takes the time to tell the whole story and never rushes. The ending leaves room for a sequel and I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series, regardless of what it's about.