Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this book very much. I have always loved the 'traditional regency', with its emphasis on character, setting and story (as opposed to pages & pages of repetitive unmotivated fantasy sex which is so much the fashion now). The premise of the book (impoverished nobleman marries merchant's daughter) is hardly new (Heyer's A Civil Contract being the best known example), but this isn't a rewrite or a ripoff; these characters are young, fresh and engaging, and the problems they face are as much to do with the difficulty of marrying a stranger as they are to class differences. I liked it and would recommend it to any trad regency fan.
Helpful Score: 2
4 stars. A delightful first book by a new author. It's the "destitute nobleman has to marry a rich cit's daughter" plot, but with some interesting twists. The H&H are both young and very likeable, and he is not your typical alpha-male hero. It's refreshing that, unlike many other arranged marriage stories, both of them were really trying to adjust and make their marriage a success, and there was more honesty and plain speaking between them than you usually get. They are put into a situation where they have to cooperate and rely on each other. The plot line involves class conflicts as well as the plight of the poor in Britain at that time. I was engrossed and actually stayed up till 3 a.m. finishing the book.
If you enjoy a light read with not too much angst, I recommend it.
If you enjoy a light read with not too much angst, I recommend it.
