This is another wonderful tale by Mimi Matthews. The three stories I've read so far are fresh and charming. Phyllida arrived in London after the death of her grandparents. A distant and calculating relative promptly gets new clothing for his new ward. He also secretes her away until a fashionable party comes up, where he will display his charming niece. He is playing a deep game; he wants to sell Philly to a cold duke, for his own gain, not Philly's. The duke is known as the Collector because he wants to possess unique treasures. Philly is unique because she has one hazel and one blue eye. She is also beautiful.
The plan works and Philly is soon sold to the duke. However, Philly turns the duke down; she has seen the duke beat dogs (she is a dog lover with four animals). She sends a message to Captain Arthur Heywood, a seriously wounded soldier, she's met at her uncle's home, through some investment dealings. He meets her and says the only way he can help her is to give her his name. She reluctantly accepts his proposal, and they marry and run from London to his home.
However, the story isn't the issue here. The real story is the growing relationship between a broken-down ex-military man and a beautiful, though naive, young woman. The dialogue is delightful and earnest. The couple grows in love and understanding. They also know that the duke is rumored to destroy that which he cannot have. Arthur is worried for Philly's safety. After the first accident, Arthur becomes more concerned and takes measures to keep Philly safe. However, all of his actions are destined to fail because Philly makes a hasty and stupid decision. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
The plan works and Philly is soon sold to the duke. However, Philly turns the duke down; she has seen the duke beat dogs (she is a dog lover with four animals). She sends a message to Captain Arthur Heywood, a seriously wounded soldier, she's met at her uncle's home, through some investment dealings. He meets her and says the only way he can help her is to give her his name. She reluctantly accepts his proposal, and they marry and run from London to his home.
However, the story isn't the issue here. The real story is the growing relationship between a broken-down ex-military man and a beautiful, though naive, young woman. The dialogue is delightful and earnest. The couple grows in love and understanding. They also know that the duke is rumored to destroy that which he cannot have. Arthur is worried for Philly's safety. After the first accident, Arthur becomes more concerned and takes measures to keep Philly safe. However, all of his actions are destined to fail because Philly makes a hasty and stupid decision. Overall score = 4.5 stars.
Simply wonderful! A damaged Arthur and a tenderhearted Philly turn a marriage of convenience between friends into a very satisfying and, dare I say, swoon-worthy meeting of the hearts. Philly was one of those understanding, patient heroines with a bit of an independent streak, and Arthur does an admirable job playing the gallant protector; I just couldn't get enough of him. Though I prefer my romances on the carnal side, there's still plenty of intimacy between the couple for a nice balance. Danger and mystery along with a myriad of secondary characters and a group of loyal dogs round out this delicious regency.
I did finish this book but I found it a bit thin and disappointing. It is written in the modern style of short paragraphs and fast, easy to read prose, which I find jarring given the era it is set in. There are no new plot elements (I've read many other regencies in which the villain obsesses over the heroine and wants to add her to his collection), though there is a slight twist at the end. Nevertheless I did finish it; it's not a wallbanger. But there are more satisfying books out there.
