Leanne H. (lunnara) - , reviewed on 4/24/2010 + 5 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 6

After having read MANY historical romance novels with a bit more substance and intriguing plot lines in the past, I found this book to be very lacking and am surprised at all of the positive reviews and/or lack of less than positive reviews. Honestly, the plot wasn't particularly interesting to me.

A "plump and plain" 28-year-old spinster, Calpurnia Hartwell, hits midlife crisis and decides to rebel and live a little. She creates a list of 9 items to do:
1. Kiss someone-passionately
2. Smoke cheroot and drink scotch
3. Ride astride
4. Fence
5. Attend a duel
6. Fire a pistol
7. Gamble (at a gentleman's club)
8. Dance every dance at a ball
9. Be considered beautiful. Just once.
She gets the notorious rake, the Marquess of Ralston, a man she has had an infatuation with for 10 years, to complete #1. Ralston agrees to kiss her but only if she will (with her impeccable reputation) present to society, his recently-discovered half-sister. They strike a deal and the rest of the book is mostly about Ralston himself attracted to Calpurnia and Calpurnia going on one escapade to another to complete her list, as well as helping his half-sister make her debut to the ton.

The minor plotlines were weak facades. It's very obvious that the whole book is centered on developing the romance between the two main characters. Although that's what romance novels are usually all about, I generally like to read books that actually have a real story and substance to them besides focusing on always getting the female and male leads together all the time. I think romance books like these are what give romance novels a bad name.

Also, I'm not even going to mention how many times the author alludes to the main character's physical appearances. I highly respect books which can reveal the beauty of a person and get readers to like a character without constantly mentioning a their perfections and imperfections. Ironically, a main point in this book seems to be seeing beyond the cover of a book, but it's hard when the author keeps referencing the main character's "cover". I found it to be hypocritical and superficial. This was more of a pity-me book. And honestly, when most of the story is simply about poor-old-me-who-isn't-the-belle-of-the-ball-but-is-nice-generous-kind-and-perfect-in-every-way-so-why-shouldn't-I-deserve-a-hot-handsome-titled-rich-man, I get a little bored and my eyes will start rolling. It was just so clear that there really was no story to this except the plain, plump girl going on unusual escapades and getting the attention of the handsome marquess.

Seriously, the whole facade of a story regarding launching the marquess's half-sister out into society is a bit weak considering he chose Calpurnia for her perfect reputation and throughout this, she is constantly doing things on her list to tarnish and endanger her reputation. AND the marquess catches her several times but just goes along with her plans. The author describes the marquess as a cynical, jaded, serious, stereotypical titled lord so this just doesn't make any sense. If he's like that, then he's dealt with a bunch of women who have smoked cheroots, drunk scotch, etc, etc. I didn't find anything interesting about Calpurnia.

The writing style of this book isn't bad, but the author does throw in a few SAT words to make the book seem a lot more intellectual than it really is. No offense, Ms. MacLean, but I would recommend sticking to your YA audience.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details