|
Darius Carsington, the youngest of five sons of Lord Hargate, chose to follow an intellectual life and divided it into two parts. One studying animal behavior, specifically their mating and breeding behavior; and secondly, devoting his leisure hours to emulating this behavior. Basically, infuriating his family especially his sire who demanded he do something meaningful with his life, and gave him a run-down estate with the caveat that he turn it around in one year to make it profitable once more. Male pride made him accept this Herculean task. After moving in he ran into his neighbor, Lady Charlotte Haywood, who underneath her totally correct lady-like virginal composure arouses his sexual instinct making him think that beneath that perfect façade was something just a bit ‘off’. *** How absolutely delightful was this perfectly charming love story that hosted a plethora of emotions, making me wonder why I let it sit so long in my TBR pile before finally picking it up! I should have realized at once that anything by the admirable authoress, Loretta Chase had to have that perfect blend of witty and wonderful dialogs, engaging and unforgettable characters, as well a warm and loving romance. Charlotte was a wonderful protagonist, who having made a dreadful mistake in judgment and trust at an early age paid a painful price for that indiscretion. In a very warm and sympathetic manner the author showed how the guilt and shame of her secret shaped the now 27 year old Charlotte’s life making her an expert in how Not to Get Married, and could spot a rake immediately. Of course, spotting a rake was one thing; being immune to his charm was another and that was something that was slowly and perfectly woven into this tale by the deft hand of this author. The initial antagonism between Darius and Charlotte was beautifully done, and their sparring matches utilizing intellect and logic made for many laugh out loud moments, with their many debates, as well as the “I could strangle you” looks, that both parties were capable of giving one another. With the addition of a memorable and engaging cast of secondary characters, such as Charlotte’s loving step-mother Lady Lithby; her father Lord Lithby and his prize pig Hyacinth; along with the plasterer’s young apprentice Pip the author gives the reader a fully enticing and entertaining read. What I loved most was the perfect pace the author took in slowly bringing both Charlotte and Darius to the point of respect and trust in order open up to one another which was so very important for Charlotte in order to divulge her private shame and find Darius so understanding. So far, Not Quite a Lady is right up there with one of the best Regency historical romances I’ve read all year! Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
Not Quite a Lady
|
|
