Holly Emma!
This book is the epitome of historical romance and I for one wish there were more such books available; books that 'suck' you in,complete with fairy tale qualities, realistic characters and settings as well as scorching romance. Whatsmore, it is a well written book which respects the reader, well researched with appropriate manners and dialogues for its set period. I often despair of reading novels which are supposed to be historical but whose characters act and speak as if they lived in the twentieth century!
Florence is a young woman who must find herself a husband as since her father's death she has been left peniless with no prospects in life. She comes to London with that express purpose and soon finds that such a man exists in Freddie Burbrooke. This proxy was conveniently organised by Freddie's older brother Edward, who is seeking to save the family from scandal as rumours abound concerning Freddie's deviant sexual preferences. Beautiful, naive, inexperienced Florence will unwittingly save Freddie's reputation or so Edward hopes. But thoroughly thoughtout plans have a way of going amiss as our hero soon finds out. He has not bargained for falling madly and irrevocably in love with Florence himself. He doggedly persists with with his plan of getting Freddie to marry Florerence despite his own desparate longing for her. Florence, too, finds that she is attracted to the wrong brother, but is too innocent to deal with her tumultuous emotions.
I loved reading Edward's struggle between protecting his brother and family name and his attraction for this warm, loving innocent girl who cannot conceal her adoration for him. It's a book that does involve your emotions which is such a pleasant change. I wish Emma Holly would write more books of this genre!
Enjoyed the characters but not some of the storyline
As others have re-hashed the upper level storyline I will not do so. I really liked the characters. They had depth and feelings beyond the normal for this type of novel. I liked the whole storyline ... except for some of the bizarre behavior by Edward. None of the romantic scenes bothered me until Edward went to show Florence what "desire" was. Just ridiculous. She was engaged to his brother Freddie. Edward's feelings for Florence were fine as were hers for him - but that episode just was a betrayal to Freddie. Up until then, it was more or less tension - and she was not engaged (well one kiss after engagement but even that was ok).
So although I found this worth reading and I have enjoyed other Emma Holly books, it did not stir my heart. I remember reading rather unsure reviews when this first came out although lately they seem more positive. I did giggle at the cat/child attraction and the duchess was a wonderful character. Rather mild villainy afoot. Some areas seemed unfinished so for me there were interesting parts but the book left me unsettled.
It's a Keeper
Very well written. This book held my attention throughout and will not disappoint those who enjoy a great historical romance with erotica mixed in too. Emma Holly is much more than bland romantica as she adds a nice flavour of love, emotional angst, ethics and sensual scenes throughout. Thank you Emma!!
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