Review: Six Impossible Things by Elizabeth Boyle

Six Impossible Things by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Six of the Rhymes with Love series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: April 25, 2017

Rating: 2 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

Lord Rimswell is a man of honor and absolutes. If he says something is impossible, it is. Yet his life of right and wrong is turned upside down when he finds himself in a compromising situation with the most unyielding, yet maddeningly beautiful, woman in London. If only he had not given in to the irresistible temptation to kiss her. Now he must marry her.

Miss Roselie Stratton is the very definition of impossible—headstrong, outspoken, and carrying a reticule of secrets that could ruin more than her reputation. Kissing Brody is hardly the most ruinous thing Roselie has ever done as a secret agent for the Home Office…nor will she let a marriage of convenience stop her from continuing her work. Little does Roselie realize that she has underestimated Brody's resolve to keep her safe—for he has hopelessly fallen in love with her and is determined to do the impossible by stealing her heart in return.

What I Liked:

I am a huge fan of this series, and the author, and some of my favorite historical romance novels are from this series. But this book was an utter disappointment (for me). 

Roselie Stratton has been out for four Seasons and she's still unmarried, but she prefers it that way. She is an unofficial agent of the Home Office, a fact known to very few. Not even Brody, Lord Rimswell, actualy Home Office agent, her childhood friend knows. But he has met Roselie a few times when she was in disguise. When he finds out that it's Roselie under the mask and wig, he is furious. Who knew that the impertinent girl next door grew up to be a meddling, impossible unofficial agent in disguise? When the investigation in Lord Ilford's crimes takes a dangerous turn, Brody tries to stop Roselie from interfering further. Especially when they forced to marry under hasty circumstances. One of them - or both - is going to get hurt, but not if Roselie and Brody can work together to discover the truth about Ilford and his past.

So we have protagonists Brody and Roselie, both of whom were present in the previous books in this series. I adored Brody in the previous books (and I can't really remember what I thought of Roselie - no surprise there). Check the dislikes section for my full discourse on Roselie (spoiler alert: I did not like her). But Brody - well, I adored him.

Brody (or Bradwell, which is very sturdy name) was the second son of a baron, but after his older brother Poldie died in the war, Brody become baron. Brody never really wanted to be Lord Rimswell, especially with his duties with the Home Office. Brody isn't really a rake or a  scoundrel, but he is charming and wicked in his own way. He's rakish without actually being one, which is fun to follow. I love his sense of loyalty and responsibility and duty - as well as his passionate side. Brody is a rare all-around good guy, without being a complete snob.

I loved seeing all of the cameos, from Lavinia, Louisa, Harriet, and their husbands (Tuck, Piers, Roxley). Harriet is one of my favorite heroines of the series, and I love the (small) role she played in this book. Other secondary characters were lovely - Miss Minx (hahahaha), Lady Wakefield, even the dowager Lady Rimswell.

This story was fairly engrossing, though I did struggle at times when it got a little slow and boring. It took me by surprise when, halfway through the book, Brody and Roselie were caught in a compromising situation and immediately got married. Usually the hero and heroine find themselves in a compromising situation but never get caught, so that took me by surprise. But I liked this twist, because it threw off the non-balance between the two, and really forced them to get closer.

I really wish I liked the romance but overall, I didn't, and it circles back to my dislike of Roselie. The romance had its steamy times but nothing remarkable.

Overall, this book wasn't awful, but I'm struggling to come up with more things that I genuinely liked. Brody, most of the secondary characters, the one or two steamy scenes, the story in general. But the female protagonist ruined my overall enjoyment of the book.

What I Did Not Like:

Let me first say that sometimes when I find myself not connecting with or liking a female protagonist, I tell myself to put myself in her shoes, and imagine myself in the story as her. Well, I tried that with Roselie. And I failed to agree with a single one of her decisions (except marrying Brody, maybe). 

Where do I even start... from the beginning of this book, Roselie rubbed me the wrong way. She is masquerading in super sexy clothing, a mask, and a wig, trying to recover stolen information, or find out information about this or that relating to the nefarious Lord Ilford. This alone is not plausible and and had me calling BS. I already disliked her for putting her name and reputation, and her family's name and reputation, in danger. She is very selfish, and she could have (and should have) gotten caught. Luckily when she did get caught, it was by Brody.

Anyway, as the story went on, Roselie became more and more "impossible", to quite Brody. Trust me, I know stubborn and hard-headed (I am stubborn and head-headed). But this girl is stubborn and hard-headed to a fault. She refuses to let anyone tell her ANYTHING, whether it's for her own good or not, whether it makes perfect sense or not, whether it's to protect her or her family/loved ones.

To be honest? One of the things I absolutely hate about this new crop of historical romance heroines is their complete disregard for their reputation and their family's reputation. There are so many new HR books with heroines who are "bada**" and daring and assertive - feminist, I suppose. But it just does not work for me, for several reasons. (1) It's historically inaccurate (well, to the degree that these authors are portraying). (2) It's kind of irritating (again, to the degree that the authors are portraying). (3) The heroines, to me, come across as incredibly stupid?

Take Roselie - she refuses to listen to Brody when he tells her that she should do this or that. Like, she refuses on the principle that he can't tell her what to do. What kind of backwards, dumba** logic is that? You're so proud, but you can't take it down like sixty notches when someone tells you that you are literally a dead woman with a target on her back?

I wanted to strangle Roselie so many times. I mean, if I knew her in real life, I might have. Her "assertiveness" really grated my nerves. Don't get me wrong, I love assertive heroines and I think it's great when they stand up for themselves, but Roselie was so irritating, and pig-headed, and stupid. She's one of those characters that thinks she is so smart, but she came across as incredibly stupid. And selfish. So, so selfish. 

I couldn't even connect with her! I thought for sure I'd at least be able to connect with her as she fell for Brody. But I felt nothing towards her. She seemed more of a flat, static character, especially compared to Brody. I don't really see what was so fascinating and interesting about her (other than her sexy, breast-padded alter ego Asteria, whom Brody was super attracted to, without knowing it was Roselie). 

I didn't feel anything for Roselie (other than sheer irritation, wrath, and loathing), and it made it hard for me to ship the romance. I adored Brody and I love that he found love, but I really just did not care about the romance. Once you hate the female protagonist, it's really hard to like the book. The romance seemed so flat though, regardless. Besides lust, I really didn't get a lot in terms of emotions or feelings (mostly from Roselie's side). Really it seemed like she was more interested in thwarting him, running from him, defying him, going against his will... yeah, that doesn't make for a very swoony romance. I don't think I swooned once. 

Anyway, I'm done. This book pissed me off in several different ways and all of them connect to Roselie and her stupid, stupid stubbornness. The short of it: Roselie had no respect for Brody, on any level, and she was incredibly selfish and stupid.

Would I Recommend It:

I most certainly do not recommend this book, which pains me to say, because I love this series. Try If Wishes Were Earls or The Knave of Hearts, or maybe even The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane (though Louisa bothered me, in that book). Better yet, try an entirely different author. You know who does assertive, "feminist"-type heroines who don't irritate the s**t out of me? Tessa Dare, Elizabeth Hoyt, Caroline Linden. One of the sexiest and most feminist thing a female protagonist can do is treat her man with respect.

Roselie... did not do that with Brody. 

Rating:

2 stars. I almost can't believe I'm giving a historical romance novel such a low rating! Historical romance novels are usually my "guilty pleasures". This one was supposed to lift me out of a small rut I've been in, but it has sunk me further into the rut. Honestly I kind of hope this series is over, because I don't want to be disappointed again!

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Review: The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Five of the Rhymes with Love series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: January 26, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes With Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman's hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication ...

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack's dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother's scandalous past have become the ton's latest on dits. Lavinia's future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster "Tuck" Rowland admits he's partly to blame for Lavinia's disastrous debut. But it's not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he's placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into one of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set society astir?

Tuck's motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

What I Liked:

Upon finishing book four, I knew that the wait for book five would be torture. As much as I loved Piers and Louisa, I couldn't wait to read all about Lavinia and Tuck. The pair proved to be adorable and so well-matched! Proper miss meets scoundrel - a knavish fun-loving rake. I loved If Wishes Were Earls and The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane, but I think this fifth book is my favorite of the three! I haven't read books one or two (yet). 

This book is told parallel (ish) to book four, The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane. While Piers and Louisa are bickering and falling in love, Lavinia and Tuck are attempting to curb Lavinia's disastrous debut into society. Tuck has always been making wagers, on just about anything, and in a drunken state, he wagers that he'll be able to turn the Tempest sisters into Diamonds on society. But the Tempest sisters are true country misses, with a scandalous mother to boot. Tuck has his work cut out for him, and he is determined to help Lavinia win over society and marry a proper man. But something else is at stake, and it isn't proper at all.

Ahhh, Tuck. He was hilarious in book four, and I adored him even more in this book. He's got the charm, the good looks, the swagger, the humor, but he's also a good guy, despite his knavish reputation. He has something hanging over his head - not going to Spain (to war) with Piers and Poldie. Poldie died and Piers was badly injured, but Tuck remained home. Why? You'll find out in this book! I fell in love with him even more, after learning why he didn't go.

Did I mention that I love Tuck? I really do. He makes a wager on the Tempest sisters, which Lavinia and Louisa know nothing about. Lavinia thinks that he is being a noble gentleman, helping her learn to dance, trying to help her garner a better reputation after a terrible night at Almack's. Even though he made that wager, believe me, he wants the best for Lavinia for an entirely different reason, as he starts to fall for her!

Lavinia is so proper and formal and obsessed with fitting into society and finding a good match. We know this from book four, in which Louisa was the one who didn't care to find a match, but Lavinia was all for it. It surprises everyone, especially Lavinia, when Louisa marries before Lavinia. But Lavinia has been falling for the knave that is Tuck Rowland, despite her best efforts. Lavinia is so proper but she hides a rebellious, naughty nature. 

I love Tuck and Lavinia together! He is so wicked and she is so proper, and it's hilarious to see them interact. Lavinia is always correcting him, and Tuck is always trying to get her to loosen up. It's obvious to pretty much everyone, how much the pair cares for each other, and it's fun to watch.

There are some steamy scenes in this book! Remember, Lavinia is all about being proper and whatnot, but she and Tuck are pretty explosive together. It takes a bit to get to the physical part of their relationship, but they are fire!

I LOVE the ending! I wasn't worried about a happily ever after at all, but I love how it came about. I love it when the hero isn't groveling and chasing after the heroine - in this book, Lavinia takes the reins and runs after Tuck. Which I LOVED. And the way it was done was wonderful! I adore the ending so much, and this book in general!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specifically! Not to say that nothing bothered me (I'm sure something did, at some point), but clearly not enough for me to remember. Which is fine by me!

Would I Recommend It:

I highly recommend this book! Even if you've not read any of the Rhymes with Love books,  start with this one! If you're a historical romance fan in general, this is a good one.

Rating:

4 stars. I loved this book! I am sooo curious to find out whose book is next. Roselie's? (Piers' sister.) Brody's? ... Both? In any case, I can't wait for July!

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Release Day Promo and Giveaway: The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

Hi all! Today is the publication of The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle, book five of Boyle's amazing Rhymes with Love series. If you haven't discovered this series, now you shall! Read all about this excellent novel, and enter the giveaway!

If Wishes Were Earls review

The Viscount Who Loved Down the Lane review

The Knave of Hearts review

About the Book:

The Knave of Hearts by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Five of the Rhymes with Love series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: January 26, 2016

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Official Summary:

In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes with Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman’s hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication…

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular Season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack’s dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother’s scandalous past have become the ton’s latest on dits. Lavinia’s future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland admits he’s partly to blame for Lavinia’s disastrous debut. But it’s not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he’s placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set Society astir?

Tuck’s motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

About the Author:

ELIZABETH BOYLE has always loved romance and now lives it each and every day by writing adventurous and passionate stories that readers from all around the world have described as “page-turners.” Since her first book was published, she’s seen her romances become New York Times and USA Today bestsellers and win the RWA RITA Award and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice awards. She resides in Seattle with her family, her garden and always growing collection of yarn. Readers can visit her on the Web at www.elizabethboyle.com.

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“Come now, Miss Tempest, my uncle expects me to dance with one of you,” he said as he came wavering up to her. “You cannot stand here all night.”

She looked around for her sister, Lady Aveley. Anyone. “I-I-I, oh dear. Mr. Rowland, I don’t believe—” she stammered out, even as Mr. Rowland took her hand, his strong, sure fingers lacing around hers.

No man had ever just come up and claimed her before for the simple reason that Kempton was a small village, and everyone knew (thanks in no small part to Mrs. Bagley-Butterton) that dancing with Lavinia was akin to asking to have your toes trimmed—or those of your neighbors—or to have something valuable broken.

Or a section of your house scorched.

Mr. Rowland, completely unaware of the mortal danger into which he was placing himself and a good portion of London society, just caught hold of her hand and tugged her out onto the floor, utterly and completely deaf to her protests.

“No, please, sir, I don’t think this is wise,” she told him. And she meant it. This was a very bad notion.

But unfortunately, her protests had no effect on Mr. Rowland, horrible scoundrel that he was …

Has that been mentioned as yet? That Mr. Alaster Rowland, the presumptive heir to his uncle’s barony, is the worst sort of knave? It should be. And often.

He was also the most handsome devil Lavinia Tempest had ever met. Or had held her hand. Or smiled down at her with a wicked light in his eyes.

Lavinia had never seen brown eyes hold that sort of promise, the kind that sent a shiver of something so delicious, so dangerous, down her spine that she made a note right there and then to add a new rule to her list at her first opportunity:

No. 83. A proper gentleman should not make one’s insides get so very warm.

In truth, as Mr. Alaster Rowland slid his hand around her waist, took her other hand in his, something altogether improper happened to Lavinia.

It had to be improper, for it certainly wasn’t proper.

“Mr. Rowland, I cannot,” she protested one last time, when to her horror, the band struck up a cotillion.

A cotillion? The last time she’d tried to dance a cotillion, Lady Essex’s house, Foxgrove, had caught fire.

Yet here was Mr. Rowland, laughing and leaning closer. “But of course you can,” he whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

It was as if he had brushed his fingers there —right against the curve of her neck. It was so intimate, so promising a gesture, that it left Lavinia in a blinding daze.

Yet Lavinia, the girl who had made a study of all things proper, knew exactly how to behave when all was proceeding at a proper pace, but right now she was being steered down a path she’d never taken before and assailed by a river of improper desires.

At least she assumed they were desires, for it was a dangerous, heady sort of warmth spreading through her limbs.

That, and something else happened. Her feet—which before had always seemed two sizes too big—untangled. It was as if the warmth of Mr. Rowland’s touch, his teasing glance, his confidence in her, awakened a very graceful part of her.

Lavinia straightened, head held just so, and a long-forgotten admonishment from the dancing master Lady Hathaway had hired years ago, tripped through her thoughts.

Dancing is all about elegance.

And right there and then, Lavinia felt elegant. Not because her gown was proper. Or that she was standing on the dance floor of Almack’s (though that certainly helped) but because the man gazing down at her held her, not at arm’s length and in obvious fear, but with all the proper care and respect of a gentleman.

Moments later, Lavinia Tempest found herself dancing.

Perfectly. Like a lady. Mr. Rowland moved, as did everyone else, and Lavinia moved as well.

And in the right direction.

The Giveaway:

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Review: The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle

The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Four of the Rhymes With Love series

Publisher: Avon 

Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

In New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle's fourth novel in the Rhymes With Love series, a resolute young woman goes toe-to-toe with the Beast of Mayfair...

She has no desire for love...

As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor's house, where she comes face-to-face with the reclusive Viscount Wakefield. But even more dismaying than his foul temper is the disarray in which she finds his home. Convinced his demeanor would improve if his household were in order, Louisa resolves to put everything to rights.

...until she meets the viscount who lives down the lane.

Much to his chagrin, Wakefield finds it impossible to keep the meddling Louisa out of his home, invading his daily life with her "improvements," and his nights with the tempting desires she sparks inside him. Wounded in the war, he's scorned society ever since his return . . . until Louisa opens the door to his heart and convinces him to give love a second chance.

What I Liked:

Okay, it's official - Elizabeth Boyle is a go-to historical romance writer for me. She joins Elizabeth Hoyt, Tessa Dare, and Maya Rodale... there are quite a few other authors whose books I have enjoyed, but these four ladies stick out in my mind. Their books are awesome!

By the way, ugh, that cover. I'm not the biggest fan. It's not doing much for me, aesthetically or otherwise. Anyway.

Louisa Tempest and her twin sister Lavinia are moving to London for Lavinia's first Season. The late Lady Charleton wanted them to have a Season, but Louisa isn't interested. Instead, she finds mischief in trying to tidy up her next-door neighbor Wakefield's decrepit home. Wakefield, with a injured leg, broken heart, and possibly PTSD from war, doesn't need a woman messing is home, firing his cook, hiring another, finding servants for him... but sooner or later, he finds himself rejoining society, thanks to one meddling woman.

At first, I really did NOT like Louisa, or her ridiculous cat, Hannibal. Louisa did not seem to have any respect for anyone, and she made no attempt to control her cat. But as the story went on, I decided that I really liked the cat, because he kept escaping to Pierson's home, and it always made things interesting between him and Louisa. Eventually, I grew to like Louisa and her brash nature. She isn't your typical society lady - while she is of gentle birth, her family isn't the most high-regarded.

So eventually, I liked Louisa. I always really, really liked Pierson. He's grumpy most of the time, or that's the way things come across. He was sent home from war, injured, and without his friend (who died to save him), and then his fiancee left him, and things were just really sad for him. Not to mention that war probably traumatized him. He has a lot going on, but he also does a lot of avoiding and hiding and almost wallowing. Someone as strong-willed as Louisa would TOTALLY bring him out of his shenanigans.

The romance is so wonderful and light in this book. This book in general is very witty and funny and lighthearted. The chemistry between the two characters is always sizzling, and it's honestly adorable to see them fall for each other. It happens so gradually and progressively, I love it. 

I thought the plot - other than the romance - was a bit lacking, but there was one, I suppose. We never figure out what was so scandalous about Louisa and Lavinia's mother, and why they didn't want whatever secret to get out in public, until the end. Which is an interesting plot twist, and I suppose that IS the leading story - how Louisa and Lavinia will fare in London, with such a secret. Turns out, more people than they thought, know about their mother.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Lighthearted, cute, fun, and full of heartwarming romance. I really like how Boyle crafts her historical romance novels! 

What I Did Not Like:

Like I mentioned above, I thought the plot outside the romance was a bit underdeveloped. Like, I knew there was supposed to be something going on outside of the romance, because that's what the author led us to believe, but it wasn't all there. Louisa and Lavinia's mother's scandal - I think that was the big plot thing, but it felt lacking. And then the ending was anticlimactic, honestly. But it was a nice ending.

Would I Recommend It:

If you love historical romance novels, then I have to recommend this one. Or any of the Rhymes With Love books. I love this series, and I'm definitely going to mark Elizabeth Boyle's name down for future books!

Rating:

4 stars. I can't wait to read Lavinia/Tuck's story! The Knave of Hearts, I believe was mentioned at the end of this book. Spoiler alert!

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Review: If Wishes Were Earls by Elizabeth Boyle

If Wishes Were Earls by Elizabeth Boyle

Book Three of the Rhymes With Love series

Publisher: Avon Books

Publication Date: December 31, 2013

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Harrriet Hathaway has loved only one man her entire life: the Earl of Roxley. But when he ignores her at a ball, she takes rather desperate steps to catch his eye and her plans find her ruined and without any hope of gaining Roxley’s heart. So it is much to her amazement when Roxley proposes marriage to save her from ruin. But Roxley’s proposal isn’t quite on the up and up and when she finds out she’s just another piece in one of his plots and japes, she vows revenge.

Roxley is desperate to pull his family from the brink of ruin, and the only way to gain a lost fortune is to prove to his aunts that’s he’s “reformed” his life and is determined to settle down. But the bride-to-be that he thought would be most amiable is doing everything to turn his life and his heart upside down. Harriet Hathaway had always seemed the most sensible girl he knew, but now this siren of a stranger he’s engaged to is leaving him feeling anything but sensible. Harriet is about to steal not only his heart, but quite possibly the keys to the Roxley fortune.

What I Liked:

What a fabulous historical romance novel! I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel - in all honesty, I hadn't read the summary in a very long time. I requested this book months ago, and downloaded it months ago. I've now read this book in December, so I had no idea what this book was about. So, my expectations were fairly low, if existent at all, for this book.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book! Harriet and Roxley, the non-romance plot, the humor... everything was wonderful! There was a slow start, but the plot warmed up and took off. I didn't expect so much from a historical romance novel. Some might be put off by the amount of this book that ISN'T romance, but I love that. 

Let me talk about the romance. Harriet and Roxley have a history. They shared a very passionate kiss, and then some time after that, a memorable night together in a garden. Months later, neither can forget either event, or each other. But Roxley is in dire straits, and is blackmailed into marrying a merchant's daughter, in order to save his family's fortune and his good name as the Earl of Roxley.

Harriet, of course, will have none of that. When she finally thinks that she will be reunited with Roxley, after so many months, she is crushed at first, to learn the hard way that Roxley will be marrying another. Harriet is not so easily deterred. She puts her nose and herself right into the thick of things. I love this about Harriet - she is bold, but not in the typical way that you might find in historical romance novels. She also isn't a simpering ninny. Good for her.

She and Roxley are so perfect for each other, and they know it, and it takes more than half the book for the two of them to finally realize that they can be together. Both of them find out that the merchant and his merchant aren't as honest as they appear, and that is when things go downhill. Harriet isn't safe, Roxley's aunts aren't safe, and the mysterious diamonds aren't safe, either.

The romance is great, in this book. It doesn't exactly take the forefront in this novel, though it might appear to do so. There is so much going on - Roxley trying to figure out who the merchant's daughter really is, Roxley trying to find the family's lost diamonds, Harriet trying to seduce Roxley back into loving her (he never stopped loving her, in case you wanted to know), Harriet dodging the idiot Fieldgate, Roxley and Harriet and the merchant's daughter prancing across the country to meet Roxley's aunt... it's a very busy book!

And might I mention the humor in this book? Oh my goodness, I loved how Boyle injects the occasional joke or hilarious scene every now and then. I cannot remember the name, but there is this one Lord somebody who ALWAYS says the funniest things at the perfect times. And then there is Harriet, with her five brothers, and her ridiculous childhood with Roxley. There were so many funny scenes in this book - which I really appreciated.

Overall, I really liked this book! I might actually read it again - we'll see. It has to be a fairly great book for me to re-read it, and this one was great! Plus, the romance was steamy, when there were steamy scenes. An all-around great novel!

What I Did Not Like:

Occasionally, there was some dragging in the plot - meaning, it seemed like the story was stuck in one place for too long. Like, I'll admit, the beginning is kind of slow. The way the plot is set up - with flashbacks placed every now and then in the story - made the story stand still for some time. The author needed readers to understand the past between Harriet and Roxley, and there was a lot that had already happened before this novel started.

Of course, I never read the first two novels in this series (not that one HAS TO), so perhaps the background might have made more sense had I read them. I don't know if the events that transpired between Harriet and Roxley occurred during those books.

But that's okay, about the drag, because it's a small thing, and it didn't detract from the overall story. It was just a pacing issue, but a tiny one nonetheless.

Would I Recommend It:

YES! I was very impressed with this novel, and how much I really liked it. This book isn't just a romance novel - there is a fair amount of great humor, scheming, and action. A perfect mix!

Rating:

4 stars. I really enjoyed this one! This one will probably end up on my end-of-the-year favorites list.

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