A standard romance novel, the outcome plainly obvious in the first few chapters of the book. What I did find interesting was by the end of the book the roles between Gareth and Ned had reversed and that Ned had finally grown-up and Gareth had cracked that icy facade. However I felt that the background given to the main characters was severly lacking (we never did find out who paid Jenny's way through school or who her parents were) and the story suffered as a result. The 'seduction' scenes fe... (show more)

A standard romance novel, the outcome plainly obvious in the first few chapters of the book. What I did find interesting was by the end of the book the roles between Gareth and Ned had reversed and that Ned had finally grown-up and Gareth had cracked that icy facade. However I felt that the background given to the main characters was severly lacking (we never did find out who paid Jenny's way through school or who her parents were) and the story suffered as a result. The 'seduction' scenes felt more than a little cheesy but at the same time made the book fit into the genre nicely. Some of the chapters seemed to be drawn out to the point of frustration, what could be said in a few paragraphs was drawn out over a number of pages. Overall the plot had little to stand on and was not that interesting; I don't plan on reading this again. (show less)

For a romance novel this is a pretty good book. I'm not usually a fan of the whole'sex' theme that perpetuates most of these novels but it was a free book and I love to read. It was a sweet story and I enjoyed the happy ending. It was witty and the reader could really relate to dear Jenny Keeble. She was funny, determined, and independent and what woman...or man for that matter...doesn't admire that? The author did a good job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what ... (show more)

For a romance novel this is a pretty good book. I'm not usually a fan of the whole'sex' theme that perpetuates most of these novels but it was a free book and I love to read. It was a sweet story and I enjoyed the happy ending. It was witty and the reader could really relate to dear Jenny Keeble. She was funny, determined, and independent and what woman...or man for that matter...doesn't admire that? The author did a good job of keeping the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what would happen next without being over the tip. Gotta say it was a pretty good book... all in all. (show less)

Ok, so I am a huge sap for romance novels anyway, especially historical romance, but this one was really intriguing. I enjoyed the story line very much, and as the book went on, it was easy to feel a connection to the characters. I love romance novels that include the nobleman who will never marry, who eventually falls in love with the "lowlife" women, such as a fortunte teller! The only thing I didn't like about this book was that I wish it would have focused more on the story o... (show more)

Ok, so I am a huge sap for romance novels anyway, especially historical romance, but this one was really intriguing. I enjoyed the story line very much, and as the book went on, it was easy to feel a connection to the characters. I love romance novels that include the nobleman who will never marry, who eventually falls in love with the "lowlife" women, such as a fortunte teller! The only thing I didn't like about this book was that I wish it would have focused more on the story of Ned and Lady Kathleen as well. They clearly had an attraction to each other, and the way it was resolved in the end was just felt like it was an afterthought to finish that potential love story. Overall, though it was a wonderful romance read, great to get your mind off of things and imagine yourself in another world. (show less)

I have been looking forward to Courtney Milan's first book since first reading about it on her blog over a year and a half ago, and it was well worth the wait. It's difficult to know where to begin. The first thing that tempted me to read Milan's work was her clear knowledge of the period in question. The second was the hero's interest in ornithology. Duch a delightfully nerdy hobby for a Marquess! And it's the unique hero and heroine that make this book stand out. Our hero, as I said, ... (show more)

I have been looking forward to Courtney Milan's first book since first reading about it on her blog over a year and a half ago, and it was well worth the wait. It's difficult to know where to begin. The first thing that tempted me to read Milan's work was her clear knowledge of the period in question. The second was the hero's interest in ornithology. Duch a delightfully nerdy hobby for a Marquess! And it's the unique hero and heroine that make this book stand out. Our hero, as I said, is a man of science who would be much happier in Brazil than managing his estate, although he takes that responsibility seriously. And although he's not a nerd in the stereotypical sense outwardly, he does have the intensity (and the tendency to discuss intimate activities in terms of "research") that one would expect of a man of science at heart. Our heroine is a sham fortune teller. Both of them have been isolated throughout their lives. She, in particular, is terrified of being abandoned again, whereas he has never quite learned how to be close to people. The story of their learning how to trust each other is told with great wit and great eroticism where appropriate. If you are a fan of Kalen Hughes or Delilah Marvelle and need another historically believable yet extremely atypical set of protagonists to hold you over, pick this up. You'll find yourself as eager for the sequel, Trial by Desire, as I am. (show less)