I am partial to books by Jane Feather. She has a side of comedy to her that is unexpected in historicals. This one is a comedy of errors. Two people who don't own up to who they are, mostly because neither gives the other an opportunity to be frank. The secondary story about the babies farmed out in England is very sad, and also very normal for the time, even years later Mozart and his wife gave their babies away to be raised this way. Worth the read. Full review to come later!{Notes}*This is probably more of a 3.5 for me, because I actually did really enjoy it. I have a secret weakness for historical romances, and I *always* indulge that love when I go on vacation. *However much I love these in my heart, however, they are pretty much all similar in my mind, and are more of a fun read than a true in depth experience. I don't go in planning to be swept away by the writing, or become so absorbed I can't put it down. So, pretty much, all novels of this type will get an average rating unless something really wows me.*The plot is basic enough. Evil uncle wants to make his nephews (and family) squirm a little before inheriting his legacy. Nephews must all marry a fallen women, thus rescuing their eternal soul. The one focuses on the older (and darkly dashing - my definitely favorite hero!) Jasper, and his future bride, Clarissa. Clarissa, meanwhile, is an innocent virgin hiding out in a den of sin while looking for her little brother, who was swept away by her evil uncle and guardian after her father's death. Jasper runs into the fiery redhead Clarissa, and is instantly intrigued. In swift order he buys her, orders her fabulous clothes, and sets her up in a fancy house as his mistress. Clarissa agrees to all this, posing as a common whore, because she realizes it will save her brother. Of course, the two fall in love with each other, and Clarissa is constantly plagued with the guilt of lying to Jasper. They fight, they sleep together, she rescues her brother, Evil Uncle #2 finds out, blah, blah, blah! Cue happy ending. *Clarissa was an average heroine, likable enough. She's got a temper to her, but her innocence when it comes to her charade as a prostitute is kind of funny and endearing. I did appreciate her unwavering loyalty to her little brother, however. Even when faced with losing the love of her life, she chooses her brother. *Jasper was, again, an average hero. He's strong and handsome, and has had his heart broken in the past. Reluctantly, he realizes he's falling for Clarissa. He knows she's lying to him, but he wants to be patient and let her come to him in her own time. He definitely has a temper to match Clarissa's, but his eagerness for her to trust him is just adorable!*The supporting cast is a little bland and all over the place. Evil Uncles #1 and #2 are the main antagonists. Evil Uncle #1 is just nasty, while Evil Uncle #2 is actually maybe a little more evil. Either way, both are defeated in the end. The help was definitely more of a background character in this one, though I did like the lady's maid Sally. Francis, Clarissa's little brother, was definitely adorable. I actually can't wait to pick up the next two in this series, because I did really, really like Jasper's twin brothers, Sebastian and Peregrine. I can't wait to see how they go about getting their fallen brides!*All in all, I liked it a lot. There may have been too many plot lines lingering around, and the romance didn't necessarily knock my socks off, but it was definitely entertaining!
Do You like book Kendine Yalan Söyleme (2013)?
The story was a bit too boring for my taste. Plus, not a big fan of Jill Tanner as narrator.
—sres
Another great read from Jane Feather. Lovely characters, slightly steamy, but great fun.
—Evss91
Exciting read! Only a bit of miscommunication between Clarissa and Jasper.
—ayyy
Repetitive. But not awful. A little rushed in emotional ques.
—kimiko33
