This is a variation on the governess/master theme. Helena, our heroine, is an independent woman of means who has been fostering her sister’s children after the untimely death of both mother and father. Part of that is accompanying them to their new home, at their uncle the Duke’s digs.
The Duke is pretty starched up in the shirt points (and sometimes it seems like his smalls are, too) and Helena is a historically accurate woman who is not very wayward. In fact, the title is a tad misleading, especially if you are expecting a Grand Sophy or Emma type heroine.
That being said, what develops is a sweet romance with a little added spice from some duplicitous characters and very wayward children who want to run away to live with the Gypsies.
Its not a spanking pace romp or even a comedy of manners. Instead, it felt like a novella drawn out to novel length that didn’t ever really give satisfying character arcs and relied a little too heavily on forced plot twists.
That being said, there was something still likeable about the book. I am not saying I will ever probably read it again, or frankly remember it past a few days from now (in fact, I am already forgetting big chunks after a day), but it definitely wasn’t a stinker and the characters, if not loveable are still understandable enough to have kept my interest throughout.
Readers who like slow paces and fantasize about being swept away by a handsome, rich pseudo Darcy will probably enjoy this one.
3 out of 6 A decent, sweet and slow paced Reg Rom about reluctant lovers
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Mature Content, talk of prostitution | |
| Intimacy | |
| Some light intimacy | |
| Violence | |
| A little villianry | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Recommended for mature audiences and those who don't mind a little vanilla smooching. | |
