Joan Smith: The Hermit’s Daughter

FLIRT WITH THAT JACKDAW LORD MONSTUART? WHY, SHE’D RATHER COZE WITH A WEASEL!

But Miss Sally Hermitage was hellbent on seeing her dear sister happily wed-even if it was to Monstuart’s ward. No matter to her that the arrogant gentleman was just as determined to prevent the marriage. With her green eyes flashing, Sally vowed to beat the crafty, money-grubbing snob at his own romantic game.

After all, if the widow and daughters of the infamous “Hermit” did not find rich husbands, they’d soon be in the poorhouse.

Though Monstuart’s blighting presence was enough to cool any girl’s interest, Sally secretly enjoyed their fiery confrontations. Monstuart was thoroughly insensitive, inconsiderate, incoherent, insane, and — Sally would soon discover–quite in love with her!

If you love a kisses only romance where the MCs are at daggers drawn for 90% of the novel…this is for you! Beautiful and brilliant Sally finds herself at cross swords with her sister’s intended’s guardian Monstuart…and a series of unfortunate events result.

There are comedic moments, and lots of misunderstandings that are subtle but effective, a good foil for both the MCs…a classic Regency Romance. I found the misunderstandings, particularly on the part of the hero, to be a bit tiresome and the bickering did get old…but enemies to lovers isn’t normally my cuppa.

The characters are brilliant, the scenes interesting, and the era used to great effect. Joan Smith is, in my opinion, one of the hallmark authors of the traditional (eg kisses only) Regency Romance and this book, although not her best, is certainly an example of her talent.

Some of the tropes and elements will be comforting to Regency Readers and perhaps boring to others who dabble in the genre, but I nonetheless thought the way she handled them were interesting and sometimes surprising.

We have the classic slightly older heroine and hero, foiling the younger lovers, and both amused and often befuddled by the foibles of their dimmer relatives. The mama, Mrs. Hermitage, was reminiscent of Mrs. Bennett, although I loved that even she got a happy ending. Sally is a bit shrewish and bossy, and remind one of reader favorites like Cousin Cecilia or the Grand Sophy. I like that Smith shows her in all her spots, to me making her more likeable.

On the whole, Smiths are short and sweet and a staple for me when I need a kickstart back into the Regency mode. I have reviewed a ton of her books for just that reason (and many because they make me laugh) so if she is knew to you, I recommend a search on the blog under her name. If you are familiar with Smith and like two MCs who like to duke it out as a form of courtship, I recommend this one highly. For others, like me, who maybe roll their eyes at another round of squabbling, perhaps skip this Smith and venture on to the next.

Overall, I found it an enjoyable read and although will not read again, would recommend it for fans of kisses only Regency Romance who like brilliant, beautiful and sassy heroine’s sparring wits with older, urbane heroes.

5 Stars 4.25 out of 6 Bickering MCs verbally spar in this kisses only Regency rompish shorty