Review

James, Lord Matheson, needs to secure his engagement to Louisa in order to restore his family’s name. The timing is perfect and he needs to seize the moment. So he heads to Lord Oliver’s estate to secure his place in their family and his attention immediately focuses on Louisa’s half-sister, Julia.

Julia Herington is unconventional by London’s standard but not by James’s own beliefs. They are both smitten with one another after their initial encounter where Julia insults James. Julia thinks James is perfect…for her sister of course. He can help Louisa fit right into London’s society and she hopes to find a suitable gentleman such as James. The only problem is that the more she is in James’s company, the more she wants James for herself.

While Julia tries to suppress her feelings for James, she attempts to find herself a husband of her own, only frustrating herself and James in the process. Louisa tries to fit in but she realizes that London is not the place for her but how can she disappoint James and cause further embarrassment by ending the engagement?

I straddled the fence with how much I liked this book. Julia is refreshing, young and vibrant. I love her wit and humor. She says whatever she wants and is so unconventional. However, the banter became too much. There is a lot of chatter. As much as I like when a couple communicate to one another and how I despise too much inner-dialogue, I found myself wanting them to stop talking about nonsense and express their real emotions.

The “aha” moment where the couple realize that they are in love is never clear. It is apparent they are attracted to one another and want to be with each other. It is also very apparent they are compatible but they didn’t get to spend much time together and I wanted more heat. The angst in the book is light and the conflict at the end is quickly resolved, almost a little too neatly.

What I did enjoy about this book is the author’s sense of humor. It really does shine through in the writing. Each character is funny and interesting. I especially loved Julia’s aunt, Lady Irving. Trying to keep her in line proves to be a challenging effort and humorous as well. The heading for each chapter is sort of a spoiler for what will come in each chapter but is clever and quirky.

Overall, Ms. Romain delivers a funny debut and I do want to know if Louisa will find her prince charming.

Reviewed by Samantha