This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.Expected Release Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: http://www.carolinelinden.com/
My Source for This Book: Edelweiss
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: Rushed Ending
Favorite Tropes: Realistically Sized Heroine, Reformed Rake, Enemies to Lovers
This delightful historical romp had so many of the things that I love in romance — a realistically sized heroine, a wicked rake finding himself in love for the first time in his life, and a touch of wickedness with realistic consequences. The biggest downfall, however, was that once Tristan and Joan got together, things seemed quite rushed, with even the proposal scene being slightly glossed over.
I was also disappointed that Tristan’s tendency to insult Joan with some rather cutting barbs was largely unaddressed, with only a passing apology instead of the much-needed groveling that I had hoped to see.
Even the scene where he tells Joan that he loves her was unnecessarily painful from an emotional standpoint, and that left the book on a rather sour note for me, which is a shame, considering that the rest of the book was so much fun.
It was that fun, however, that still won out in the end, leaving my overall impression of the book as quite enjoyable.
Recommended for fans of realistically sized heroines (who do not have to lose the weight to get a Happily Ever After!), charmingly rakish heroes who find themselves in love despite their best intentions, and the flouting of society’s rules without falling into the ridiculous.
4/5 Stars
