ISBN-10: 0061456764
ISBN-13: 978-0061456763
Phillipa, also lovingly known as Flip, is not your typical socialite. She prefers reading over flirting, and museums over soirees, unlike her beautiful and well sought-after older sister, Olivia. When Flip gets the chance to meet an adventurer and author of two of her favorite books, she discovers that his expeditions aren’t the only things about him that arouses her.
Bennette Wolf was presumed dead, but that was not the only shock he got when he returned to London. He was also shocked to learn that his former associate, David Langley, who’d left him for dead, had ruined his reputation by stealing his journals and claiming his fame as an explorer and author, and leaving him looking like the fool tag-alone. Determined to reclaim what’s rightfully his, he sets out to destroy his nemesis. However, once meeting Phillipa, his plans of being savage are turned into honorable attempts, while he introduces her to a life outside of her home, books, and living in her sister’s shadow.
This rushed romance leaves readers wanting for more. Bennette has traveled the world and been involved with many women, yet somehow, just the sweet sound of Flip’s voice and the lemony smell of her skin is enough to steer him into obsession. The author gives us nothing prior to him declaring she’s the one, to understand why he MUST have her. As the story unfolds, I did become quite fond of Phillipa, but there is not much attachment prior to Bennette declaring he plans to marry her. Had it been for the usual historical romance reasons – it’s good for the family, we were promised to each other as kids, etc. this would’ve been acceptable, but considering he didn’t give a damn about society’s rules, the intended betrothal was based purely on his intense attraction to her, which came out of nowhere.
Also, the romance between Olivia and John, Benette’s good friend, was more of a way to add words to the story, than it was a subplot. Nothing ever became of it. Although I finished the story, and was pleased by the climax and eventual union, as a whole, the development of the romance is lacking sustenance.
The fist few chapters come across as nothing more than a lesson on etiquette with a love story as an example.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 3 cups of coffee