ASIN: B003C2SP46
A Ravishing Tale of Heart Seduction!
MacLean’s winsome romance is a seductive treat. Her name is not the only thing Lady Calpurnia Hartwell is unhappy about. After years of never being asked to dance, let alone marry, she is firmly on the shelf. Tired of living her life to please everyone else, especially since it’s gotten her nowhere, she’s decided to live a little by breaking a few rules. She wants to know what it’s like to do some of the things only men are allowed to do, like drinking scotch, gambling, and firing a pistol, to name a few. Determined to add some excitement to her life, she makes a list and sets out to do everything on it, despite the danger to her reputation.
Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston is a rake in every way, something he must soon get a handle on when he finds out he has a sister. When Callie approaches him to give her her first kiss, he sees her as the perfect person to help his Italian sister enter London society. Trading a kiss for her lady-like services, she soon becomes more than a coach when Gabriel learns of her list. Not wanting Callie’s reputation to be ruined in order to preserve that of his sister’s, he forces her to let him accompany her on her little adventure, and he soon learns there’s a lot more to Callie than meets the eye. She’s not the type of woman he’s usually drawn to, and that turns out to be the best thing he could’ve wished for.
I appreciated MacLean not making Callie the typical historical beauty. Callie was described as having a figure, and one character even called her a piglet. This was quite refreshing to me because I’ve never read of a heroines who was, should I say, voluptuous. Although the basic premise has been used many times, this story had a unique way about it. Gabriel having a twin, Callie’s brother being the protector, the heroine setting out to do things that could very well ruin her reputation, while at the same time trying her best to protect it, and the Italian sister no one knew about. I especially loved Gabriel’s nickname for Callie.
The characters are magnetizing, each with their own voice, characteristics, and flaws. And I must say, the duel was something else. Oxford was a complete mess – “But I aimed wide!” I laughed so hard. Kudos to MacLean.
I definitely recommend this book. Put the kids to bed, turn off the TV, and get ready for some fun.
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: 0 cups of coffee