I heard mixed things about this story, but I wanted to read it since it’s the beginning of her new series.
The Second Seduction of Lady by Miranda Neville
(2012, Regency Historical) 1/24/12
Grade: 3
Eleanor Hardwick and Max Quinton shared one night of incredible passion . . . that was shattered the next day, when Eleanor learned of a bet placed by Max’s friends. Now, five years later, Max still can’t get Eleanor out of his head or his heart. He has a single chance to make a second impression – one that will last forever.
This short story was a disappointment. I’m not sure if it was just too short, or if the premise was flawed from the start, but it just didn’t work for me. The characters thoughts and actions didn’t add up. The heroine is presented as someone who doesn’t want to marry, but after that initial setup, her thoughts and emotions are all about how much she would enjoy being married. The hero claims that he respects the heroine’s intelligence and independence, but he spends most of the story manipulating her. In a longer book it’s possible the author could have reconciled these contradictions (or made them a point of contention) but in this novella they just seemed confused. The only reason to read this novella is that it introduces and explains the heroine of her next book.
Some authors just don’t do well with novellas – maybe Miranda Neville is one of them. I love the cover though – there’s nothing like a period dress cover.
Karen Wheless
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